Skip to main content
Ivanka Trump on stage in a polka dot dress
Screenshot of iPhone settings showing location services
iPhone home screen with various app icons

Tech

The Scary Downside Of Enabling Location Services On Your iPhone That No One Tells You About

February 10, 2019 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Tech
Featured image

Location services allow your iOS devices, with your permission, allow apps and websites to determine your approximate location based off things like cellular, Wi-Fi and GPS networks. The applications are endless–restaurant suggestions that cater to your location, maps, you name it and any app can use your location in some capacity. But are there scary downsides to using it? We spoke to leading tech experts to learn more:

READ MORE: 5 Things You Should Delete From Your Phone RIGHT NOW, According To Tech Experts

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Person using an iPhone outdoors

Not Checking Your Settings

"Having location services enabled on your iPhone is convenient if you want accurate directions or local weather from your phone. However, as you add apps and allow them to access your location, many default to 'always' in the settings," technology analyst Amy Smith of Fit Small Business tells us."

"The worst mistake you can make is never visiting that settings page and switching apps to 'While Using the App' or 'Never'. When an app is allowed constant access to your location, not only can it drain your phone's battery, you might be giving up your location and data to a company that shares it for business purposes to other companies (read that privacy policy thoroughly). You have to decide how much privacy you're willing to trade for convenience."

Samsung Galaxy S26 smartphone

Dary Merckens, CTO of Gunner Technology, agrees. "The worst mistake you can make when enabling location services for the iPhone is not selecting the option to allow location services when the app is in use," he explains. "A lot of people just constantly allow the app to use location services, which is both unnecessary and a major drain on your phone's battery life." True!

iPhone 15 displayed on a table

Use It On An Airplane

"The worst mistake you can make when enabling location services on your iPhone is to keep it on when you are on an airplane,"Danielle Radin, trained in digital forensics through the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute tells us. "It will uselessly drain your battery." Yikes, we don't want that!

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Close-up of male hands holding an Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Galaxy Note Android phone
Person holding a Galaxy S24 smartphone
Samsung Galaxy S22 being held
Close-up of a hand holding an iPhone 17
Hands using an iPhone 17 Pro Max
Man holding an iPhone
Google Pixel 8 apps displayed on screen
iPhone settings showing low battery alert
Person holding an iPhone 17 in hand
Hands checking notifications on a smartphone
Close-up of an iPhone screen displaying battery statistics
Person holding an iPhone plugged into a charger
Google Pixel 8 showcasing various apps on its screen.
iPhone settings showing low battery warning screen
Close-up of a person holding an iPhone 17.
Hands checking notifications on a smartphone.
Close-up of iPhone screen displaying battery statistics.
Individual holding an iPhone outdoors.
iPhone connected to a charger on a table.
iPhone 17 in its sleek packaging on a table
Hand holding the iPhone 17 Pro against a blurred background.
Person using iPhone outdoors in natural sunlight
Samsung Galaxy S26 displayed on a stylish surface
iPhone 15 displayed on a stylish table setting.
Close-up of male hands using the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Close-up of Samsung Galaxy Note highlighting its advanced technology and functionality.
Person holding a Galaxy S24 smartphone outdoors.
Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone showcasing sleek design and features
Person holding iPhone 17 showcasing its sleek design.
Galaxy Note Android phone with a sleek design.
Close-up of hands interacting with iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Man proudly holding an iPhone in a casual pose.
Google Pixel 8 showcasing various apps on its screen.
iPhone settings showing low battery warning screen
Close-up of a person holding an iPhone 17.
Hands checking notifications on a smartphone.
Close-up of iPhone screen displaying battery statistics.
Individual holding an iPhone outdoors.
iPhone connected to a charger on a table.