The location tracking feature in Android smartphones makes it easier to use certain apps like Google Maps and Uber. For example, turning on the location feature on your phone makes it easier for you to locate the nearest diner or bank. However, enabling your phone's location services has security implications.

When using an Android smartphone for the first time, users receive a prompt from apps like Google to enable location services. Users may decide to accept it because it’s convenient — no need to enable it every time you open an app. But that also means letting Google track all your activities.

When you use your Android smartphone for the first time, you’ll be asked about location services and whether you want to turn them on. Google and your carrier will ask you to approve their own location services as well. What you might not know is that there are other options for location services with Android that can affect your device’s security.