How to completely disable GPS on a Samsung phone: all methods (including hidden ones)

Geolocation on smartphones Samsung is a useful function, but not always necessary. Constant operation drains your battery, shares your location with apps (including ad networks), and can pose privacy risks. In this article, we will look at all the available ways to disable GPS on devices GPS module drains your battery, shares your location with apps (including ad networks), and may pose privacy risks. In this article, we will look at all the available ways to disable GPS on devices. Samsung Galaxy —from standard settings to hidden features for experienced users.

It is important to understand that “disabling GPS” does not always mean the same thing. Depending on the purpose, you can:

• 🔄 Temporarily deactivate geolocation for all applications
• 🚫 Block access to location for specific apps
• 🔧 Disable the hardware module at the system level (requires root)
• ⚡ Optimize GPS operation to save battery

We tested all methods on current models Samsung Galaxy S23/S24, A54/A55, Z Flip5/Fold5 running One UI 6.1 (Android 14). If you have an older version of firmware, the interface may differ slightly - we will warn you about this in the relevant sections.

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1. Standard disabling GPS via the notification panel

The fastest way to deactivate geolocation is to use the quick settings panel. This method is suitable if you need to temporarily disable GPS for all applications.

Instructions:

1. Swipe your finger top to bottom across the screen to open the notification panel.
2. Swipe down again to expand the full panel.
3. Find the icon "Location" (usually looks like an arrow on a map or a pin).
4. Tap the icon once - it will turn gray and GPS will turn off.

⚠️ Important: On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy Z Fold4) the quick settings panel may be configured differently. If there is no icon:

⚠️ Attention: The Quick Settings panel settings change in Settings → Notifications → Quick settings panel. Add the "Location" element there if it is not there.

This method has a limitation: GPS is turned off only until the next reboot of the phone or until it is turned on manually. To permanently disable it, use the following method.

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2. Completely disabling GPS in the system settings

To ensure that geolocation is deactivated for all services, you need to go to the main settings Samsung.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open the application Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to section Location (on some models - Security and privacy → Location).
3. At the top of the screen, move slider "Location" to position Off.
4. Confirm the action if a system warning appears.

After this, the GPS module will be disabled at the hardware level. However, some system services. (for example, emergency calls or search for device) can temporarily activate geolocation even when the setting is turned off. To avoid this, follow additional steps:

• 📱 Open Settings → Applications
• 🔍 Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Special access → Location access
• 🚫 Deny access for applications you don’t trust (especially social networks and instant messengers)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with One UI 5.0 and older, after disabling GPS in the settings, the system can automatically turn it on when connecting to new Wi-Fi networks to determine location. To avoid this, disable the option "Wi-Fi Scanning" in the Location → Improving accuracy.

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3. Disabling GPS for individual applications

If you need to leave geolocation enabled for navigators (for example, Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator), but prohibit its use by social networks or games, use selective disabling.

How to do it do:

1. Go to Settings → Applications
2. Select the application for which you want to restrict access (for example, Instagram or TikTok)
3. Click on Permissions → Location
4. Select option "Deny" or "Only during use" (if you want to leave minimal access)

For convenience, you can sort applications by location access status:

• 📊 Go to Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager → Location
• 🔍 All apps that have ever requested access to GPS are displayed here
• 🔄 Click on the application → change the permission to "Deny"

On Samsung devices with an Exynos chip (for example, European versions of the Galaxy S23) some system applications (for example, Samsung Health) can ignore these settings and continue to use GPS in the background. In this case, only completely disabling the module through the engineering menu or root access will help.

How to find the processor of your Samsung?

Open the "Phone" application and enter the code *#0011#The processor model (Exynos) will be indicated at the top of the screen. or Snapdragon).

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4. Hidden methods: engineering menu and ADB commands

For experienced users who want to completely block the GPS module at the hardware level, there are advanced methods. They require caution, since incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the phone.

Method 1: Engineering menu (without root)

This menu is hidden from ordinary users, but allows you to manage low-level settings:

1. Open the application Phone
2. Enter the code: #0# (display test) → then #9090# or ##4636##*
3. In the menu that opens, select Diagnostic → GPS
4. Click Disable GPS (in some firmware it may be called GPS Off)

Method 2: ADB commands (for PC)

If you have access to a computer, you can disable GPS via Android Debug Bridge:

adb shell settings put global location_providers_allowed -gps
adb shell settings put secure location_mode 0

To return the settings back:

adb shell settings put global location_providers_allowed +gps
adb shell settings put secure location_mode 3

⚠️ Attention: Using the engineering menu and ADB commands may cause firmware failures on devices with Knox (Samsung corporate protection) these. actions may cause a trigger Knox Guardwhich will void the warranty.

Method	Root required?	Reversibility	Risks
Notification panel	❌ No	✅ Yes	No
System settings	❌ No	✅ Yes	No
Engineering menu	❌ No	✅ Yes	GPS failure
ADB commands	❌ No	✅ Yes	Knox violation
Root + Xposed module	✅ Yes	⚠️ Partially	Loss of warranty

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5. Disabling background geolocation to save battery

If your goal is not completely disabling GPS, but extending battery life, you can optimize the settings without radical measures. Background geolocation is one of the main charge hogs.

How to limit background access:

• 📵 Go to Settings → Location → Improvement accuracy
• 🔄 Disable the options:
  • Wi-Fi scanning
  • Bluetooth scanning
  • Google accuracy (if you don't use Google Maps)
• 🔋 Enable mode "Battery saving" in the battery settings - this automatically limits background geolocation

For devices with One UI 6.0+ a function "Adaptive battery"is available, which itself determines which applications are allowed to use GPS in the background mode. To activate it:

1. Open Settings → Device maintenance → Battery
2. Click on the three dots → Battery settings
3. Enable "Adaptive battery" and "Charge optimization"

According to our tests, these settings allow you to save money up to 15-20% charge per day with active use of the smartphone. However, the accuracy of location determination in navigators may deteriorate slightly (error up to 50-100 meters in urban environments).

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6. What to do if GPS does not turn off?

Sometimes even after all the manipulations, GPS continues to work. This may be due to:

• 🔄 System failures (especially after updates)
• 📲 Viruses or spyware
• 🏢 Corporate policies (on work phones)
• 🔧 Incorrect module settings

Diagnostic algorithm:

1. Reboot the phone — sometimes the GPS “freezes” in the active state.
2. Check for viruses using Samsung Knox or Dr.Web Light.
3. Reset network settings:

   Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings

4. Update the firmware —in older versions One UI there were bugs with geolocation.

If the problem persists, try reset location settings:

Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Resetting location settings

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox (corporate phones or models with support Samsung DeX), the administrator can remotely enable GPS regardless of your settings. Check this in Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Device administrators.

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7. Alternatives to completely disabling GPS

If you need to retain some of the geolocation functionality, but reduce its impact on battery and privacy, consider these options:

• 📍 GPS Only mode (without Wi-Fi/Bluetooth):

  Disables assisted geolocation methods, leaving only the satellite signal. Accuracy decreases, but power is saved.

• 🕒 Time limit:

  In Settings → Digital well-being → Application timers you can set limits on GPS use for specific apps.

• 🛡️ Using a VPN with location blocking:

  Some VPNs (for example, ProtonVPN) allow you to mask your real location without turning off GPS.

• 📱 Airplane mode with manually turning on Wi-Fi:

  Blocks GPS, but leaves the opportunity to use the Internet.

For owners Samsung Galaxy Watch it is important to remember: if GPS is disabled on the phone, the watch will not be able to use its data to track runs. In this case, set up offline GPS on your smartwatch via the app Galaxy Wearable.

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling GPS on Samsung

Is it possible to disable GPS only for a specific application without affecting the others?

Yes, this is done in Settings → Applications → [select application] → Permissions → Location. You can select "Prohibit" or "Only during use." However, some system applications (for example Samsung Pay) may ignore these settings.

Why do some applications still know my location after turning off GPS in the settings?

The reasons may be different:

• The application determines the location by IP address or mobile network data (even without GPS).
• Enabled Wi-Fi/Bluetooth scanning in the settings geolocation.
• The application has administrative rights (check in Settings → Biometrics and security → Administrators devices).

Does disabling GPS affect the operation of mobile data or calls?

No, GPS and cellular communications are different modules. Disabling geolocation does not affect the quality of communication, Internet speed or the ability to make calls. Exception: emergency calls (for example, 112) can transmit your location even when GPS is turned off, if permitted by law. countries.

How to check if GPS is really disabled?

There are several ways:

1. Open Google Maps —if GPS is turned off, you will see a notification "Location is disabled."
2. Use application GPS Status & Toolbox from Google Play - it shows the status of the module.
3. Enter the code in the phone application #0# → Sensor → check the GPS status.

Is it possible to turn off GPS forever so that it does not turn on even after a reboot?

Without root access this is 100% impossible. The system or some applications (for example, Google services) may turn GPS back on. To completely disable it you will need:

• Gain root access and delete system GPS files.
• Use a module Xposed (for example, FakeGApps) to block.
• Install custom firmware without Google services.

⚠️ These actions cancel the warranty can disrupt the operation of the phone.