How to Turn Off Location on Instagram: iPhone, iPad, Android

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Learn how to turn off Instagram location services completely

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: May 18, 2025 Fact Checked

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Disabling on iPhone &iPad

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Disabling on Android

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What is Precise Location?

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Who can see your location?

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Sharing Live Location

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Video

With the new Instagram update, some users have the option to share their location for improved post tagging. You can even share your live location with friends in a direct message. If you don't want Instagram to share or show your location, you can easily disable it. Here's how to turn off Precise Location on Instagram using your iPhone, iPad, or Android.

Quick Steps

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Tap Location Services.
Tap Instagram.
Toggle off Precise Location or select Never.

Section 1 of 5:

Disabling Location on iPhone and iPad

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It is represented by a series of overlapping gears.
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This option is at the top of the menu.^{[2]
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Instagram on the page. The Location Services page will list the apps on your iOS device in alphabetical order. Scroll through the list and tap on Instagram once you find it.^{[3]
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Toggle off "Precise Location." You will see a switch at the bottom of the page indicating whether precise location is enabled or not. Ensure the switch is toggled to the off position (it will be grey as opposed to green) to disable precise location. Your changes are saved automatically.
- If you don't want Instagram to access your location at all, select Never at the top of the page.

Section 2 of 5:

Disabling Location on Android

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Pull down your notifications panel and tap on the small gear icon.^{[4]
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This opens your Android's location settings.
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Tap Instagram. Now you'll see all of Instagram's location permissions, including whether it can access your precise location.
- If you don't see this option, return to your home screen. Tap and hold the Instagram app icon > App info > Permissions > Location.
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Toggle off "Use precise location." You will see a switch at the bottom of the page indicating whether precise location is enabled or not. Ensure the switch is toggled to the off position (it will be dark grey as opposed to a lighter shade) to disable precise location services. Your changes are saved automatically.
- You may also consider selecting "Don't allow" at the top of the page if you don't want Instagram to ever use your location.

Section 3 of 5:

What is Precise Location on Instagram?

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Precise Location tells Instagram your location for tag suggestions. When you upload posts on Instagram, you have the option to add a location. For example, if you're visiting a famous landmark, you can choose to tag the city it's in so others may be more familiar. This feature isn't shared directly with other users; you must add the tag manually.
- In a new Instagram update, you can now share your location with others in a direct message. This feature isn't available for everyone.
- Instagram may also use your location to analyze your usage and other data compared to others in your location.

Section 4 of 5:

Who can see your Instagram location?

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Users can only see places in your tagged posts. Precise Location won't give out your direct address. Instagram uses this location to recommend tags for your uploaded photo or video posts. If you'd prefer to keep your location private, you can choose not to include any location tags in your post, or you can disable Precise Location entirely.
- If you chose to share your location in a direct message, you'll need to tap Stop sharing location to end it. This feature isn't available for all users.^{[5]
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Section 5 of 5:

Sharing Your Live Location

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Open the Instagram app. If you aren't already logged in, enter your information to do so now.
- You must have your Location Services enabled to use this feature.
- Keep in mind this feature isn't available for all users.
Tap the airplane icon and select a chat. If you want to start a new one, tap the pencil and paper icon, and then select a user.
This is at the bottom-right corner, next to the text field. A pop-up menu will open.
Keep in mind the max duration a live location can be shared is one hour. After this, your location will no longer be visible. You can also choose to stop sharing your location.
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Tap Share your location. This is at the bottom. Your location will be sent in the chat.
- If you want to view a larger map with your current location and time remaining, tap View location below your message.
- To stop sharing, tap Stop sharing location.