Define what “tracking” means in Maps
“Google Maps tracking” is usually a mix of (1) your phone sending location data to the device and app, and (2) your Google account optionally saving location-related history when you use Maps and related Google services. If you reduce location access and disable location history, you reduce what Maps can use while you still may have features that require location.
Use a simple model: device location access → app permissions → history
- Device location services: When system location is off, Maps can’t receive live location from your phone.
- App permissions (in the OS): If Maps has location permission (e.g., “Allow all the time”), it can access location more often.
- In-app/account history: Some location history features are account-based, so controls may be separate from the permission toggle.
A practical approach is to decide which of these you want to limit: live navigation only, or also historical recording.
Stop live location access (most effective first steps)
Start with the device and permission layer:
- Turn off Location Services in your phone’s settings when you don’t need navigation.
- Change Google Maps location permission to the minimum level your use requires. On many systems you can choose “While using the app” instead of “Allow all the time.”
- If you use a “battery saver” or “background restrictions” feature, note that it may reduce background access, but it does not replace permission changes.
Uncertainty to keep in mind: the exact wording and toggles vary by phone type and operating system version.
Limit account-based recording and tighten exceptions
If your goal includes preventing location history from being stored or used for personalization, look for settings related to:
- Location History or similar account controls inside Google-related settings.
- Maps-specific location settings that affect how location data is used.
Important limitation: even after you adjust permissions, some functions (search near you, commute summaries, or route suggestions) may behave differently, because they typically rely on location.
Practical checks you can do right now
- After changing permissions, open Maps and confirm whether it prompts for location and whether background access appears limited.
- Temporarily turn off device location and try a navigation flow; if live positioning no longer works, you’ve confirmed the device-level control is effective.
- In your Google account settings, review location history controls and toggle them according to your preference.
If you tell me your device (Android or iPhone) and OS version, I can outline the exact menu names to look for without guessing.