How to Turn Off Apple Maps if It’s Tracking You in iOS 26

Apple has always positioned itself as a privacy-focused tech company. And to its credit, Apple Maps includes strong privacy controls, using on-device processing for many functions and limiting how long location data is stored. Still, location tracking—whether intentional or background-based—can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re privacy-conscious.

With iOS 26, Apple has introduced new privacy interfaces and more granular location controls. But many users are still unsure how to fully stop Apple Maps from tracking or accessing their location.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to turn off Apple Maps tracking on iOS 26, protect your location, and take back complete control over your privacy.

Understanding Apple Maps Location Tracking

Before jumping into settings, let’s clarify what “tracking” means in this context.

Apple Maps can access your location for:

• Turn-by-turn navigation
• Nearby place suggestions (restaurants, gas stations, etc.)
• Traffic and accident reporting
• Personalized recommendations
• Location-based notifications
• Background updates for faster map loading

These functions can make travel easier—but they also mean Apple Maps may keep working in the background to track your movements unless you disable it.

How to Turn Off Apple Maps Tracking in iOS 26

Let’s go step-by-step through the most effective methods.

1. Disable Location Access for Apple Maps Completely

If you want Apple Maps to stop using your location altogether, do this:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Privacy & Security
3. Select Location Services
4. Scroll and tap Maps
5. Choose Never

This completely blocks the Maps app from accessing GPS or location data.

Keep in mind:
You won’t be able to use turn-by-turn navigation or see your live position on a map after doing this.

2. Allow Location Only While Using the App

If you still want navigation but don’t want background tracking:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security
3. Select Location Services
4. Tap Maps
5. Choose While Using the App

This lets Maps track you only when you have it open, preventing background location activity.

3. Turn Off Precise Location

iOS 26 gives two types of location access:

• Precise – pinpoint accuracy (within a few feet)
• Approximate – general area (like your neighborhood)

To turn off precise location:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Privacy & Security
3. Select Location Services
4. Tap Maps
5. Toggle off Precise Location

Now, Maps knows only your approximate region—not your exact movements.

4. Disable Significant Location Tracking

Apple keeps “Significant Locations”—places you frequently visit—to improve suggestions and Maps accuracy. If that feels invasive, turn it off:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Privacy & Security
3. Select Location Services
4. Scroll down and tap System Services
5. Select Significant Locations
6. Turn it Off

To erase previously stored locations, tap Clear History.

5. Turn Off Location-Based Alerts & Suggestions

Apple Maps sends suggestions based on places you visit. Disable this for more privacy:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Privacy & Security
3. Select Location Services
4. Tap System Services
5. Toggle off:
   • Location-Based Alerts
   • Location-Based Suggestions

This stops alerts like “It looks like you’re going to work.”

6. Turn Off Background App Refresh for Apple Maps

Background App Refresh lets apps update even when closed. You can stop Maps from using this:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap General
3. Select Background App Refresh
4. Find Maps
5. Toggle Off

Now Maps won’t refresh or track while you’re not using it.

7. Disable Find My Tracking (If Relevant)

Sometimes Apple Maps accesses location via the Find My network. If you only want your device tracked via Find My, not Maps:

• Leave Find My on
• Disable Maps location as described above

If you want to disable all device tracking:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap your Apple ID
3. Select Find My
4. Turn off Share My Location

8. Turn Off Compass Calibration & Motion Tracking

These motion settings help Maps orient direction. Turning them off reduces tracking accuracy:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Privacy & Security
3. Tap Motion & Fitness
4. Turn off Fitness Tracking

Now Apple Maps won’t use motion sensors for orientation.

How to Check if Apple Maps is Accessing Your Location

iOS 26 shows icons when apps use location:

• Solid arrow – app is using location now
• Hollow arrow – app used location recently
• Blue location dot – your exact location is active

Swipe down Control Center to check indicators instantly.

Stop Maps From Showing Recent Places & History

To prevent stored location history inside the app:

1. Open Apple Maps
2. Swipe up to show search bar & history
3. Tap Clear
4. Select Clear All Recents

This deletes locations you’ve searched or visited.

Extra Privacy Tips for iOS 26 Users

If privacy is a top priority, here are additional settings to consider:

Use Private Relay (iCloud+)

Hides browsing and IP-related tracking.

Turn Off Personalized Ads

Settings → Privacy → Apple Advertising

Review App Permissions

Settings → Privacy → check each category

Does Turning Off Tracking Affect Functionality?

Yes, depending on how much access you disable:

Choose settings based on privacy vs convenience balance.

Can Apple Still Track You With Location Off?

Apple states it does not track user movement, even when Maps is active. Turning off all the features above gives strong control. However:

• Cellular networks track location to some extent
• Emergency services can access location if required
• Third-party apps may collect location if permissions granted

So review settings across the device—not just Maps.

Final Thoughts

Location services are incredibly useful—but they also require trust. Whether you’re concerned about digital privacy, battery life, or just don’t need Maps tracking, iOS 26 gives you full control.

By adjusting the settings above, you can:

• Prevent Apple Maps from running in the background
• Stop precise location tracking
• Clear and block location history
• Limit personalized recommendations
• Maintain privacy without losing navigation when needed

Take a moment to review these settings regularly. Privacy isn’t a one-time action—it’s ongoing awareness and control.