Chrome on Android now supports approximate instead of precise location sharing

Source: TechCrunch

In Brief

Posted: 8:54 AM PDT · May 6, 2026

Image Credits: Silas Stein/picture alliance / Getty Images

Chrome on Android now lets users share their approximate location with websites rather than their precise location, Google announced this week. The tech giant says that while some cases require precise location—such as placing a delivery order or finding the closest ATM—there are instances when an approximate location is sufficient, like accessing local weather and news.

“By letting you share your approximate location, we’re giving you more control over your location data,” Google explained in a blog post. “And you can still share your precise location when it’s needed — e.g., for navigation — so you won’t lose functionality.”

Image Credits: Google

Google plans to bring this feature to the desktop in the coming months. The company did not share a timeline for when, or if, the feature will launch for Chrome on iOS.

The company will also introduce new APIs that let web developers request either an approximate location or specify when a precise location is necessary. Google encourages developers to review their location needs and request precise location only when it’s essential for the site’s functionality.

The new feature is a small win for Android users, giving them more control over how much location data they share with websites.