The design of the AirPods is stunning. Their sound quality is also very high, which makes it easy to listen to music, podcasts, and calls. Another unique feature is that you can track them easily through the Find My app if they get lost. But sometimes, you want to turn off this feature for privacy reasons. In this article, we will learn how to turn off the location of AirPods.
Table of Contents
What is AirPods Location Tracking?
Before we go into detail, first understand what location tracking in AirPods means. To see this feature, you can use Fund My App. This tells you where your AirPods are currently located. If you lose them, it is easy to find them, but you can also turn off this feature for privacy reasons.
Steps to Turn Off Location Tracking on AirPods
Step 1: Open the “Find My” App
First, go to your iPhone’s settings and open the Find My app. This app will be pre-installed on your device. Its icon resembles a green circle with a blue dot in the middle.
Step 2: Find Your AirPods
When you open the Find My app, you will see a list of all connected Apple devices. Search for AirPods from the list. They should be listed by name, like “John’s AirPods.”
Step 3: Open Device Options
Tap on your AirPods to open their options. Here, you’ll see information about your AirPods, like their last known location and battery status.
Step 4: Remove AirPods from Your Account
To prevent tracking, remove your AirPods from your Apple ID account. Find the “Remove this device” option and tap on it. Confirm when asked.
Things to Consider
Privacy vs. Security
Turning off location tracking increases your privacy, but if you lose your AirPods, you won’t be able to find them. Before turning off this feature, know what is more important to you.
“Find My” Network
When you remove Airpods from the Find My app, it means that if you were previously able to locate your Airpods from other Apple devices, you will no longer be able to locate them. This feature can help find lost gadgets.
Re-Enabling Tracking
If you want to enable this feature later, you must connect the AirPods to the device again, go to Settings, and enable the Find My option. This is easy but requires a few extra steps.
Alternatives to Turning Off Location Tracking
There are options if you’re concerned about privacy and don’t want to turn off tracking completely.
Use “Do Not Disturb”
Instead of completely turning off Find My feature tracking, you can turn on the “ Do Not Disturb” options, which allow you to set a limit on notifications.
Adjust Location Settings
Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and adjust which apps can access your location. This can give you more control over your privacy.
Common Misconceptions About AirPods Location Tracking
AirPods Are Always Trackable:
- Some people think that, like an iPhone, AirPods can be tracked all the time, but this is not the case at all. They can be tracked only when they are close to the device and their battery is charged.
Turning Off Bluetooth Stops Tracking:
- It’s a common belief that turning off Bluetooth on your phone can’t track AirPods. But even with Bluetooth off, you can track their last known location with the Find My app if they have been connected before.
AirPods Have GPS Like Phones:
- Many people think that AirPods use GPS like a smartphone. AirPods are connected with Bluetooth; they do not use GPS, and their tracking location is also limited.
AirPods Can Be Tracked Without Connection:
- Some people think that AirPods can be tracked even if they are not connected to a device. This is false because Find My App will not update its location if you do not connect it to the Apple device.
All AirPods Models Track the Same Way:
- People also often believe that all AirPods models have the same tracking feature. However, the tracking ability is slightly better in newer models and essential in older models.
Location Tracking Invades Privacy:
- Some people also worry that the location-tracking feature used in Airpods could be a little risky for their privacy. But the reality is quite the opposite. Location data helps you find your missed AirPods and secures your privacy.
You Can Completely Turn Off AirPods Location Tracking:
- Some even think they can stop tracking AirPods altogether. But when you disconnect them, you also limit tracking; by doing this, only you will be able to know their last known location.
Conclusion
Turning off the tracking location at your Airpods is easy, but there are steps to follow. Although doing so protects your privacy, it also means you won’t be able to find your AirPods if they get lost. Think about what is more important to you and choose the one that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you stop AirPods from being tracked?
You can remove Airpods from being tracked by removing your Apple ID from the Find My app. This will turn off the tracking feature and increase your privacy.
2. Can AirPods be tracked if the location is off?
You cannot track them if you turn off location services and remove your AirPods from the “Find My” app. The tracking feature depends on which location services are enabled.
3. Can I still use my AirPods if they’re not connected to “Find My”?
Even if your AirPods are connected to the Find My app, their audio functions still work correctly. You can listen to music very well and also make calls.