Does turning off location save battery?

Yes. GPS and continuous position tracking use noticeable battery, so disabling Use location reduces background power draw, especially for apps that check your position frequently.

Is the quick settings toggle the same as the one in the menu?

Yes, both control the same system-wide location service. The quick settings tile is just a faster shortcut to the option found under Tap on Settings ➔ Tap on Location.

Why is my location still inaccurate with GPS turned on?

Accuracy depends on more than GPS alone. Weak Wi-Fi signal, no mobile network coverage, or being indoors can all reduce the precision Android calculates, even when Use location is enabled.

Can I allow location for navigation apps only?

Yes. Leave the system toggle on and manage access per app instead, since each app has its own permission setting that overrides the general availability controlled by the system-wide location switch.

Android

Android: Turn Location Access (GPS) On or Off

When maps, weather or delivery apps cannot find your position, Location access is usually switched off or restricted for that app. Android uses GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile network data to calculate your position, and this whole service can be disabled with a single toggle. A quick check in the settings shows whether the problem sits at the system level or inside the app itself.

Updated: 04.08.20263 min3 steps

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Android

Turn Location (GPS) On or Off auf Android

If an app suddenly stops showing your position, the system-wide Location toggle is the first thing to check. Android combines GPS satellites, Wi-Fi networks, mobile network data and device sensors to estimate your position, and all of this runs through one central switch.

To find it, go to Tap on Settings ➔ Tap on Location ➔ Enable or disable Use location. Turning this off stops every app from accessing your position, not just the one you are currently using.

This differs from per-app location permissions, which control access for individual apps only. If the system-wide toggle is on but one app still cannot find you, check that app's own permission settings instead.

The same toggle is also reachable from the quick settings panel, which is faster for occasional use. Use the full settings menu when you want to check related options like location accuracy or recent app requests at the same time.

Keep in mind that disabling location saves battery but breaks features like navigation, weather updates for your area and location-based reminders until you turn it back on.

Frequently asked questions

Some apps keep prompting because they request the permission on every launch. Check the app's own permission entry, since the system toggle at Tap on Settings ➔ Tap on Location only controls whether location data is available at all, not whether an app is allowed to ask for it.

Network & Connectivity

Android: Turn Location Access (GPS) On or Off

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Turn Location (GPS) On or Off auf Android

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