Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning for location on Google Android 15
Location
Sensitivity 3/5
Default: On
Phones / Google Android 15 / 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, tap Location, select Location services, and turn off both Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning.
Usually found under: Settings > Location > Location services
Menu names may differ by device and version.
What you lose
Indoor location positioning and initial location lock speed may be slightly reduced.
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.