Privateness is a rising concern, particularly relating to location monitoring. Google has taken steps to boost your management over location sharing in your Android, making it easier so that you can handle who can see your whereabouts. Let’s dive into this new function that Google is rolling out and how one can put it to use successfully. (iPhone customers, observe the following pointers)
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Location Sharing on Android in settings (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The brand new Location Sharing toggle
Google has launched a brand new “Google Location Sharing” toggle that’s now built-in straight into the Android settings. This replace eliminates the necessity to navigate by Google Maps to handle your Location Sharing preferences. The brand new function is a part of the most recent updates to Google Play Companies and is designed to simplify and improve your management over location sharing.
What Location Sharing means
Earlier than you toggle this off, let’s take a second to know why you may want it on and what occurs once you flip it off.
Think about this: You’re assembly a pal in a busy metropolis, and as an alternative of sending a dozen texts backwards and forwards, they will merely see your real-time location on Google Maps. That’s the ability of location sharing. It lets you share your actual place with particular contacts, together with helpful particulars like your system’s battery degree or your estimated arrival time in the event you’re navigating.
However when location sharing is off, your actions keep personal. Nobody can observe the place you might be, and your private info is healthier shielded from potential misuse. Apps and companies lose entry to your location information, which not solely boosts your privateness however can even save battery life by slicing down on background monitoring.
So, earlier than deciding, take into consideration what matches your wants finest: staying related or staying personal.
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Supported units and software program
The function is primarily obtainable on Android smartphones, together with standard fashions from manufacturers such because the Google Pixel collection (e.g., Pixel 6, Pixel 7), Samsung Galaxy collection (e.g., Galaxy S21, Galaxy S23) and different producers that run inventory or near-stock Android variations. Sure Android tablets that help the most recent variations of the working system can also have entry to this function. The Location Sharing toggle is a part of current updates to the Android OS, particularly by Google Play Companies. It’s best to guarantee your units are working no less than Android 12 or later to entry this performance successfully.
replace the most recent software program in your system
Able to improve? Here is find out how to do it, however first again up your system information (simply in case):
Settings could differ relying in your Android cellphone’s producer.
- Go to Settings
- Click on System
- Faucet Software program updates
- Then click on System Replace
- If obtainable, faucet Obtain and set up
- Anticipate the obtain to finish and your system to restart
Steps to replace software program on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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disable Location Sharing on Android
Settings could differ relying in your Android cellphone’s producer.Â
- Open the Settings app in your cellphone
- Scroll down and click on Location
- Toggle off the place it says Use Location so it turns grey. This may disable location sharing in your Android.
Steps to disable Location Sharing on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The advantages of enhanced location management
1) Improved privateness administration
This new function not solely simplifies turning off location sharing but additionally enhances privateness administration by offering transparency about who can observe you. Now you can really feel safer understanding you could have management over your shared info, which is especially helpful in conditions the place privateness is paramount.
2) Simpler communication with trusted contacts
Location sharing could be very helpful for coordinating meetups, guaranteeing security throughout journey or just letting family members know you’ve got arrived safely. Now, we now have proven you find out how to disable location sharing, however right here’s how one can share your real-time location with trusted contacts utilizing Google Maps when Use Location is toggled on.
- Launch the Google Maps app in your Android system
- Faucet your profile image or preliminary within the prime proper nook
- Then choose Location sharing
Steps to share your real-time location utilizing Google Maps on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Faucet on Share location, or it would say New share
- Determine how lengthy you wish to share your location (choices vary from quarter-hour to “Till you flip this off”)
- Select the contacts you wish to share your location with from the checklist. In the event that they don’t seem, faucet Extra to seek out them.
- If sharing with somebody who doesn’t have a Google account, faucet Copy to clipboard and paste the hyperlink right into a textual content message or e mail.
- Faucet Share to ship your location
Steps to share your real-time location utilizing Google Maps on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Keep in mind that individuals you share your location with can at all times see:
- Your title and photograph
- Your system’s current location, even once you’re not utilizing a Google service
- Your system’s battery energy and if it is charging
- Your arrival and departure time, in the event that they add a Location Sharing notification
They could additionally see different data relying on the way you’re sharing. Study extra about Location Sharing.
Illustration of what individuals you share your location with can at all times see (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Google’s new “Google Location Sharing” toggle, now built-in into Android settings, simplifies and enhances your management over location sharing. With this function, Google is hanging a steadiness between comfort and strong privateness administration, making it a welcome enchancment for Android customers.
Have you ever ever had a state of affairs the place turning your location sharing on or off was essential? Tell us by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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