Websites that use Location-Aware Browsing can request your location to provide more relevant results or reduce the need for manual input.
For example, if you are searching for a coffee shop nearby, a website can use your location so that a simple search for “coffee” returns local results. Similarly, when using mapping services, your starting location can be detected automatically, so you only need to enter your destination.
How Does it Work?
When you visit a location-aware website, your browser will ask whether you want to share your location.
If you allow it, the browser collects information from nearby wireless networks and your IP address. It then sends this information to a geolocation service provider, including Google Location Services, to estimate your location. This estimate is then shared with the website requesting it.
If you do not allow access, no location data is shared.
How to Disable Location-Aware Browsing
Here is how to disable this feature in the most common browsers.
Microsoft Edge
In the left sidebar, select Cookies and site permissions.
Scroll down to All permissions and click Location.
Toggle Ask before accessing (recommended) to the Off position.
Note: When this setting is turned off, Microsoft Edge will automatically block websites from accessing your precise location.
Firefox
- Type
about:configin the address bar and press Enter. - Confirm the warning message.
- Search for
geo.enabled. - Double-click it to disable Location-Aware Browsing.
Google Chrome
- Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security > Site Settings.
- Click Location.
- Select “Don’t allow sites to see your location.”
Opera
- Click the menu icon in the top-left corner and open Full browser settings.
- Go to Security and Privacy > Site Settings.
- Click Location.
- Disable location access if it is not already turned off.
If the instructions above do not match your browser, contact your browser’s support for updated guidance on disabling Location-Aware Browsing.