How to Restrict an App’s Location Access in iOS 13

Apple has doubled down on its privacy features in iOS 13, giving iPhone and iPad users a more granular view of how apps access their location information.

On Apple devices, the location services that apps can tap into use GPS, Bluetooth, and crowd-sourced Wi-Fi hotspot and cellular mast locations to determine your approximate location. The good news is that iOS 13 makes you more aware of how often apps are tracking you, as well as their motivation for doing so, and importantly it makes sure you’re in control of your data.

If an app grabs your location data, iOS may display a popup notification showing you a map with the data that the app has tracked, as well as the specific reason why the app is tracking you, along with the question “Do you want to continue allowing this?”

Armed with this information, you’ll usually be given three options: Allow While Using App, Allow Once, and Don’t Allow. The first option limits the app’s access to your location data to when the app is actively being used, the second allows it to track your location just this once, while the third disables location tracking completely.


You can expect to see the “Just Once” option appear when you first launch a just-installed app. Otherwise, you can check out how apps on your device are using location services anytime you like by opening the Settings app and tapping through to Privacy -> Location Services.


From here, you can change each app’s permissions (Never / Ask Next Time /While Using the App / Always) and you’ll also learn the reason why an app wants to access your location, allowing you to enable or disable location services on an ad-hoc basis.

The options you choose will depend on the app in question – some apps may have just cause to track your whereabouts in the background, while others may not. The point is Apple wants you to be in control of this behavior, so you can expect similar periodic notifications about what an app is up to with your location information.

Related Roundups: iOS 13, iPadOSTag: privacy
This article, “How to Restrict an App’s Location Access in iOS 13” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumors-All?d=6W8y8wAjSf4 MacRumors-All?d=qj6IDK7rITs

Related posts

Latest posts

Dell Tech Days: Big Savings on AI-Ready PCs and More

Dell / Dell Good news if you’ve been waiting for the right time to , Dell Tech Days is offering deals that make waiting worth it. on top PCs, monitors, and accessories, plus 2x Dell Rewards. Pull the trigger and get yourself an AI-ready machine and score big on premium hardware. Savings on Products Recommended […]

I tried roaming on Google Fi and T-Mobile, this is the best

If you travel abroad frequently, you’ve probably wondered how to cut back on bill shock. We’ve all been there: you have a great vacation, get back home, and your next postpaid bill drops. Except, it’s much higher than you expected thanks to roaming charges for using your phone abroad. Most networks offer some form of […]

Updated macOS malware variant uncovered by Microsoft

Microsoft has observed a once formant macOS malware that has now began targeting Apple’s Xcode platform in a new, more enhanced variant.

Research suggests cutting down screen time can work better than antidepressants

With access to internet cut off, screen time came crashing down, leading to better mental health, improved sleep, and positive behavioral changes in users.

Google makes it harder to accidentally call 911 with your Pixel Watch

A new feature will help reduce the number of accidental 911 calls from Pixel Watches, and it's rolling out to Pixel Watch users now.

Google’s new policy tracks all your devices with no opt-out

Google has implemented the same strategy they once called wrong and subverts user choice. The tracking has begun and it's happening without your permission.

Amazon is replacing its TikTok-like Inspire with Rufus the AI bot

Amazon shut down Inspire and will be replacing it with AI shopping assistant, Rufus.

This Lenovo ThinkPad is normally $3,229 — today it’s $1,453

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 provides reliable performance from a portable body. The laptop is on sale from Lenovo at 55% off, or savings of $1,776.

Meta’s new ‘Llamacon’ event is all about open-source AI

Meta Connect returns in September but will be preceded by the new Llamacon AI conference in April.

Chase’s latest move will help cut fraud, but Zelle users may not like it

Chase Bank will be blocking Zelle payments to sellers on social media platforms and messaging apps starting March 23.