PhonePe: How to Turn Off the Radar (Location) and Mute Notifications for Good

Why Does PhonePe Need My Exact Location?

PhonePe uses your location to show nearby merchants and enable UPI payments at stores. But do you really need it when you're just sending money to a friend? Probably not. The app can still work without precise GPS—just turn it off in settings.

How to Disable Location Permissions on PhonePe

On Android

Go to Settings > Apps > PhonePe > Permissions > Location. Tap and select Deny or Allow only while using the app (if you want it only during payments). For extra privacy, choose Deny entirely.

On iOS

Open Settings > PhonePe > Location. Tap Never to block all access. If you prefer occasional use, pick While Using the App—but remember, iOS will still show a blue bar when it's active.

How to Turn Off PhonePe Notifications

On Android

Long-press the PhonePe icon > tap App Info > Notifications. Toggle off all categories, or keep only critical ones like payment confirmations. You can also go to Settings > Apps > PhonePe > Notifications.

On iOS

Go to Settings > PhonePe > Notifications. Toggle Allow Notifications off. Done. No more spam about cashbacks or offers.

Bonus: Revoke Background Data Access

On Android, go to Settings > Apps > PhonePe > Mobile data & Wi-Fi and toggle off Background data. This stops PhonePe from refreshing in the background, saving battery and data. On iOS, you can disable Background App Refresh in Settings > General > Background App Refresh > PhonePe.

CCPA Reality Check: Your Data, Your Rules

Compared to the American model under the California CCPA or CPRA, Indian apps like PhonePe often lack the same level of transparency. Under CCPA, you have the right to know what data is collected and to opt out of its sale. PhonePe's privacy policy does mention data sharing with third parties, but the opt-out process is less straightforward. The CPRA goes further, requiring businesses to minimize data collection. PhonePe's location tracking, even when not needed, feels like overreach. So take control: revoke permissions and mute notifications. Your privacy is worth it.

PhonePe's tracking is stickier than duct tape on arm hair—but with these steps, you can peel it off cleanly.