Find out how to shut off this invasive feature that you may not know exists. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson reports.

Every app on your iPhone comes with a certain set of permissions depending on what the app is used for.

For example, Instagram will ask permission to access your camera and photos app so you can take and post pictures, while WhatsApp will ask for access to your microphone to send voice notes.

Some apps take it further asking for your “precise” location. It’s imperative to know what exactly they’re asking you for.

Some apps take it further asking for your “precise” location.  It is imperative to know what exactly they are asking you for.
(Kurt Knutsson)

What’s the difference between precise and approximate location?

Apps within Apple devices have two different location options that they might ask permission for. One is your approximate location, which just gives an app a general area where you’re located (i.e. Chicago). You might grant permission to access your approximate location to an app that you use to find cool restaurants near you so that it can give you proper recommendations.

The other location option you can grant access to is your precise location, which is the exact address of where you are currently. An app like Uber, for example, will need your precise location so that your driver can pick you up at the right place. 

Some apps will automatically begin using your precise location without your knowledge, and you should always be in control of what apps have this information readily available. Luckily, there is a way for you to adjust which apps have access to your precise location and which do not.

Some apps will automatically begin using your precise location without your knowledge, and you should always be in control of what apps have this information readily available. 
(Kurt Knutsson)

How do I turn off my precise location?

Turning off your precise location for certain apps is pretty simple as long as you follow these steps:

Scroll down and select <strong>Privacy &amp; Security.</strong>
(Kurt Knutsson)

Tap <strong>Location Services.</strong>
(Kurt Knutsson)

To find out what capacity the apps have access to, <strong>click on any app option</strong>. 
(Kurt Knutsson)

Toggle it <strong>Precise Location </strong>if you don’t want an app to have access to your precise location.
(Kurt Knutsson)

How do I know if using Precise Location is safe?

You can use your judgment when it comes to giving an app permission to your precise location.  Ultimately, it’s about as trustworthy as the app itself.  If you’re using an app like Uber or Lyft, where it’s necessary to give them your precise location, it’s safe to assume that you’re not at risk. 

For more on Apple’s next big thing, head over to CyberGuy.com and search “Apple” by clicking the magnifying glass at the top of my website.  And be sure to subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by clicking the “Free newsletter” link at the top of my website.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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