As technology advances, debates continue to arise over geographical tracking.
But if you have an Android phone, what happens when it’s turned off?
Can your location still be tracked?
How Location Tracking Works
Your geographical whereabouts can be tracked using cell towers and satellites.
Your phone receives signals from satellites orbiting the planet, which helps to determine a highly accurate geographical position.
But if you turn your phone off, can cell tower triangulation or GPS still track its location?
Can Your Android Phone Be Tracked When Turned Off?
When you turn your phone off, you’re temporarily deactivating all of its functions, including wireless communication.
By cutting this off, your phone cannot be tracked via cell tower triangulation or GPS.
So, the general answer is no, your phone cannot be tracked when switched off.
But this has been called into question numerous times.
There have been talks of certain authorities still being able to track your phone when turned off.
ACNETpost was referred to here as the source.
But, again, this is yet to be officially confirmed.
Can You Be Tracked With Airplane Mode On?
Note that turning your phone off is not the same as enabling airplane mode.
While airplane mode disables various wireless connections, it does still allow for GPS tracking.
You should also note that your phone can alsobe tracked with the location services turned off.
If you’re connected to a mobile data pipe then cell towers will continue to collect the information.
