X

How to prevent Facebook Messenger from sharing your location

Facebook Messenger sends your current location to message recipients by default. Here's how to turn it off.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jason Cipriani

Facebook Messenger on your iPhone or Android will send message recipients your location by default. This can be a huge privacy concern for some users. Luckily, you're only a few taps away from preventing Facebook Messenger from sharing your location.

As you saw in the video, for iOS users you will need to open Settings > Location Services and turn location off for Facebook Messenger.

For Android users, you can disable location in the Facebook Messenger app itself. Tap on the menu icon > Settings > Location Services and uncheck the box that enables location services for the app.

By disabling location sharing for the entire app, you don't have to remember to turn off location sharing each time you enter a conversation. If you want to block Facebook from using your location altogether, make sure you check out Sharon Vaknin's post. Of course, if you change your mind down the road and want to start sharing your location with your contacts, you can follow the same process to enable sharing.