Understanding device location services
When you turn on device location on your phone, your apps can give you info based on your location, like commute predictions, nearby restaurants, and better local search results.
Settings and features vary by device and Android version. The steps might be different on your phone.
Location Accuracy
When you have Google Location Accuracy turned on, your phone uses these sources to get the most accurate location:
- GPS
- Wi-Fi
- Mobile networks
- Sensors
To get a more accurate location for your phone, learn how to turn on Location Accuracy.
Location History
With Location History, you may see a number of benefits across Google products and services, including personalized maps, recommendations based on places you’ve visited, help finding your phone, and real-time traffic updates about your commute.
To see and manage the places your phone has been, learn how to turn on Location History.
Location Sharing
You can choose who can find your location and for what length of time with Google Location sharing.
To let others see where your phone is, learn how to share your real-time location via Google Maps.
Emergency Location Service (ELS)
Your phone uses ELS only when you call or text an emergency number.
During your emergency call, ELS may use Google Location Services and other information to obtain the most accurate location possible for the device.
Your phone sends the location to authorized emergency partners for the purpose of helping emergency services locate you. Your location is sent directly from your phone to emergency partners, not through Google.
After a completed emergency call or text during which ELS was active, your phone sends usage and analytics data to Google for the purpose of analyzing how well ELS is working. This information doesn't identify you and Google doesn't use it to identify you.
Related lessons
Turn on device location
By turning on device location, you can get location-based services and info on your Android.
Begin lessonChoose which apps use your location
You can let apps use your phone’s location to take actions for you or give you information. For example, apps can use your phone's location to see commute traffic or find nearby restaurants.
Begin lessonChange your app permissions
Apps need access to your data to provide you with functionality and features. When an app asks for permission to access this data, you can allow or deny it. You can always change app permissions that you granted in app settings.
Begin lessonSee your Google Account settings
You're in control of what you share with Google through your mobile device. You can see your Google Account settings right from your phone.
Begin lessonManage your Google Account
In your phone's settings, you can change security and privacy settings for your device and for your account.
Begin lesson