Turn location data collection on or off

Tip: This article applies to iPhones and iPads.

When you turn on location data collection, Google's location service sometimes sends anonymous location information to Google. The location data may be temporarily stored on your iPhone or iPad.

Location info helps Google provide better services, like showing more accurate traffic conditions.

Turn on location data collection

To turn on anonymous location collection, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap your profile picture or initial   Settings.
3. Select About, terms & privacy.
4. Select Location data collection.
5. Slide the switch to ON.

Turn off location data collection

To turn off anonymous location collection, follow the steps below.

1. Open the Google Maps app .
2. Tap your profile picture or initial   Settings.
3. Select About, terms & privacy.
4. Select Location data collection.
5. Slide the switch to OFF.

The location data collection setting applies only to location data collected by Google's location service. It doesn't control other location services in Google Maps for iPhone or iPad, including My Location. If you want to change other location services, go to your device's Location Services setting.

Tip: Location reporting and location history are different from location data collection. Location reporting lets Google periodically store and use your device's most recent location data connected with your Google Account. Location history lets Google store a history of your location data from all devices where you are signed in to your Google Account and have turned on location reporting. Learn how to turn location reporting & history on and off.