Etsy: How to Turn Off the Radar (Geolocation) and Silence Notifications Forever

Your phone buzzes again. Etsy wants to know where you are—again. Maybe it's for a "local shop" feature you never use, or just another notification about a sale on vintage spoons. Either way, it's annoying, drains your battery, and feels like a privacy violation. Let's fix that.

Why Does Etsy Want My Exact Location?

Etsy uses geolocation to show you local items and personalize ads. But do you really need a handmade mug from a shop three blocks away? Probably not. And those push notifications? They're designed to pull you back into the app, not to inform you of something urgent. The good news: you can shut both off.

How to Disable Geolocation on Etsy

On iPhone (iOS)

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Etsy.
3. Tap Location.
4. Select Never. (Or "While Using the App" if you want it only when actively shopping, but "Never" is safer for privacy.)
5. Also toggle off Precise Location if you keep it on—this gives only an approximate area.

On Android

1. Open Settings > Apps > Etsy.
2. Tap Permissions > Location.
3. Select Deny.
4. If you see "Allow only while using the app," choose Deny to be safe.

How to Turn Off Push Notifications on Etsy

On iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Notifications > Etsy.
2. Toggle off Allow Notifications. Or, if you want some but not all, customize below: disable Sounds, Badges, and Lock Screen alerts.

On Android

1. Open Settings > Apps > Etsy > Notifications.
2. Toggle off All notifications. Or tap each category (like "Promotions," "Orders") and disable individually.

Bonus: In-App Settings (Just in Case)

Open Etsy, tap your profile icon > Settings > Notifications. Here you can uncheck everything from "Daily Deals" to "Shop Updates." But remember: app-level settings can be overridden by system permissions, so always check your phone's main settings first.

Why This Matters (and a Little Humor)

Etsy's tracking is stickier than duct tape on arm hair. Every ping drains your battery and feeds a profile of your habits. Turning off location and notifications isn't just about peace and quiet—it's about taking back control. Plus, your phone will last longer between charges. Win-win.

CCPA and Your Privacy Rights

If you're in California, you have extra rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). Compared to the American model, Etsy must disclose what data it collects and let you opt out of sale or sharing. You can submit a request via Etsy's privacy portal. But disabling location and notifications is a faster, more direct way to limit data collection—no paperwork needed.