How to Track Location on Google Maps and Stop Tracking

Penny Warren Published on March 27, 2026GPS Location3-min reading

Today, privacy concerns remain a hot topic. Although brands and marketers distribute personalized ads based on location information, we don’t want to be tracked or have our data pilfered and analyzed. Does Google track our location? Yes. Google might map our every movement, track times and places, and draw inferences. This article intends to discuss the effective methods to stop Google from tracking our locations on an iPhone and Android device.

In this article:

Part 1: How Does Google Track Your Location
Part 2: How to Disable Google Location Tracking in Google Maps
Part 3: How to Stop Google Location Tracking in Chrome
Part 4: How to Disable Google Location Tracking Online
Part 5: How to Fake Location Without Disabling Google Location Tracker

Part 1: How Does Google Track Your Location

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. According to Google, location information plays an important role in that mission. From driving directions to the restaurant you frequently visit, location information can make your experiences across Google more relevant.

Google not only uses location information to offer a smooth experience, but also shows relevant ads. The key methods Google tracks your location include:

1. Wi-Fi positioning and database.

2. Cell tower triangulation.

3. IP address.

4. Saved activity.

5. Search data.

6. Sensor data.

7. GPS.

8. Real-time signals.

Part 2: How to Disable Google Location Tracking in Google Maps

Obviously, Google tracks location through various services, but Google Maps plays a key role. You can disable Google Maps location tracking if you adjust the settings. Here are the methods to prevent Google Maps from tracking your locations:

Method 1: Turn off Location History

Step 1

Open the Google Maps app on your device.

Step 2

Tap on your profile and choose Your Timeline.

Step 3

Tap the More button with a three-dot icon and choose Settings and privacy.

Step 4

Hit the Location History option and tap Turn off.

Step 5

When prompted, choose Turn off or Turn off and delete activity.

Step 6

Tap Get it to confirm your action. Then, Google Maps won’t track your locations and routes.

Step 7

Optionally, tap Delete all Location History on the Settings and privacy screen.

Step 8

Check I understand and want to delete, and tap Delete.

Note

You can also tap Automatically delete Location History to continuously delete location history.

Method 2: Disable Timeline

Step 1

Tap on your profile in Google Maps.

Step 2

Choose Your Timeline.

Step 3

Tap the More button with a three-dot icon.

Step 4

Choose Location & privacy settings or Settings and privacy.

Step 5

Tap Timeline and turn it off to disable Google location tracking.

Step 6

Next, tap Delete all Timeline data or Auto-delete Timeline.

Method 3: Manage Location Settings

On iPhone

Step 1

Open the Settings app.

Step 2

Go to Privacy & Security and choose Location Services.

Step 3

Choose Google Maps from the list and pick While Using the App.

Step 4

Toggle off Precise Location.

On Android

Step 1

Run the Settings app.

Step 2

Choose Location and tap App permissions.

Step 3

Pick Google Maps or Maps, and select Allow only while using the app.

Step 4

Toggle off Use precise location.

Part 3: How to Stop Google Location Tracking in Chrome

In addition to Google Maps, Google location tracker is also available on Google. To completely stop Google from monitoring your location, you also need to configure your browser properly. Here are the methods:

Method 1: Stop Google Activity Tracking

Step 1

Click your profile picture in Chrome.

Step 2

Choose Manage your Google Account.

Step 3

Click Data & Privacy on the left menu bar.

Step 4

Scroll down and choose Web & App Activity.

Step 5

Click the Turn off button.

Step 6

Next, turn on Auto-delete.

Extended Reading:

Method 2: Disable Personalized Ads

Step 1

Locate the Data & privacy page in your browser.

Step 2

Tap My Ad Center under the Personalized ads section.

Step 3

Choose turn off from the Personalized ads option.

Part 4: How to Disable Google Location Tracking Online

If you are using Google and Google Maps on multiple devices, you can disable Google location tracking on the My Activity web page. You can refuse to allow Google to monitor your geolocation information across devices.

Step 1

Go to https://myactivity.google.com/ in a browser.

Step 2

Click or tap Log in and input your Google account and password.

Step 3

Click Web & App Activity and choose Turn off or Turn off and delete activity.

Step 4

Next, choose Timeline on the My Activity page.

Step 5

Choose Turn off or Turn off and delete activity.

Step 6

Click Got it.

Part 5: How to Fake Location Without Disabling Google Location Tracker

If you hope to stop Google from tracking your location without a complicated setup, iLocaGo can meet your needs. It can hide your geolocation while using Google Maps on your iPhone or Android device.

imyPass iLocaGo

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Fake your geolocation for Google and Google Maps.

Use an accurate address or any point on the map.

Set traffic, speed, and other options.

Work for almost all iPhones and Android phones.

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How to Fake Google Location with One Click

Step 1

Detect your device
Launch the location spoofing software after installing it on your computer. It is available on Windows and macOS. Connect your iPhone or Android device to your computer with a compatible cable.

Step 2

Choose Modify Location
Choose the Modify Location option. If you wish to make virtual routes, pick One-stop Mode, Multi-stop Mode, or Joystick Mode.

Step 3

Fake Google location
Next, type in an address into the field or click the right position on the map. Finally, click on the Modify button to confirm it. Now, open the Google or Google Maps app on your mobile device, and it won’t track your real location.

Conclusion

This article discussed how Google Location Tracker works. More importantly, you can learn how to stop Google from monitoring and collecting your location information in Google Maps and Google. You can follow our methods to protect your location information. If the configuration is complex, try iLocaGo as an alternative solution. It can hide your real location when accessing Google or Google Maps.

Penny Warren

Penny is a senior editor from imyPass. She has focused on discovering perfect GPS location solutions in all scenarios, and also has experience in fixing computers.