Users of iPhone and iOS devices were first made aware of the “Precise location” setting in 2020’s yearly iOS 14 operating system update from Apple.
It provides users with the ability to offer some apps a more precise location or exact location.
In this article, we will explain
- what does precise location mean on iPhone
- how to turn on/ off precise location on iPhone
- What happen when you turn on/ off precise location on iPhone
What Does Precise Location Mean On IPhone?
Precise location on iPhone is system level setting that allow apps to use your exact location.
Apple rolled out precise location feature in year 2020, with iOS 14.
If you have enabled Precise location for particular app then that app will know exact location of your device.
Social media apps like Instagram, Facebook etc. uses precise location for geo tags and maps feature.
Instagram said, “We don’t share your location with other people. We use location for things like determining a location tag if you add one to a post or story, but we don’t make your exact location public. If you do want to change your location settings, check out your general device settings.“
Similarly, When you check-in anywhere on Facebook, it also uses geotagging.
To provide more precise location information, geotagging includes longitude and latitude mapping points.
When You Should Enable The Precise Location On IPhone?
You should enable precise location when you are using Google Maps, Apple Maps or any ride sharing app.
because these apps required your exact location for step by instruction and to reach to a specific location.
Or on ride-sharing applications, which may locate you and show you the cars that are nearby that are available.
Or you wish to locate a restaurant nearby where Precise Location feature will be useful.
Precise location usefulness on social media apps like Instagram, Facebook etc. depends on how you use the particular app and what features you are using of the app.
Like If you prefer to check into certain places (restaurants, clubs, hotels), Instagram or Facebook will have a more focused understanding of where you are and will suggest areas that are more relevant for you to tag in your posts.
How To Turn On Precise Location On IPhone?
Steps to Turn On Precise Location On iPhone:
Step 1: Open IPhone Settings
First open your iPhone settings app to enable the precise location.
Step 2: Tap On Privacy
After opening the Settings app then scroll down and tap on Privacy.
Step 3: Tap On Location Services
After tapping on Privacy, you find all Privacy options like Location Services or Tracking.
Tap on Location Services button.
Step 4: Go To App For You Want To Enable Precise Location
After tapping on Location Services, you will find all apps who using location services.
Go to app for which you want to enable Precise location.
Below screenshot for Instagram app.
Step 5: Turn ON Precise Location
After going to particular app like Instagram, if you will below options
- Never: Your location won’t be shared at all with the third-party app
- Ask Next Time Or When I Share: The app will ask you if you want to share your location and you explicity opt-in for that single time.
- While Using the App: Your location will be shared every time you open the app
- Always: Your location will updated always in background either using app or not
When you tap on either Ask Next Time Or When I Share or While Using the App or Always – Precise Location will be enabled automatically.
What Happens When You Turn On Precise Location On IPhone?
When you turn on precise location on iPhone for a particular app that app having access to your exact location of your device.
Apps that would logically need location information to operate effectively and provide the best service include: Maps and finding/tracking applications.
How To Turn OFF Precise Location On IPhone?
Steps to Turn OFF Precise Location On iPhone:
Step 1: Open IPhone Settings
First open your iPhone settings app to disable the precise location.
Step 2: Tap On Privacy
After opening the Settings app then scroll down and tap on Privacy.
Step 3: Tap On Location Services
After tapping on Privacy, you find all Privacy options like Location Services or Tracking.
Tap on Location Services button.
Step 4: Go To App For You Want To Disable Precise Location
After tapping on Location Services, you will find all apps who using location services.
Go to app for which you want to disable Precise location.
Below screenshot for Instagram app.
Step 5: Turn OFF Precise Location
After going to particular app like Instagram, if you will below options
- Never: Your location won’t be shared at all with the third-party app
- Ask Next Time Or When I Share: The app will ask you if you want to share your location and you explicity opt-in for that single time.
- While Using the App: Your location will be shared every time you open the app
- Always: Your location will updated always in background either using app or not
When you tap on either Ask Next Time Or When I Share or While Using the App or Always – Precise Location will be enabled automatically.
Now, Toggle OFF the precision location to turn off precise location or select Never which by default turn off your location.
What Happens When You Turn OFF Precise Location On IPhone?
When you turn off precise location on iPhone for a particular app that app having access to your approximate location of your device if you allowing to use your location.
Or Select Never to disable your location access to the app.
How Accurate Is Precise Location On IPhone?
Precise location on iPhone depends on versus parameters like GPS, Wi-Fi, Cell Tower etc.
According to Apple, GPS accuracy depends on the number of visible GPS satellites.
Locating all visible satellites can take several minutes, with accuracy gradually increasing over time.
- GPS: Maps uses satellites to know your location up to around 20 meters. When you’re inside buildings or underground, the GPS is sometimes inaccurate.
- Wi-Fi: The location of nearby Wi-Fi networks helps Maps know where you are.
- Cell tower: Your connection to mobile data can be accurate up to a few thousand meters.
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