Enable Location Services in Settings, and then decide which applications can use your location at what times. This guide also explains the differences between virtual GPS and location permissions.
To enable location services on the iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and turn on the feature. Then, select an application to determine when it is allowed to access your location.
You don’t need to grant the same access rights to every application. Navigation may require your exact location, while other functions can use a more general area. Below, you will see the options related to the device’s range, permissions for individual applications, as well as the differences between enabling location access and selecting a virtual GPS location.
Location Services encompasses features that determine your phone's location and provide location-based content. Apps like Google Maps, Find My iPhone, Yelp, etc., utilize your phone's location to offer driving directions, find lost or stolen iPhone, and find nearby restaurants, among other things.
This service utilizes your phone's hardware and internet data, primarily relying on GPS for accuracy. Additionally, it utilizes data from cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to pinpoint your location accurately.
By integrating GPS, network data, crowd-sourced information, and mapping technology from companies like Apple and Google, Location Services can identify your exact location and provide relevant information about nearby streets and stores. Some smartphones even incorporate compasses or gyroscopes to determine direction and movement.
iPhone offers you two ways to turn on and off location services on iPhone. According to your needs, you can choose to turn on/off location services for all apps or just individual apps by following the steps below.
Option 1. How to turn on/off location services for all iPhone apps
Here are the steps you can follow to turn on and off location services for all your iPhone apps.
Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, and then turn Location Services on or off. When it is turned on, you can access your location information, but various applications still need to obtain permission. Turning it off will affect navigation and other location-related functions.
If prompted, enter your passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm the action.
Option 2. How to turn on/off location services for individual apps
On the “Location Services” screen, select an application and view its available options:
If a sufficient approximate area is available, turn Precise Location off. The permissions available vary depending on the application.
Apps utilizing Location Services may request permission to access your location when launched for the first time. When granting permission, consider whether it's appropriate for the app to access your location.
Your phone might prompt you occasionally to confirm whether you want to continue allowing an app to access your location. This serves as a privacy feature, ensuring you're aware of the data apps are accessing.
When the application requests access to your location, choose the permissions that are appropriate for the function you are using. Common options include “Allow once”, “Allow While Using App”, and “Don't Allow”. You can revisit the application’s permissions in the settings later. If it only needs a general area for location tracking, consider turning off precise location tracking instead of completely denying access.
Location permissions determine whether an application can access your location; they do not allow you to enter a different address. If you want to view location-based content from another location, FoneTool VirtualLocation can set up a virtual GPS location for your iPhone connected to a Windows PC.
💡When searching for an address or entering coordinates, you need a specific point as part of your session.
💡Keep the selected location stationary; do not set a route or choose a simulation travel speed.
💡When you’re done exploring and need accurate local information again, return to your actual coordinates.
Step 1. Launch FoneTool VirtualLocation on Windows, and use USB to unlock the iPhone. If any prompts appear, click Trust. For iOS 16 or later versions, enable Settings > Privacy & Security > Developer Mode, restart the device, and confirm Turn On.
Step 2. Select “Change Location”, accept the disclaimer, and then click “Enter”. Search for an address or coordinates, select the result, or click on a map point.
Step 3. Check the target and click “Change Location”. While preparing the components, keep the PC online, and ensure the iPhone is connected and unlocked. After successful completion, click “OK” and check the location of the selected application.
To restore the actual location, click on the circular arrow control in the toolbar on the right side of the map.
Turn on Location Services first, and then check the access permissions of the applications you actually use. Select an appropriate approximate location, and precisely target the locations where the functions are required. If you want to select a GPS location for a specific activity, FoneTool VirtualLocation provides this option, without the need to change your permission settings.