Location services have become an essential feature for smartphones, enabling navigation apps, emergency services, location-based reminders and family tracking applications. However, there are situations where you might need to prevent location services from being turned off, whether for parental control, device management or security purposes.
This comprehensive guide explains the methods available to restrict location service settings on both iOS and Android devices, along with important considerations about privacy and proper usage.
Before diving into prevention methods, it's important to understand what location services do. Location services use GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks and Bluetooth to determine your device's approximate location. This data powers various applications and system features that enhance user experience and safety.
There are several legitimate scenarios where preventing location service changes becomes necessary:
Parental supervision: Parents monitoring children's whereabouts for safety
Employee device management: Companies tracking company-owned devices
Elderly care: Caregivers ensuring seniors with cognitive issues can be located
Device security: Preventing theft victims from losing track of stolen devices
Compliance requirements: Organizations meeting regulatory location tracking needs
Apple provides built-in tools through Screen Time and Mobile Device Management that allow administrators to restrict location settings.
Screen Time offers parental controls that can lock location service settings:
Open the Settings app on the iOS device
Navigate to Screen Time
Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions
Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions if not already active
Select Location Services
Tap Don't Allow Changes
This prevents anyone without the Screen Time passcode from modifying location settings. The location services will remain in whatever state you set them before applying the restriction.
You can also lock location permissions for individual apps:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
Select Location Services
Choose specific apps from the list
Set location access to your preferred option
These settings will be locked once restrictions are enabled
For organizational control, MDM solutions provide comprehensive device management:
Deploy configuration profiles that enforce location services
Prevent users from disabling location tracking
Remotely manage multiple devices simultaneously
Set up geofencing and location-based policies
MDM solutions like Jamf, Microsoft Intune or Apple Business Manager are ideal for businesses and educational institutions managing large device fleets.
Android offers several approaches to restrict location service changes, though methods vary slightly depending on the device manufacturer and Android version.
For parental control on children's devices:
Set up Google Family Link on both parent and child devices
Open the Family Link app on the parent device
Select your child's account
Navigate to Settings > Location
Enable location sharing
Use app permissions to control which apps can access location
While Family Link doesn't completely prevent location services from being turned off, it provides monitoring and can restrict certain location-related settings.
For organizational management:
Implement Android Enterprise solutions
Create work profiles with enforced location policies
Use device admin apps that can lock location settings
Deploy configuration policies through Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) platforms
Several third-party applications offer enhanced control:
AirDroid Business: Comprehensive MDM solution with location locking
Hexnode MDM: Enterprise device management with location restrictions
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus: Location policy enforcement
These solutions typically require administrative setup and may need the device to be enrolled in a management program.
Samsung devices with Knox offer additional security features:
Set up Samsung Knox
Access Knox configuration
Create policies that restrict location settings
Deploy these policies to managed devices
Knox provides enterprise-grade security and management capabilities specifically designed for Samsung devices.
Before implementing location tracking restrictions, consider these critical points:
Tracking someone's location without their knowledge or consent may violate privacy laws in many jurisdictions. Always ensure:
You have legal authority to monitor the device
The device user has been informed about tracking
You comply with local privacy regulations
For ethical implementation:
Clearly communicate why location services must remain enabled
Obtain explicit consent from adults being monitored
Explain data usage and storage practices
Provide transparency about who has access to location data
Different rules apply based on user age:
Parents generally have authority to monitor minor children
Adult monitoring requires explicit consent
Workplace monitoring must comply with employment laws and union agreements
To effectively prevent location services from being disabled while maintaining trust:
Communicate Clearly: Explain the purpose and necessity of keeping location services enabled.
Set Boundaries: Define specifically what location data will be used for and who can access it.
Regular Reviews: Periodically reassess whether restrictions are still necessary.
Provide Access: Allow controlled access to location history so users understand what's being tracked.
Security Measures: Protect location data with strong passwords and encryption.
If restrictions aren't holding:
Verify the Screen Time passcode hasn't been compromised
Check that MDM profiles are properly installed
Ensure the device hasn't been factory reset
Confirm you're using the latest OS version with updated security patches
Some apps malfunction when location restrictions are applied:
Review which apps legitimately need location access
Create exceptions for essential applications
Test app functionality after implementing restrictions
Constant location tracking can impact battery life:
Use "While Using" instead of "Always" for non-critical apps
Adjust location accuracy settings if supported
Consider allowing users to disable location temporarily with permission
Rather than completely preventing location service changes, consider these alternatives:
Location Sharing Apps: Use family tracking apps like Life360 or Find My that encourage voluntary participation.
Notification Systems: Set up alerts when location services are disabled instead of preventing it entirely.
Education Approach: Teach users why location services are important for safety and functionality.
Compromise Solutions: Allow temporary disabling with required re-enabling after a set period.
Preventing location services from being turned off on iOS and Android devices is technically feasible through various built-in features and third-party solutions. However, the technical capability must be balanced with legal requirements, ethical considerations and respect for privacy.
For parents, Screen Time and Family Link provide reasonable control over children's devices. For organizations, MDM solutions offer comprehensive management capabilities. Regardless of the method chosen, transparency, consent and clear communication remain essential for ethical implementation.
Always ensure your use case justifies the restriction, comply with applicable laws and maintain open dialogue with the individuals whose locations you're tracking. When implemented thoughtfully, location service restrictions can enhance safety and security without compromising trust.
On iOS, it’s difficult without supervision. For Android, limited controls can be applied using third-party apps.
Yes, through MDM/EMM solutions, you can enforce and enable location services remotely.
Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Obtain user consent where required.
Properly supervised or managed devices make bypassing difficult, especially with restricted settings.
Minimal battery impact is expected if managed efficiently, especially with optimized location tracking policies.