Sharing your location via the Find My app helps friends and family stay connected, but sometimes, you need a little privacy. Whether you’re planning a surprise or just craving a low-key day, here’s how to pause your location in Find My without raising eyebrows.
Why Pause Your Location?

The Find My app updates your whereabouts in real time. But what if you want to:
- How about planning a surprise party without spoiling the secret?
- Enjoy a private getaway without constant check-ins?
- Avoid awkward questions about your location.
Pausing or faking your location gives you control. Let’s explore four simple methods.
Method 1: Use Airplane Mode for Instant Privacy
Quick but Restrictive:
- Swipe down from the top-right to open the Control Center.
- Tap the Airplane Mode icon (✈️).
- Done! Find My will show your last known location.
Drawback: You’ll lose calls, texts, and internet until you turn Airplane Mode off.
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Method 2: Disable Find My Location Services
Stop tracking without going offline:
- Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.
- Scroll to Find My → Tap it.
- Select Never.
Result: The app freezes your location until you re-enable tracking.
Method 3: Stop Sharing with One Person
Ideal for temporary privacy:
- Open Find My → Go to the People tab.
- Tap the person’s name → Stop Sharing My Location.
- Confirm with Stop Sharing Location.
Note: They’ll get a notification. Use this only if you’re okay with them knowing.
Method 4: Turn Off Share My Location
Go completely invisible:
- In the Find My app, tap the Me tab.
- Toggle off Share My Location.
Outcome: Everyone sees “Location Not Found.”
Bonus: Fake Your Location (Stealth Mode)
Keep sharing—but not your real spot:
- Use a spare iPhone/iPad signed into your Apple ID.
- On the backup device, open the Find My → Me tab.
- Tap Use This iPhone as My Location.
Pro Tip: Leave the backup device at home while you’re out. Friends see the fake spot, and you stay connected!
Which Method is Best?
- Need quick privacy? Use Airplane Mode.
- Avoid notifications? Fake your location with a backup device.
- Permanent fix? Disable Share My Location.
Stay Smart, Stay Private
Pausing your location has trade-offs:
- Airplane Mode cuts off calls.
- Disabling sharing alerts others.
- Faking requires extra gadgets.
For most users, faking your location with a backup device balances privacy and convenience.
Need Help? Drop a comment below! We’re here to guide you.
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