Shortcut to turn on/off location

It seems there's no direct shortcut to do that. Only thing you are able to do is to create a shortcut on Home Screen which opens the Settings page directly

1. Launch Apple Shortcuts
2. Create new shortcut
3. Add action "Open URL" (with Safari icon)
4. As URL put the "prefs:root=Privacy&path=LOCATION/LOCATION_SHARING" (without quotes)
5. Save
6. Pin to Home screen

Shame there's no shortcut for directly start and stop sharing my location since I want start sharing when cycling and end when I'm done – guess it's same as OP's question, but without turning it off completely. For me it's the matter of safety. Unfortunately, it seems there's no other way in current iOS (16.4).

It appears notably questionable that Apple has omitted a straightforward method to disable location services in entirety, necessitating users to undertake a burdensome process of manual navigation each time they wish to deactivate such tracking. This arrangement raises concerns about user autonomy over personal data, safety, and the discretion to choose if and when to allow tracking by applications or the operating system. Given the context of a trillion-dollar technology corporation, one might infer that such design choices are deliberate, potentially aimed at dissuading users from frequently disabling location services. This perception invites scrutiny regarding the balance between user convenience and corporate strategy in technology design.

This was extremely helpful, thank you! I modified it slightly to get me to land right at the location folder--it worked like a charm. I do have a related question. Do you happen to know where I could find a list of all of the settings paths? Meaning in your example you provided "...root=Privacy&path=LOCATION..." to be able to get to the Location folder. I'd like to setup a similar shortcuts to get to other areas within Settings, but I don't know what they're officially called (I would have never been able to guess "Privacy&path"). I am trying to setup a shortcut to quickly open the password manager and attempted to modify the URL you provided in your example to suit this need, but haven't had any luck. I'm guessing it's not working for me b/c my guesses at the name of "Passwords" isn't correct. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration!

The whole point of the thread was to find an automated way to do this or create a one click shortcut button for this feature. Obviously going the long route does work, but there is no way to set automation to turn it off or on based on location or time like everything else. I thought the initial topic of this thread was about automation..

Giomrc21 wrote:

Thank you so much, I hope they add this feature asap because it would be very helpful

Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions. However, you can let them know what you'd like to see in the future here:

Product Feedback - Apple

AppAndrew wrote:

Thanks, I have left feedback but as I'm way back on IOS 15 I'm not too optimistic.

Having done some research I agree that Location probably isn't harming battery life much until an app starts using Location.

I will worry less about the Location issue and await Apple's IOS update with a Location widget!

Even when an app uses location it is the app using energy, not Location Services.

AppAndrew wrote:

I just would like one for Location.

Tell Apple:

Product Feedback - Apple

When Location is on does this mean the GPS is on?

I am trying to save iPad battery and have no need to have Location on in normal use.

Is there a script/shortcut to turn the Location off via an icon or widget?

I have the iPad set to power on with Location Off but the permitted apps, when used, turn it on and leave it on.

I don't understand why Apple, in the pulldown menu top right of iPad screen, where there are on/off icons for most things there isn't one for Location.

Privacy and battery life are my two top issues and to have to go into Settings all the time is a hassle when I simply want the default to be Location off.

I have an Android phone and the Home screen top pulldown control bar has Location included.

Thanks

AppAndrew wrote:

When Location is on does this mean the GPS is on?

I am trying to save iPad battery and have no need to have Location on in normal use.

Which type of iPad to you have? If you have a WiFi only iPad, it doesn't have a GPS chip at all and gets its location data from WiFi.

I have an Android phone and the Home screen top pulldown control bar has Location included.

iPadOS and Android are very different in a lot of ways. If you want a tablet that works like your phone, consider getting an Android based tablet.

This iPad does have GPS as it's an Air 2 with LTE. I use it for yacht navigation.

I understand IOS isn't Android but my house is very different from yours but they've both got doors and windows!

The top right iPad pulldown has a widget with switches for Airplane mode, mobile data, Bluetooth, Wifi, Airdrop and Hotspot which are very useful.

I just would like one for Location.

Best regards

You’re looking in the wrong place to save energy. Location uses practically no energy. And if it is off, when you lose the iPad you won’t be able to find it using Find My.

And Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use no energy either, unless they are connected.

Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities Giomrc21,

The following steps should help you accomplish your goal:

How to turn Location Services on or off for specific apps

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

2. Make sure that Location Services is on.

3. Scroll down to find the app.

4. Tap the app and select an option:

* Never: Prevents access to Location Services information.

* Ask Next Time Or When I Share: This allows you to choose Always While Using App, Allow Once, or Don't Allow.

* While Using the App: Allows access to Location Services only when the app or one of its features is visible on screen. If an app is set to While Using the App, you might see your status bar turn blue with a message that an app is actively using your location.

* Always: Allows access to your location even when the app is in the background.

From here, apps should provide an explanation of how the app will use your location information. Some apps might offer only two options.

Turn Location Services and GPS on or off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Cheers!

flnvaz wrote:

It appears notably questionable that Apple has omitted a straightforward method to disable location services in entirety, necessitating users to undertake a burdensome process of manual navigation each time they wish to deactivate such tracking. This arrangement raises concerns about user autonomy over personal data, safety, and the discretion to choose if and when to allow tracking by applications or the operating system. Given the context of a trillion-dollar technology corporation, one might infer that such design choices are deliberate, potentially aimed at dissuading users from frequently disabling location services. This perception invites scrutiny regarding the balance between user convenience and corporate strategy in technology design.

Apple doesn't read here for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

I'm not sure why going to Settings>Privacy & Security>Location Services>Location Services>Off isn't working for you.

Note that if you are in the U.S., your location will still be available to 911. Apple is not allowed to disable that.

I'm trying this. It all seems to work inside the Shortcuts App properly, but after step #6 the shortcut on the home screen does not open the settings/Locations link.

Apple must have put a stop to it?

[Edited by Moderator] 

flnvaz wrote:

The whole point of the thread was to find an automated way to do this or create a one click shortcut button for this feature. Obviously going the long route does work, but there is no way to set automation to turn it off or on based on location or time like everything else. I thought the initial topic of this thread was about automation..

Your reply is directed to the original poster. However, I suspect you made a mistake and meant to respond to me.

You said in your post, the only one to which I was replying, "It appears notably questionable that Apple has omitted a straightforward method to disable location services in entirety, necessitating users to undertake a burdensome process of manual navigation each time they wish to deactivate such tracking." You didn't mention automation. My response was not sarcastic, but was intended to elicit more information. I'm sorry that you find a couple taps on the screen so burdensome as to question Aple's entire privacy policy. Again, you should let Apple know your thougths.