Location tracking is part of our daily lives, but we may not understand the true extent to which this data is being used. It’s utilized for ride or food delivery apps, using maps in real time to get to and from locations through traffic and even track loved one's whereabouts. The convenience and functionality of this system are so frequent that many users don’t even notice it anymore. However, aside from not being able to use certain apps, disabling location sharing has its own benefits and vulnerabilities.
Can you track a phone if the location is off?
Yes, it’s possible to track mobile phones even if location services are turned off. While you can partially disable tracking, other methods can still be used to determine your whereabouts.
One such method is geolocation, which uses various positioning technologies to pinpoint a device’s location – even without GPS. Some commonly used geolocation systems include:
Cell towers
Cell towers are physical towers that send and receive signals from smartphones or other devices via your mobile carrier. These signals enable you to make phone calls and utilize data outside of Wi-Fi spots. Your mobile carrier can triangulate your device’s location by measuring your proximity from the three nearest towers. This data plays a vital role for people in emergency situations, as it allows 911 operators access to the data to determine the location of the call.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
This network of satellites orbits space and sends signals to ground control receivers and individual user devices on Earth to determine positioning through triangulation. Triangulation is when the distance between your device, the receivers, and the satellites is used to calculate your location. Apps like navigation, e-hailing, and fast-food deliveries utilize GPS to connect your location to the service provider.
Wi-Fi networks
All smartphones have a Wi-Fi chip embedded into the device. Wi-Fi routers and open connections are constantly distributing signals for users to connect to them. When your phone receives this signal from several possible connections, your device location can be triangulated by the strengths emitted.
IP address
Without a VPN, any connection to the internet, is assigned an IP address by your internet service provider. However, it does not provide your exact location, only information about your service provider and general geographic data such as the city you’re residing in.
Stalkerware
In 2023, approximately 31,031 users were affected by stalkerware. Also, a type of spyware or malware, these programs are installed on devices with the intention to monitor or intercept activities. This includes accessing where your phone location is and similar apps or data, reading messages, and gaining access to sensitive information.
Protect Against Spyware
Defend your privacy from spyware with Kaspersky Premium. Block hidden tracking, secure your personal data, and keep your devices protected.
Try Premium for FreeDifference between GPS and geo-location
Global Positioning System (GPS) uses satellites and receivers to find your location and not external factors like cell towers. Geolocation uses third-party sources, like Wi-Fi networks, to determine the general proximity of your location.
For instance, your phone scans for nearby Wi-Fi networks. This signal sends information to a third party which houses information on where these networks are located. The database then uses your location to connect to the nearest network.
Why is data collected?
Companies make additional revenue from selling user data to advertisers, data brokers, and research firms. This is called the global location intelligence market and in 2024 was valued at $21.21 billion. Businesses use the information to analyze behavior and movements, to either sell products, research an area’s foot traffic, or to provide cold leads.
How is your data collected?
Apps and operating systems must be regularly updated to offer new features or improve on older versions. For companies to collect data, you’ll receive a notification from a new or existing app, requesting permission to access your location data. Users always have the option to deny the request.
How to keep your data safe?
Many apps require the use of your location. Ride-sharing, ordering and dating apps, and even video streaming platforms, require access to function correctly, making it difficult to turn off location sharing permanently. There are a few recommendations you can make to ensure better security for your data.
Limit permissions on apps
With any new app, you’ll be asked to share certain information for the app to function. It’s important to select only the bare minimum to ensure that your data is safe.
Turn off personalized ads
Targeted advertising utilizes your browsing history, also known as cookies, to push their products or services to you via paid media.
GPS tracking
You can disable GPS tracking, however it will prevent specific apps from functioning correctly, such as Maps. If an app requires tracking, many smartphones have a feature ‘only while using the app’ which activates the GPS when it’s in use.
Get protective software
Protect your mobile device with legitimate security software that can identify malicious software, regularly check for spyware, and enhance overall protection.
Avoid open public Wi-Fi
Open networks make users easy targets. Hackers can intercept your device signal with the router, without you even knowing. This gives them access to everything that’s saved on your phone and even monitors your activity for passcodes or access to sensitive information.
Use a VPN
A secure virtual private network (VPN) re-routes your internet connection, making it impossible for hackers to intercept and allowing you complete safety when working online.
Be vigilant with services you sign up for
It’s important to remember that while a user can implement all the necessary precautions, businesses that house your data are also susceptible to breaches, which are not in your control.
How can you see if someone is checking your location?
Hackers can install malware or spyware on your phone which, to an untrained eye, is difficult to find. However, there are some key points to look for on your mobile device which can determine whether your phone has been compromised:
- Battery drains faster than usual - if tracking apps are constantly running in the background without your knowledge, your charge depletes faster.
- Default browser changes - depending on the malicious software, some can modify your settings to further infiltrate your data.
- Unknown apps auto-open - some software triggers other apps to open automatically or refresh in the background.
Always check the settings on your phone to verify exactly which apps use your location, refresh in the background, and have notification permissions.
Knowledge is key
Living a life completely offline is not for everyone. On the other hand, while the thought of your every movement being tracked is unsettling, knowing how to keep your data as safe as possible is the first step against privacy breaches. Ensure to continuously research every company that you intend to give your data to, to verify their reasoning for the information and whether location tracking and other information is necessary.
FAQs about location sharing
Can you track a phone in airplane mode?
Airplane mode is a built-in feature that disables wireless and cell signal abilities on smartphones. With it on, your phone is unable to connect to networks and towers, meaning that any location-sharing apps are functional. However, if you haven’t changed the system settings yourself, your phone’s GPS will still function.
Can you track a phone using a SIM card location?
Yes. You can track a SIM card using the unique IMEI number, but this instance is mainly reserved for law enforcement agencies. There are third-party applications that offer SIM card tracking services, but it’s important to obtain consent from both parties and research legitimate software before pursuing them.
How can you see if someone is tracking your location?
If someone has installed Spyware or Malware, your phone’s data or battery may start draining faster, the actual device may start to feel warm for no reason, or you might find apps you don’t recognize on your home screen.
How to track a phone if its location is off?
There are a few ways to track a disabled phone. If your location sharing is off, your GPS should still be on, provided you haven’t disabled it yourself. You can also utilize third-party apps like Google Maps, by adding consenting people that you want to track to the location sharing feature, as well as adding yourself to theirs. In the event of an emergency, law enforcement can call upon your network provider to disclose the last location of your device.
Can my location be tracked?
Yes, both Android devices and iPhones can be tracked – even without service. Whether it’s via third party apps, malware, spyware, GPS, or your SIM card, your location can be tracked. By remaining vigilant on your updates and keeping your app permissions to a minimum you can reduce the threat of your data being stolen.
Related Articles and Links:
Related Products and Services:
