Calm: How to Turn Off Its Radar (Geolocation) and Mute Notifications for Good

You're trying to zen out with Calm, but your phone buzzes with a push notification about a new sleep story, and the app's been tracking your location all day. That's not mindfulness—that's a privacy and battery nightmare. Let's fix it.

Why Does Calm Want My Exact Location?

Calm uses location to suggest local content or time-based features (like sunset wind-downs). But it doesn't need your precise coordinates—and constant GPS pings drain your battery. Under the California CCPA, you have the right to opt out of data collection for targeted ads, but location tracking for app functionality isn't covered. So you have to manually shut it off.

How to Revoke Location Permissions on iOS

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to your iPhone's Settings app, scroll down to "Calm," and tap it.

Step 2: Tap Location

You'll see "Location" with a status like "While Using the App." Tap it.

Step 3: Choose "Never"

Select "Never" to block all location access. Or pick "Ask Next Time" if you want control later. That's it—Calm can't track you anymore.

How to Revoke Location Permissions on Android

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to Settings > Apps > Calm (or search for Calm in the app list).

Step 2: Tap Permissions

Under "Permissions," tap "Location."

Step 3: Select "Deny"

Choose "Deny" to remove location access. For extra privacy, also check "Allow only while using the app" if you want it temporarily—but denying is best.

How to Disable Notifications on iOS

Step 1: Settings > Calm

Back in Settings > Calm, tap "Notifications."

Step 2: Toggle Off "Allow Notifications"

Flip the switch to off. You can also customize which alerts you get (like sounds or badges) if you want to keep some.

How to Disable Notifications on Android

Step 1: Settings > Apps > Calm

Tap "Notifications" in the app info screen.

Step 2: Turn Off All Notifications

Toggle off "Show notifications." Or tap each category (like "Reminders") and disable individually.

After you do this, Calm will still work—you just won't get pestered. Your battery will thank you, and your location data stays private. Compared to the American model under the California CCPA, where you can opt out of sale of personal info, Calm's tracking is more about app functionality than ad targeting. But that doesn't mean you have to accept it. Take control.

Think of Calm's location tracking like a clingy friend who always wants to know where you are. You can still hang out—just set boundaries. And notifications? They're like that friend who texts you every five minutes. Mute them. Your peace of mind is worth it.