How to Stop Your Android Phone From Tracking You

If you’re carrying an Android phone, it’s tracking you. Whether it’s Google Maps logging your location history, apps collecting data in the background, or your phone pinging nearby networks — tracking is baked in. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept it.

Here’s how to stop your Android phone from tracking you. It won’t make you invisible, but it will cut the noise.

1. Turn Off Location History

Google keeps tabs on where you go. They say it’s to “personalize your experience.” If that doesn’t sit right with you:

• Go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account
• Tap Data & privacy
• Under “History settings”, select Location History and turn it off

While you’re at it, consider clearing your old location history.

2. Disable ‘Web & App Activity’

Google uses this setting to log what you do in apps and on the web — including your location, even when you’re not using Maps.

• From the same Data & privacy tab
• Tap Web & App Activity
• Toggle it off

This stops Google from logging your activity across apps, Chrome, and even some third-party apps.

3. Restrict App Permissions

Some apps constantly request your location in the background. You don’t need your weather app knowing where you are 24/7.

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager
• Tap Location
• For each app, choose “Allow only while using the app” or “Don’t allow”

You can do this for other sensitive permissions like camera, microphone, and contacts too.

4. Turn Off Location Services Entirely

Need a break from all tracking? Flip the kill switch.

• Go to Settings > Location
• Toggle Use location to off

Just keep in mind: this will affect Maps, rideshare apps, and anything else that relies on GPS.

5. Use Airplane Mode When Possible

Want to truly go dark for a bit? Airplane mode stops your phone from communicating with towers, Wi-Fi networks, and Bluetooth devices.

• Swipe down your quick settings menu
• Tap Airplane Mode

Perfect for when you’re off the grid or just want peace of mind.

6. Opt Out of Ad Personalization

Your phone builds a profile on you to show targeted ads. Here’s how to opt out:

• Go to Settings > Google > Ads
• Turn on Opt out of Ads Personalization

It won’t stop all ads, but it reduces the amount of personal data being used to tailor them.

7. Stop Google Assistant from Listening

Your phone might be listening for “Hey Google” at all times.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Assistant
• Tap Hey Google & Voice Match
• Disable Hey Google

Also, check microphone permissions for the Google app.

Final Thought

Android is built to gather data — but you’re not powerless. With the right settings, you can put a leash on tracking and take back some control. No app, phone, or platform should know more about your life than you do.

Want help locking things down further? A good privacy-focused launcher, a VPN, or using open-source alternatives (like F-Droid) can take things even further. But the steps above are the core. Start there.