Instagram May Be Tracking Your Every Move — Without You Realising
Instagram users are being warned over a hidden setting that could be revealing their exact location to strangers — without their knowledge.
This “precise location” feature can pinpoint where you are in real time, which can leave users vulnerable to stalking, burglaries, or unwanted attention.
The alarming part? Most people don’t know it’s switched on by default.
How to check if you’re affected:
- Go into your phone’s Settings
- Scroll to Instagram → Location
- Change “Allow Location Access” to Never or Ask Next Time
- Check if Precise Location is switched on — and turn it off immediately
Instagram’s precise location setting can pinpoint your home or current whereabouts to within a few metres. Turning it off is one of the simplest ways to protect your privacy and safety.
Glenn Flannery, Group Commercial Director at Spy Alarms, says:
Think Before You Post
Delay the out-and-about selfies until you’re home, and never tag your location in real-time. Avoiding content that reveals too much about your daily routine can help protect your privacy—and your safety.
Be Smart With Socials
Whether you're on Snapchat, Instagram, or TikTok, make sure your settings are private, and you’re not giving away more than you think.
Tech Accountability
Platforms should take more responsibility in helping users understand how visible and vulnerable their posts are, particularly around live posting.
Limit Luxury Displays
Showing off expensive gadgets, jewellery, or vehicles online can attract unwanted attention. Keep the more valuable items offline or only share them with trusted circles.
Secure Your Home
Consider installing smart CCTV cameras and video doorbells to monitor your property in real-time, especially when you’re out. These devices can alert you to suspicious activity and provide evidence if a crime occurs.