Noticed your iPhone’s location services acting up or just want to revoke permissions from apps that don’t need them anymore? Resetting your iPhone 12’s location and privacy settings is a quick way to start fresh without wiping your data.
Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps.
What Happens When You Reset Location & Privacy Settings?
This reset clears out all location and privacy preferences you’ve granted to apps. It doesn’t delete any of your data, but apps that previously had access to your location, camera, contacts, or microphone will ask for permission again the next time you use them.
When Should You Reset These Settings?
- After a major iOS update if some apps stop working correctly
- If too many apps have access to your location or private info
- To fix glitches with GPS or privacy-based features
- When troubleshooting misbehaving location-based apps
How to Reset Location and Privacy on iPhone 12
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the Home screen.
- Tap the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset (you’ll see this option at the bottom of the screen).
- Choose Reset Location & Privacy.
- Enter your device passcode when prompted.
- Tap Reset Settings on the confirmation popup.
That’s it—your location and privacy settings are now reset to factory defaults.
What to Do After the Reset
Apps will no longer have location or privacy permissions until you grant them again. The next time you open one that needs access (like Maps or Weather), you’ll get a pop-up asking for permission.
If any location-based app stops working properly after the reset, try force closing the app and reopening it—it might just need a quick refresh.