Instagram’s latest updates, including its new feature “Instagram Map”, raise user privacy concerns around location sharing, this has many people wanting to know how to turn off Instagram location to protect their privacy and that is why in this updated guide I will show you how to disable your location tracking completely at the device and all app levels, including any new features that may have been added in the in-app settings in 2025.
Many users are increasingly concerned about data privacy, making it essential to understand how to turn off Instagram location to keep your whereabouts private.
Instagram is now using a combination of GPS, IP address, and device metadata to show your location on all posts, Instagram Stories, and Instagram Map a location feature intended for sharing your recent active location with selected friends, giving them access to your activity history.
While this allows users to connect in new and unique ways, it does create privacy risks that have revolutionized user privacy concerns from real-time location sharing making users vulnerable to stalking, doxxing, and privacy issues never before expected and nevertheless puts more and more people at risk.
If you’re serious about safeguarding your personal information, mastering how to turn off Instagram location completely is crucial in today’s digital age.
Learning how to turn off Instagram location and stop sharing it with friends when connecting with them is vital to:
Stop others from seeing your live location on the Instagram Map.
Stop automatic geotags from being added to your posts and stories.
Stop Instagram from collecting geolocation data with as much precision as it could.
Control who gets to see your location if sharing is enabled.
How to Turn Off Instagram Location on Your Device (iOS & Android)
Your first step in controlling location sharing will be disabling Instagram’s access to location services on your phone. Learning how to turn off Instagram location is not only about disabling device permissions but also about reviewing in-app settings regularly for comprehensive privacy control.
To disable Instagram’s access for location services using iOS (iPhone & iPad):
Open the Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
Select Privacy & Security > Location Services.
Scroll down, then find Instagram in the list.
Choose Never to deny Instagram access for your location completely.
To disable Instagram’s access for location services on an Android:
These settings will block access to GPS location services, preventing Instagram from tracking your device’s location in real time.
How to Turn Off Instagram Location Inside the Instagram App (2025 Updates)
For those concerned about privacy breaches, knowing exactly how to turn off Instagram location can save you from unwanted tracking and data exposure. Instagram recently rolled out new options inside the app that allow you to manage location sharing even more precisely:
Disabling Instagram Map Location Sharing
Instagram Map will show your most recently active location to friends you choose, but it is turned off by default. If you turned this feature on, you can easily disable location sharing from your initial settings:
Tap the Settings (gear) icon in the top right on the map screen.
Select No one under “Who can see your location”.
Confirm your selection.
This completely disables sharing of your current or recent location via the Instagram Map. Instagram’s new location features may seem convenient, but taking the time to learn how to turn off Instagram location ensures you stay in control of your personal data.
Disable Location Sharing with Stories and Live Videos
You can also manage location sharing on a specific basis for Stories and Live:
Go to your Profile > tap the menu (three lines) > Settings.
Tap Privacy > Story.
Find LocationSharing and toggle off or select visibility to “No one“.
Remove Location Tags on Posts
When posting new photos or videos:
Tap Add Location and remove any pre-objected location tags to remove geo-tagging.
Add a Custom Location Label (Optional)
If you want to share a general location without revealing your precise spot:
Use the Custom Location option when adding a location, and type a broader area name (like city or town).
Additional Privacy Tips for Instagram Location
Use a VPN to hide your IP and location online, which then helps to further obfuscate where you truly are physically.
Routinely audit app permissions for Instagram not only location but camera, microphone, contacts, etc.
Review second- or third-party apps regardless of the above permissions to check, that no non-affiliated apps know your location.
In 2025, the newly launched Instagram Map Feature and location functionality has amplified concerns over location privacy. Knowing how to turn off Instagram location now includes more than just blocking location permissions at the device level; however, it now means auditing in-app settings on Instagram carefully. By disabling location permissions on your device and opting out of location sharing while on Instagram, your privacy is ensured.
If you want to ensure your longitude and latitude remain private when it comes to Instagram in 2025, you will want to considers the following steps:
Turn off all location permissions on your device (iOS/Android).
Turn off any Instagram Map location sharing inside the app.
Turn off location sharing last in Stories and Live settings.
Remove location geotags from your public posts or use customized location labels for privacy.
In this way moving forward, you are entitled to hid your location while enjoying Instagram features safely.