This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
There are a number of settings on your iPhone and, if you’re like many people, you’re ignoring half of them. That’s perfectly fine (in most cases). But one place where it isn’t doing you any good is when it comes to your privacy. Some phone settings are literally giving away personal information about your whereabouts and daily habits and routines that you would probably rather keep to yourself. Luckily, there is an easy fix for this. If protecting your privacy is a big concern, Apple experts agree: this is the one setting you have to turn off ASAP.
Signifiant Location
According to Apple, the purpose of the Significant Location feature is convenience, saying it “Allows your iPhone to earn places significant to you in order to provide useful location-related information in Maps, Calendar, Photos, and more. Significant Locations are encrypted and cannot be read by Apple.”
Sounds safe enough. And, in most cases, it probably is — but to be truly safe, Tech Expert Olivia Tan, co-founder of Cocofax, recommends turning off Significant Location on your iPhone. “The feature constantly tracks where you are, even when you aren’t actively using your phone,” Tan says. “This is why it uses up your data, and battery, even if you don’t know it’s happening.”
Signifiant Location is the default for iPhones to have this turned on. But, according to Tan, you can turn it off by going to Settings> Privacy> Location Services> System Services> Click on Significant Locations. It will ask for your passcode or Face ID, which will then let you turn it off.
Also, you can hit 'Clear History' so your information isn't vulnerable anymore, Tan adds.
“Personally, I think there are two sides to this feature,” Tan says. “Obviously, it’s wild to think our devices are programmed to have our location 24/7. But, I have been listening to a lot of true crime lately, and there are so many missing person cases where a feature like this could be helpful. I think it comes down to the individual, and what might be most beneficial to you. A tracking feature on your phone may have the ability to save your life one day.”
The choice is yours: but if you prefer to keep your location hidden, turning off this feature is the way to start.
