iPhone Advanced Hack: How to Know Who Can See Your Location

Nhx T., Tech Times 22 December 2020, 05:12 am

Every iPhone model comes with a global positioning system, or more popularly known as GPS, that allows you, the majority of apps, and even some people locate where you currently are based on your device's location.

Using Your iPhone Location

For the most part, it's incredibly helpful as it's a requirement for apps such as Waze or map applications like Apple's own Maps or Google Maps, fitness apps that track the steps you've taken or the miles you've run, augmented reality games such as "Pokemon GO," or perhaps most importantly, you can track your iPhone in case it gets stolen or you dropped it somewhere.

However, your privacy and security can also be at risk by using your iPhone location.

For example, your iPhone location may be used to stalk and monitor your every move, which could compromise your safety and security.

These scenarios are definitely possible, but that does not mean you should entirely stop using your phone's GPS, especially when you're using it most of the time for your apps.

Safety, Security, and Privacy First

Fortunately, Apple is more adamant on keeping their customer's safety and security a priority that they have published new resources that could help iPhone owners learn how to protect themselves and their devices.

According to 9to5Mac, the tech giant has released a 20-page manual called the "Device and Data Access When Personal Safety is at Risk," which provides some advise on what to do if you think you have personal safety concerns regarding your iPhone or you just want to be much safer.

Most iPhone users know how to completely turn off their phone's location.

Whenever you turn your locations off, be reminded that some of the services you use won't work, but your personalized Location Services will be temporarily turned on once you enable Lost Mode or use the Find My iPhone service.

How to Check Which Apps See Your Location

Now, how do you check which apps can see your location?

Based on the Apple support guide, you can check which apps see your location by going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services (main Location Services should be turned on), then further down the screen, you should be able to see Apple apps and third-party apps.

Tap on a particular app to manage the permission to location access, wherein four options will appear: "Never," "Ask Next Time," "While Using the App," and "Always."

You may also toggle off "Precise Location" that provides the apps with less details.

Apps that requested access to your iPhone location will have one of three arrow icons:

A hollow arrow means an app will receive your location but under certain conditions only.
A purple arrow means the app has recently used your location.
A gray arrow means the app has used your location for the last 24 hours.

How to Check Who Can See Your Location

Besides apps, some people may see your iPhone location through the Find My service, so make sure you check on that as well to guarantee no stranger can locate your device.

Here's how to do that: