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An Android app changed its stated location sharing: review it

Android can notify users when an app with location access changes its stated data-sharing practices. That notice is a prompt to review the app and permission, not proof that every location record was newly transmitted. A navigation app and a casual game deserve different access.

Before you start​

Keep the notification if you received one and identify the exact app. If it is a work or family-safety app, check the consequences before removing access.

Do it step by step​

  1. Open the location-sharing update notification or Settings, Security & Privacy, Privacy, Location sharing updates where available.
  2. Read the app's stated change and open its Location permission. Note whether access is all the time, while using, ask each time or denied.
  3. Choose the narrowest mode that supports a real feature. Turn off precise location if an approximate location is enough and the option is available.
  4. Check recent use through Android's Privacy Dashboard. Compare access times with when you actually opened the app.
  5. If the app no longer needs location, deny access or uninstall it. Review the app's own account settings and privacy policy for data already collected.

Check the result​

The new location choice should be visible in Settings, and a feature that needs location should still behave as expected when used.

If something goes wrong​

Not every device, store or preinstalled app supports the same data-sharing labels and updates. No notification is not evidence that an app never shares location.

Know the limit​

Google distinguishes declared data-sharing changes from Android's on-device permission history; check both rather than relying on one label. Google's Android location sharing updates
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