Snapchat gives you the ability to share your location with friends through the Snap Map. This has led some users to wonder – does Snapchat continue sharing your location even when you’re not actively using the app?
Does Snapchat track your location when the app is closed?
The short answer is: no, Snapchat does not track or share your location when the app is completely closed. Snapchat only accesses your location when the app is open and being actively used. Once you fully close out of the Snapchat app, it stops accessing your phone’s location services.
This means if the Snapchat app is not open on your phone and running in the background, your real-time location is not being tracked or shared with anyone on your friends list. Your location on the Snap Map will remain static until the next time you open the Snapchat app.
Does background app refresh change this?
Even if you have background app refresh enabled for Snapchat, the app will not continue accessing your location when completely closed. Background app refresh allows apps to refresh content and data when you are not directly using them. However, enabling this feature does not permit Snapchat to bypass your phone’s location access settings.
Snapchat cannot continue to track or share your location through background app refresh on iOS or Android. Your permission for location access only applies when the app is open – Snapchat cannot obtain location data when closed, even with background app refresh on.
Can Snapchat track your location if the app is minimized?
If the Snapchat app is open but minimized or running in the background on your phone, it may be able to approximate your location using other data points. However, it will not have access to your precise, real-time location through your phone’s GPS.
On iOS, Snapchat cannot precisely track your location if the app is minimized or in the background. This is due to Apple’s privacy restrictions on background location access. However, the app may be able to glean an approximate location based on WiFi networks or cell towers.
The situation is less restricted on Android. It is possible for Snapchat to continue accessing GPS location data if the app is open but minimized. This depends on your specific Android device and OS version. However, you will receive a notification that Snapchat is accessing your location in the background.
When does Snapchat access your location?
Snapchat only directly accesses and shares your real-time location when:
- The Snapchat app is open and being actively used
- You have location services enabled for Snapchat
- You are logged into your Snapchat account
- You have opted into location sharing on Snap Map
If any of these conditions are not met, Snapchat does not have access to precise GPS location data that can be shared on the Snap Map. It only receives your location when the app is open and active.
How does Snapchat use location data?
Snapchat uses your location data for a few different features when permitted:
- Snap Map – Share your real-time location with friends on a map
- Location stickers – Add location stickers to snaps and stories based on where you are
- Location-based filters – Apply filters and lenses based on nearby locations
- Ads – Provide relevant advertising based on places you frequently visit
However, the company states that it does not use or store location data to serve ads based on your precise location history over time. Location data is only temporarily retained while the Snapchat app is actively running.
How to stop Snapchat from accessing your location
If you want to completely disable Snapchat’s access to any location data, there are a few steps you can take:
- Open the Snapchat app settings
- Go to Manage -> Additional Services -> Manage
- Tap Location Services
- Select None to completely disable location access
This will stop Snapchat from having access to your GPS location, even when the app is open and active. You will no longer be able to share your location on Snap Map or use location stickers and filters.
Temporarily disabling location access
You can also take the following steps to only temporarily disable location access:
- Open the Snapchat app
- Tap the settings gear icon
- Go to See My Location and select Ghost Mode
This will prevent Snapchat from updating your location until you disable Ghost Mode. However, it will continue accessing your location in the background.
Adjust iOS location services settings
On iOS, you can managing Snapchat’s access to location services by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Location Services. From there you can select:
- Never – Disable location access entirely
- While Using the App – Only allow location access when app open and active
- Always – Allow location access at all times
Does Snapchat notify you about location tracking?
Snapchat provides notifications when it is actively tracking and sharing your location. On iOS, you will see an arrow icon in the status bar. On Android, you will receive a persistent notification that says “Snapchat is using your location.”
These notifications indicate that your real-time location is currently being accessed and updated. If you do not see the location tracking notification, then Snapchat is not accessing your GPS coordinates at that moment.
Is Snapchat accessing location in the background?
If you see the persistent notification about Snapchat using your location, it means the app is running in the background and actively tracking your current position. This normally only happens if the app is minimized but still open.
On both iOS and Android you can check which apps are using your location by going to the system Settings -> Location. This will show a list of apps with recent location access.
Does Snapchat use location when you’re not using Snap Map?
Even if you don’t actively use the Snap Map location sharing feature, Snapchat may still access your location in the background for other purposes like providing relevant filters and advertising.
So Snapchat may utilize location data even if you haven’t opted into Snap Map. The only way to completely prevent any location access is to disable it in the app settings or device settings.
Is Snapchat location tracking always accurate?
Snapchat’s location tracking is generally accurate when the app has a good GPS signal and internet connection. However, like other apps, its location accuracy can be affected by:
- Poor cell/WiFi signal
- Large buildings/structures blocking GPS
- Outdated cell tower triangulation data
- Varying accuracy of GPS hardware in different phones
So while Snapchat tries to pinpoint and share your precise location whenever possible, it doesn’t necessarily reflect your exact coordinates at all times.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapchat only directly accesses and shares your real-time GPS location when the app is open and you are actively using it. Once the app is closed or running in the background, Snapchat no longer receives updated location data.
The only exception is on certain Android devices where minimized apps can still access location. But iOS has restrictions in place to prevent background location tracking when the app is not in use.
Disabling location services entirely for Snapchat or toggling on Ghost Mode stops the app from receiving any location updates. While useful, Snapchat’s location sharing also raises privacy concerns that users should weigh carefully.
But overall, you can rest assured knowing Snapchat is not tracking your every move when you’re not using the app. Your location only updates in real time while Snapchat is open on your phone screen.