How do I switch on my location and change my location settings?
Your device uses a combination of Wi-Fi, GPS and mobile networks to determine your location. This allows you to use location-based apps such as Pokemon Go or Google Maps, or to help you locate your phone if it is lost or stolen.
Different accuracy settings allow you to choose whether to more accurately pin-point your location or reduce accuracy in order to save data usage or battery power.
Certain apps may not be available in different regions. If you move countries, you will need to change your default country in the Google Play app in order to access local apps.
Please note: you can also switch location on and off in Settings. The location of the setting will be different depending on your device or operating system.
For devices running on Pie and above, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Location
For devices running Nougat and Oreo, go to Settings > Connections > Location.
For older operating systems and devices, you will find it either in: Settings > Privacy & Safety > Privacy > Location OR Settings > Location
Your device has different settings to determine the location of your phone or tablet. High accuracy settings use multiple sources to accurately pinpoint your location but will use additional mobile data and power to do so.
Please note: the location of the setting will be different depending on your device or operating system
- For devices running Pie and up (newer devices) go to: Settings > Biometrics and security > Location
- For devices running Nougat and Oreo, go to: Settings > Connections > Location > Locating Method
- For older operating systems and devices, you will find it either in: Settings > Privacy & Safety > Privacy > Location > Locating Method
- OR Settings > Location > Mode
Mock Locations is available within the Developers Options on your device, and is generally used by developers to test GPS and location-based apps.
You will need to turn on the Developer Options menu in order to use Mock Locations on your device. Please note that the primary purpose of the developers menu is for developers to test apps and software. Making changes to your device via the developers menu may affect the running of your apps and system. Some location-based apps (especially games) will not work if Mock Location is turned on.
Your device has an option that allows it to be located in the event that it is misplaced, lost or stolen.
Find My Mobile allows you to locate, lock and wipe your device remotely, among other features. You will need to enable the Remote controls feature on your device before you can use the Find My Mobile service.
Please note: on some devices you may need to choose Lock screen and security or Security
Please note: you will need to have a Samsung account in order to enable remote controls. If you are not signed into a Saumsung account, you will be prompted to sign in or register
Google Location Service allows Google services such as Google Drive or Google Maps or Find My Device to locate your phone. You will need to enable the the Google Location Service on your device to use these services.
Please note: the location of the setting will be different depending on your device or operating system
- For devices running Pie and up (newer devices) go to: Settings > Biometrics and security > Find My Mobile
- For devices running Nougat and Oreo, go to: Settings > Security > Find My Mobile
- For older operating systems and devices, you will find it either in: Settings > Security > Find My Mobile
Please note: it is only possible to change your Play Store country once per year. For full information about Play Store country options, see Google Support
Please note: the 'Country and profiles' option will not appear if you are not currently in a new country (this will be based on your IP address) and or you have changed your country in the last year
If you're experiencing unusual behaviour on Samsung mobiles, tablets or wearables, you can send us an error report or ask us a question in the Samsung Members app.
This allows us to take a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about sending an error report through the Samsung Members app.
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