Q: Why is Location Icon Always on Android? Here’s the remedy

Maybe you found your location icon always on—weather on your status bar and sometimes in the notification bar. 

You might have a question: Why is my location icon always on Android or on iOS (phones)? 

Understanding the Location Icon on Android: When you notice the location icon on your Android device, it indicates that an app is actively accessing your location. This could be for navigation, geolocation-based services, or other relevant features. Android’s operating system uses this icon to inform you about apps utilizing your location data.

Why is the Location Icon Always On On Android?

gif about location icon always on

The answer to your question is that whenever you see a location icon, a background running app might use the location services to track whether or not your location will be shared with anyone. 

As you can clearly see in the screenshot, google accessed the location at 7:05 AM, In that time period I saw the location icon was on for a few minutes, in the same manner, if there are apps that have allowed to access location all the time, then it’s the reason for location icon always showing.

google is using in the location in the background
location services active by google screenshot
  • There are apps that are allowed to access location permission all the time.
  • location is being used by Google services like earthquake alerts, emergency location services, google location accuracy, Google location history, etc.
  • Or a recently used app is using location in the background and foreground.
  • Sharing live location in real-time with apps like WhatsApp.
location used by these apps

Why is the Location Symbol Showing on My iphone?

The ‘location icon is always on’ on iPhones when:

  1. Apps actively use your location for services like maps or weather.
  2. Apps request location updates in the background.
  3. iOS uses location for system functions or geofencing.
  4. Your device monitors significant location changes.
  5. Recently used apps continue running in the background, using your location data.

You can control location access in the iPhone’s settings.

An Example of Location Always On – Android

For instance, it was just a superb instance. One of my uncles has seen this. One day, they found their location icon on the status bar, so they were worried about it. 

One day, they came to me and told me that my location icon was always on to see Kunal. Is this something that impacts my privacy, or what? 

So basically, what was happening was that they were sharing WhatsApp location with their wife because WhatsApp needs to run location 24/7 to share location with their wife. 

stop sharing live location

I told them that you are sharing your live location with this contact. 

At that moment, I just tapped on the stop sharing a location from the WhatsApp app, so it just stopped sharing the live location, and the location Icon is now being turned up.

location icon always on highlighted

Why Does My Location Icon Keep Popping Up?

The recurring appearance of the location icon on your device might be due to background apps using location services for various functions. These apps might require your location to provide features like real-time location sharing, weather updates, or personalized recommendations.

Why Is My Location Icon Always On Android?

Suppose you see the location icon on your Android device all the time. In that case, it’s probably because an app runs in the background and needs access to your location.

location icon on android and ios always on with red overlay text

This could be for tracking purposes, social media check-ins, or other location-based functions. By identifying and managing these apps, you can regain control over your device’s location settings.

Why Is My Location Icon Showing?

The location icon on your device indicates when an app uses your location data, such as for navigation, weather updates, or location-based notifications. Review app permissions and adjust as necessary to address privacy or battery concerns.

  • Identify the Culprit: Check which apps actively use your location by going to Settings > Developer Settings > Running Apps. This can help you pinpoint the app responsible for the persistent location icon.
  • Restart Your Device: A simple restart can sometimes resolve minor glitches, causing the location icon to persist. Restarting your device clears temporary data and can restore normal functionality.
  • Safe Mode Solution: Booting your device into safe mode can help you identify if a recently installed app is causing the issue. This mode disables third-party apps temporarily, allowing you to troubleshoot the cause of the continuous location icon.

Android Location Icon: The location icon on your Android device symbolizes its functionality and convenience. Although it may seem intrusive, understanding its purpose and taking proactive steps can help you maintain control over your privacy and device performance.

To Stop Android Location Always On

So whenever you see that your location icon is always on, try stopping any background running app that uses this service. You can check this out using Android Settings > developer settings > running apps. 

Or you may use a third-party app that will help you to force stop these apps, so they want to use your location 24/7. 

I hope you found this helpful article, and I solved your query on why your location icon is always on Android.

How to Fix Android Location Icon Always On

That’s it for the article. Let me explain everything I showed in this article and tell you three quick tips he could implement now. 

1. Check Background Running Apps

Whenever you note that your location icon is always on, try figuring out which app is using this location service 24/7 in the background. 

stop the app running in background

Mainly these apps are using your location, and sometimes you permit them and misuse it. So try figuring out which app uses the location service. Here is how to do it. 

2. Restart The Device

Like being an Android user, there are pros, but the con is that Android is full of bugs. 

power menu to restart, power off or emergency call

Whenever you use it, you will figure out that Android is little, or sometimes things won’t go in the right direction. 

Try restarting the Android device so it will figure out and fix the location icon always on automatically by deleting the cache. 

3. Boot From Safe Mode

If you recently downloaded an app or visited any third-party website, then it’s pretty likely that they might have installed something on your smartphone, but don’t worry. 

safe mode gif in fun way

So it would be best if you booted your smartphone, booted your Android smartphone into safe mode, and then rebooted into normal mode. 

It will close all the externally installed apps, and then when you reboot into normal mode, apps will restart from zero. It won’t log out, nor the data be deleted. You can use the apps, but now you need to open apps that won’t run in the background. 

Then the chances are you won’t see the location icon always on Android.

Kunal
Kunalhttps://fixing-mostly.com/author/kunal-kashyap/
Kunal Kashyap, the tech guru behind FixItKunal.com, simplifies complex tech issues with clear and user-friendly guides. With expertise in Android, iOS, and more, his tutorials empower users to tackle tech problems confidently. Kunal's engaging style makes technology accessible to both beginners and experts. Beyond tech, he explores psychology and keeps up with tech and business trends awarded by the Government and Namita Thapar.

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