Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning for location on Nothing OS 4
Location
Sensitivity 3/5
Default: On
Phones / Nothing OS 4 / Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning for location
The operating system scans for nearby radios even when your main wireless toggles are turned off. This information is used to estimate device location indoors and in dense urban areas.
- Goes to
- Default
- On
- Control
- Can be switched off
- Effort
- a few seconds
How to do it
Open Settings, search for 'scanning', and toggle off both 'Wi-Fi scanning' and 'Bluetooth scanning'.
Menu names may differ by device and version.
What you lose
Location acquisition when GPS signals are weak will be slower and less accurate.
What is collected
Bssid identifiers, bluetooth beacons, signal strength, timestamps.
It assists location-based apps and services by accelerating position fixes while consuming less battery power than GPS.
Retention is not stated here. The sensitivity rating is this site's own estimate.