Today we carry our mobile phones glued to our hands and assume that if we turn off the GPS, Nobody can know where we are.But the reality is much more inconvenient: there are apps that continue to calculate your position even if you have blocked location services, activated a VPN, or even put your phone in airplane mode with only WiFi on.
If you've ever had the feeling that your phone "reads your mind" and anticipates your every move, you're not exaggerating. Behind it all, there's usually a cocktail of Permissions, sensors, and network connections that many apps exploit to track your location without real authorizationYou could share it with third parties or even sell it to data brokers. Let's break it down carefully and, above all, see how to protect yourself.
How can they locate you even if you turn off GPS?
Turning off GPS is a basic step, but not enough: nowadays your phone can calculate your position from multiple signals that we do not consider “location" At first glance. That's precisely where many applications slip through the net.
One of the most common techniques is based on the Nearby WiFi networksEven if you don't connect to them, your phone scans for nearby routers and cross-references their identifiers with massive databases managed by companies like Google and Apple. Each router is geolocated, so by simply knowing which access points are nearby, the system can pinpoint your location with considerable accuracy.
Also comes into play IP address from which you connect. It's not enough to pinpoint the exact building, but it does help locate you in a specific area or city. And if you add to that information like the accelerometer, compass, battery level, screen brightness, or the mobile network you're connected to, the apps can infer very precise patterns from your routines: whether you are at home, at work, traveling by car or on foot, etc.
The worrying thing is that all of this can happen even if you've said "no" to location services. Often, when installing an app, we happily grant permissions like internet access, storage, sensors, or device status, without considering that, combined, they create a very comprehensive map of our daily lives.
Categories of particularly problematic apps
Not all apps behave the same way. Some absolutely need to know your location to function, while others use this information as... currency to do business with your profile, without any real need for the service they offer.
Among the most controversial are the weather applicationsThey need your location to show you the forecast, but many integrate third-party SDKs that They collect and resell location data in the backgroundeven when you're not checking the forecast.
The free or freemium mobile games They are another clear focus. Titles where location is part of the mechanics, like Pokémon Go, track your movements by design, but even games that don't need to (like puzzles, cards, or popular jigsaw puzzles) can request location permissions and use them to feed highly aggressive advertising networks.
The Coupon, discount and loyalty apps They usually rely on knowing where you go to show you offers "near you". The problem arises when they accumulate your travel history to build behavioral profiles and sell mobility patterns to data brokers or advertisers.
For years, the classics have also been highlighted flashlight applications and minimal utilities who requested absurd permissions (contacts, microphone, location). Although their popularity has declined, they remain a perfect example of how Some simple tools hide a data business behind them.
In the field of social networks and dating apps (Instagram, Tinder, Bumble, and similar platforms) the use of location data is even more sensitive. These platforms can combine GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and internal sensors to design hyper-precise profiles And, in some cases, it can calculate your exact position even when it only shows "X kilometers away." Recent research has shown that if the app handles precise distances, it's possible Triangulate your actual location by artificially moving the point from which the query is made.
Finally, there are the health, sports and wellness appsThey record steps, training routes, departure and arrival times, and all of this becomes a complete map of your daily routinesSome services have been criticized for selling this data in opaque markets, creating sensitive profiles (for example, hospitals visited or places of worship frequented).
Signs that an app might be tracking your location for no reason
Part of the problem is that this tracking isn't always visible to the naked eye. However, your own phone gives clues when something doesn't add up and an app is using more data than it should. monitor where you are or what you do.
A first sign is the completely disproportionate permit requestsIf a simple game or notes app asks for continuous access to your location, contacts, microphone, and storage, you should raise a red flag. Many apps request the maximum number of permissions "just in case" or to increase their monetization potential with your data.
It is also very revealing that the The battery drains much faster. This is more than normal even though you haven't changed how you use your phone. Constant background tracking, sending data to remote servers, and intensive use of sensors cause noticeable extra energy consumption, which you can check in the system's battery usage section.
Another classic: the Location icon activated for no apparent reasonIf the symbol lights up in the status bar when you're not using maps, transportation apps, or anything that clearly requires it, there's probably an app requesting your location in the background. In that case, you should check which app is listed as active in your location settings.
Also, a unexpected increase in mobile data consumption This may indicate that one or more apps are sending information in the background. The app data usage history (available on Android and iOS) lets you detect which app is consuming more data than you should without your knowledge.
How to see which apps are using your location on Android
Android has improved permission control with each version, and today it's relatively easy to check Which apps have access to your location and how they use itHowever, you have to dedicate five minutes to it and not accept everything blindly.
In recent versions (Android 12 and later), you can go to Settings and enter the section of LocationFrom there, you'll see a section called something like "App Permissions," which displays the complete list of apps with location access. Tapping on each one will allow you to choose from options such as “Allow only while using the app”, “Always ask” or “Do not allow”.
Many models also include a panel recent location activityThere, the system shows which apps have accessed your location in the last few hours, which is very useful for detecting apps that shouldn't need to know where you are but appear as active with suspicious frequency.
In addition to the location panel, Android incorporates the so-called Privacy DashboardFrom there, you can see in one place which apps have recently accessed sensitive permissions like camera, microphone, and location. It's a kind of "gossip history" that lets you detect anomalous or inappropriate uses.
How to check location permissions on iPhone
On iOS, you also have fairly fine control over which apps can locate you and how accurately. Even so, it's a good idea to check periodically and to cut down the excess permits that have accumulated over time.
On your iPhone, go to Settings, tap on "Privacy & Security" and then in “Location”. You’ll see the list of apps that have requested access to your location, along with the type of permission granted: “Never”, “Ask next time”, “When using the app” or “Always”. In most cases, it is recommended to leave it on “When using the app” and avoid permanent access except for services where it is strictly necessary.
A very key setting in iOS is the option to “Precise” locationIf you disable location sharing for a specific app, the system only shares an approximate location, which is sufficient for many functions (for example, showing you nearby businesses) without revealing your exact position. Reducing this accuracy makes it much harder for someone to... Triangulate your exact address through techniques such as those demonstrated at security conferences.
Prevent tracking via WiFi and other system services
Even with GPS turned off, the phone can still use WiFi and other system services to calculate where you are with reasonable accuracyFortunately, both Android and iOS allow you to limit some of that behavior.
On many Android phones, when you go to Settings > Location you will see a section for location services or “Advanced settings.” There you’ll usually find an option like “WiFi Scan” or “WiFi Search,” which allows your device to scan for nearby networks even if Wi-Fi is turned off. If you’re concerned about privacy, this is a good idea. disable this background scanningeven knowing that some location services may lose some accuracy.
On iOS, the control is located in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System servicesInside you'll see features like "Wi-Fi Networks" or analytics options, frequent routes, etc. Disabling "Wi-Fi Networks" reduces the phone's ability to use nearby wireless infrastructure as a geographical referencewhich implies less accuracy but also less exposure.
VPN, IP and the false sense of anonymity
A VPN is a very useful tool, but it's important to be clear about what it can and can't do. When you connect through a virtual private network, Your real IP address remains hidden. compared to the websites and services you access, making it difficult to locate you using network data.
However, a VPN doesn't prevent an app installed on your phone from using GPS, Wi-Fi, or sensors to locate you. If you've granted it location permission, He will still know exactly where you are. even if your IP address appears to be in another country. At best, a VPN limits the sale of IP-based data, but it doesn't block other avenues.
If you want to add this layer of protection, ideally you should choose one trusted vpn (Paid services with a good reputation and a clear no-activity logging policy) and install their official app from Google Play or the App Store. Once set up, you can activate it from the app itself or from the Settings > VPN menu to connect automatically.
Spy apps and abusive location tracking
Beyond advertising and analytics, there is a particularly serious scenario: that of the spyware apps installed without your consent to monitor your movements, conversations, and social media activity. This type of software is often used in contexts of gender-based violence, harassment, or coercive control by partners, family members, or even employers.
These apps can hide behind generic names with labels like “System”, “Location Services”, or “System Update”, running in the background and continuously sending your GPS location, messages, or call log to a remote panel. Technically, they are even capable of activate microphone or camera without being noticed.
These apps can hide behind generic names like “System”, “Location Services” or “System Update”, run in the background and continuously send your GPS locationyour messages or call log to a remote panel. Technically, they are even capable of activate microphone or camera without being noticed.
Signs that might make you suspicious include the Constant overheating of the deviceunusual battery and data usage, the appearance of apps you don't remember installing, strange noises during calls, or that another person seems always know where you are or who you're talking to without having shared it.
In these cases, if there is a context of potential violence or control, it is crucial to act with caution: do not uninstall anything abruptly or directly confront the suspected person. The wisest course of action is preserve the evidence (for an expert report or a complaint), use a secure alternative phone number to ask for help and seek professional legal and psychological support.
How to detect and remove spyware apps on Android?
If you suspect that your Android phone may be compromised by a spyware app, you can perform a basic check yourself before resorting to professional help specializing in cybersecurity or forensic analysis.
The first step is to calmly review the installed applicationsGo to Settings > Apps and look at the full list, including system apps if the menu allows it. Look for unfamiliar names, apps with generic icons, or those that seem to duplicate functions. Anything you don't remember downloading is worth a quick internet search to find out what it is.
Next, it is advisable to examine the permissions of each appIn the permissions or "Permissions Management" section, check who has access to your location, microphone, camera, and storage. Spy apps often request the entire suite of sensitive permissions to fully monitor you.
It is also recommended to use a trusted anti-malware tool (from reputable providers) and perform a full device scan. While there is no foolproof solution, these security apps are capable of detecting much of the common spyware and other hidden malicious components.
If you detect something suspicious, ideally you should first back up your important data and, if possible, consult a professional Before deleting anything, especially if you intend to file a complaint, a forensic computer expert can extract and document the technical evidence in a legally valid manner.
What does the law say about geolocation and digital espionage?
From a legal standpoint, the use of location data is heavily regulated in Europe. Data protection regulations and the Electronic Communications Privacy Directive require that any processing of geolocation data has prior, specific and informed consent from the user, unless access is strictly necessary to provide a service that the user has expressly requested.
For developers, this means that geolocation features must come disabled by default; that the user must be properly informed of what their data will be used for, for how long, with whom it will be shared and how they can withdraw their consent or exercise their rights of access, rectification and deletion.
Furthermore, those responsible for data processing must limit data retention The time required to provide the service and to delete both the raw coordinates and the profiles built from them when they are no longer needed. In theory, paying for an application shouldn't give it carte blanche to exploit your personal information for other purposes.
Installing spyware on someone else's device without their consent is an even more serious scenario. In many countries, including Spain, it is considered a crime of discovery and disclosure of secretswith prison sentences outlined in the Penal Code. Recent case law strengthens the protection of digital privacy and considers it illegal to access other people's devices without permission or to covertly monitor their content and location.
Practical steps to regain control of your location
Beyond the technical and legal aspects, there are a number of habits and adjustments you can implement right now to drastically reduce the tracking of your location in everyday life without giving up the useful functions of the mobile phone.
The first step is to adopt a policy of least privilege in permissionsGrant each app only what it needs to function and nothing more. If an app can work with approximate location, there's no need to give it precise access; if it only makes sense for it to use location while you're using it, avoid granting persistent permission.
Another habit that helps a lot is periodically check battery and data usageOccasionally, check these settings sections and see which apps are featured prominently in the lists. If you find a seemingly harmless tool hogging resources in the background, it might be time to restrict or uninstall it.
It is also very effective clean your phone of apps you no longer useIf an app hasn't been opened for months, chances are you don't need it, and that's one less avenue for potential tracking. You can always reinstall it in the future if you really miss it.
In high-exposure environments or for users who are particularly concerned about privacy, there are even hardened operating systemsSome security-focused Android variants, for example, severely restrict access to system data and offer more granular permission controls. These aren't solutions for everyone, but they are an option for technical or highly sensitive users.
Ultimately, it's about accepting that your phone is a reflection of your daily life and that any permission granted carelessly can become an open window into your movements. Maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism, occasionally checking which apps you have installed and what they know about you, using location services wisely, and adhering to good digital security practices will allow you to... Enjoy technology without giving away your privacy or location to those who shouldn't have it.. Share the information and help other users learn about the topic.