Apple Maps quietly keeps a record of places you visit, building a location history that can be used to improve navigation, suggestions, and personalized recommendations. While this data can make Maps smarter, many users are surprised to learn just how much location information is stored by default.

The good news is simple: you can turn this tracking off in a few steps. Here’s what Apple Maps records, why it does it, and exactly how you can stop it.

What Apple Maps Tracks on Your iPhone

Apple Maps uses a feature commonly referred to as Significant Locations. This allows your iPhone to remember places you frequently visit, such as:

  • Home and work locations

  • Regular commute routes

  • Frequently visited stores or restaurants

  • Travel patterns over time

Apple states this data is encrypted and tied to your device, not shared publicly. Still, for privacy-focused users, any long-term location record may feel unnecessary.

Why Apple Maps Stores This Data

The tracking exists to make Apple Maps more helpful. It enables features such as:

  • Faster route suggestions

  • Proactive traffic alerts

  • Smarter arrival time predictions

  • Better local recommendations

However, these conveniences come at the cost of maintaining a historical location log, which some users prefer to keep disabled.

How to Turn Off Apple Maps Visit Tracking (Step-by-Step)

You can disable location history directly from your iPhone settings.

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to Settings on your iPhone.

Step 2: Navigate to Privacy & Security

Tap Privacy & Security, then select Location Services.

Step 3: Open System Services

Scroll down and tap System Services.

Step 4: Tap Significant Locations

Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.

Step 5: Turn It Off

Toggle Significant Locations off to stop Apple Maps from saving your visit history.

Optional: Clear Existing History

You can also delete previously stored location data from this screen.

What Happens After You Disable It

Turning off location history does not break Apple Maps. You will still be able to:

  • Navigate normally

  • Get turn-by-turn directions

  • Use real-time traffic updates

However, you may lose some personalization, such as automatic commute suggestions or frequently visited place shortcuts.

Who Should Turn This Off

This setting is especially worth reviewing if you:

  • Care deeply about digital privacy

  • Share your device with family members

  • Travel frequently and want less tracking

  • Prefer manual control over smart suggestions

If convenience matters more than privacy, leaving it on may still make sense. The choice should be intentional.