How to change when an app may use your location on an iPhone
2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 4 October 2026
Open Settings, tap Privacy & Security, then Location Services, and tap the app. Choose Never, Ask Next Time Or When I Share, While Using the App, or While Using the App or Widgets. The page also shows the app's own explanation of why it wants your location.
- Device
- iPhone
- Shown on
- iOS 26.5 (iPhone 17)
- App
- Settings
- Path
- Settings › Privacy & Security › Location Services
- Real screenshots
- 4 of 4 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
The first time an app wants location data, the iPhone asks you. Whatever you answered then, you can change the app's access later. The picture shows the choices for Apple Maps.
The screenshots show iOS 26.5 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows have the same names, with a slightly different look.
Step by step
Open Settings and tap Privacy & Security
Scroll down in Settings to find it, below Screen Time.
Tap Location Services
It is the first row of the page.
Tap the app
The apps that have asked for your location are listed, each with its current setting at the right. In the picture, Maps is set to Never.
Choose when it may use your location
The tick shows the current choice. Below the list, the app explains what it uses your location for.
Good to know
Where an app offers it, Precise Location decides between your specific location and an approximate one. Apple says approximate may be sufficient for an app that does not need your exact location.
With Ask Next Time, you are asked again the next time the app tries to use your location.
To switch location off for the whole phone: how to turn Location Services on or off on iPhone.
In short: Settings, Privacy & Security, Location Services, tap the app, choose.
Links checked on 3 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.