[Answered] Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location on iOS & Android?

Airplane mode is a great feature on your smartphone that disables cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even NFC so as to prevent interference in flying aircraft systems. Many people wonder, does airplane mode turn off location? The answer is no GPS and location services continue to work independently. This means apps, websites, and games can still access your location even when airplane mode is on.

In this guide, we explain how airplane mode affects location tracking on iOS and Android devices and share simple tips and tricks to fully stop GPS tracking when privacy is needed.

Part 1: Does Airplane Mode Turn Off Location Tracking or Sharing

Airplane mode is designed to stop your phone from sending or receiving signals such as phone calls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Many users then wonder whether it is also capable of stopping the location tracing or sharing. Here is what you need to know:

• Airplane mode turns off location sharing: Some apps may still show your last known location or use offline GPS data. Real-time updates may pause, but sharing is not fully disabled.
• Airplane mode turns off location tracking: It only blocks apps that want an internet or wireless connection to update your location in real-time. GPS itself still works, so your device can technically know your position.

Part 2: 3 Options to Completely Turn Off Location Tracking or Sharing

Turning off location tracking goes beyond simply enabling airplane mode. To eliminate location tracking completely, you would need to do a little more than just switching to airplane mode.

• Option 1: Turn Off Location Services on iOS & Android
• Option 2: Disable GPS Entirely (Differences from Airplane Mode)
• Option 3: Use FonesGo Location Changer to Hide Real Location

Option 1: Turn Off Location Services on iOS & Android

Disabling Location Services stops apps and system features from accessing your GPS in real time. This method is more effective than using airplane mode turn off location iPhone, which only limits connectivity and doesn’t block GPS.

For iPhone:

1. Step 1: Go to Settings and then Privacy & Security; here you can find Location Services.
2. Step 2: Make sure Location Services is on.
3. Step 3: Scroll to the app you want to manage and select:
• Never: Prevents access completely.
• Ask Next Time / While Using App / Allow Once: Limit access.
• Always: Allow location access even in the background.

To share only an approximate location:

1. Step 1: Open Settings and go to Privacy & Security and then Location Services.
2. Step 2: Select the app you want to adjust.
3. Step 3: Turn off Precise Location to share only your general area.

For Android:

1. Step 1: Open the Settings app and go to Location.
2. Step 2: Turn the main Location switch off to block apps from using your GPS.
3. Step 3: You can also manage location access for each app to have more control.

Option 2: Disable GPS Entirely (Differences from Airplane Mode)

Turning off GPS stops all location tracking, including services that still work when airplane mode is on. Apps like Maps, Find My iPhone, and routing services rely on GPS, so consider what you need before turning it off.

For iPhone:

1. Step 1: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
2. Step 2: Scroll down and tap System Services.
3. Step 3: Turn off the services you don’t want using your location:
• Find My iPhone: Disable if you don’t want it tracking your device.
• Routing & Traffic: Disable to stop sharing traffic data.
• Apple Pay Merchant Info: Disable to stop location-based merchant info.
• Location-Based Alerts & Suggestions: Disable to stop location-driven notifications.

For Android:

1. Step 1: Open your device’s Settings and go to Location.
2. Step 2: Look for Advanced options or similar settings.
3. Step 3: Turn off Google Location Accuracy or other system-level location services.

Turning off these services gives you real control over your location. Airplane mode, on the other hand, only stops connectivity and doesn’t fully disable GPS.

Option 3: Use FonesGo Location Changer to Hide Real Location

FonesGo Location Changer is an easy and reliable way to hide your real location on iOS and Android devices. Unlike simply turning off GPS, this tool lets you “spoof” your location so apps like Life360, social media, or games think you are somewhere else.

It works without jailbreaking your device and fully supports the latest phone devices. FonesGo Location Spoofer is great for privacy-conscious persons, gamers who play location-based games such as Pokémon Go or Monster Hunter Now.

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• Teleport to any location immediately on a map.
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• Use 2-Spot, Multi-Spot, or Jump Teleport movements for precise control.
• Control GPS movement with a joystick in 360 degrees.
• Spoof location on most social and dating apps with one click.
• Risk-free for games; no bans on apps like Pokémon Go.

How to Use FonesGo Location Changer on iOS:

1. Step 1 Start the FonesGo Location Changer app. Check your current location on the map.
2. Step 2 In the search box, type the address or coordinates you wish to appear at. Choose the location desired and press on Teleport.
3. Step 3 Your iPhone location will now update instantly, showing the new location.

Part 3: Tips to Manage Location Sharing While Maintaining Privacy

Protecting your location is important for privacy. Here are simple tips to control who can see where you are:

Hot FAQs about Airplane Mode Turn Off Location

Q1: What happens to my GPS when I turn on Airplane Mode?

Airplane mode turns off cell signal, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. However, there is no option to turn off GPS because it still works. Every app that uses GPS can find out your position.

Q2: Can someone see your location on Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi?

Yes. If your Wi-Fi is on, it can still use the nearest available networks to figure out which location you are hiding. You are not completely hidden.

Q3: Does enabling Airplane Mode on Life360 prevent location sharing and notify others?

Life360 may show your last known location or a white flag. Members might notice you’ve stopped updating your location, so it’s not fully invisible.

Final Words

Many people wonder if airplane mode turns off location completely. The truth is, GPS can still work, and apps may track your device even when Airplane Mode is on. If you want absolute control over your location and privacy, FonesGo Location Changer is a cool solution. It helps change your GPS on iOS and Android without providing you with a trace of applications like Life360 or social media. You would move as though you have a joystick to control direction and customize a route without setting any alerts.