Getting rid of the hollow arrow on your iPhone 13 is a simple process. Navigate to your iPhone’s “Settings,” then select “Privacy.” Next, tap on “Location Services” and scroll down to find the app that’s causing the hollow arrow to appear. Set the app’s location access to “Never,” “Ask Next Time,” or “While Using the App” depending on your preference. This action will remove the hollow arrow from your iPhone’s status bar.
After completing the action, the hollow arrow symbol, which indicates that an app is using your location in the background, will disappear from the status bar on your iPhone 13.
Introduction
Have you ever noticed a tiny, hollow arrow icon on the top right of your iPhone 13 and wondered what it means? If you’re like most iPhone users, you probably have a number of apps installed that request access to your location. This arrow is the subtle way your iPhone lets you know that an app is accessing your location in the background. While this feature can be useful for navigation apps or weather updates, it can also be a privacy concern and drain your battery life unnecessarily.
Understanding the importance of location services and the implications of the hollow arrow is essential for any iPhone user. It’s a matter of balancing convenience with privacy and battery performance. This article is relevant to iPhone 13 users who are concerned about their privacy, want to conserve battery life, or simply wish to understand and control which apps have access to their location data.
Step by Step Tutorial: Getting Rid of the Hollow Arrow on iPhone 13
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify that following this tutorial will help you manage your location settings better and ensure that only the apps you trust have access to your location.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone 13.
The “Settings” app is where you can adjust all your iPhone’s system preferences, including privacy settings.
Step 2: Tap on Privacy
Scroll down and tap on the “Privacy” option.
This section of the settings is dedicated to managing your permissions and data.
Step 3: Select Location Services
In the “Privacy” menu, select “Location Services.”
“Location Services” is the feature that allows apps to use information from cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS networks to determine your approximate location.
Step 4: Find the App
Scroll through the list of apps and find the one with the hollow arrow, indicating it’s using your location.
Apps are listed here with their location access status.
Step 5: Change Location Access
Tap on the app and choose “Never,” “Ask Next Time,” or “While Using the App” to change the location access.
“Never” will prevent the app from accessing your location entirely, “Ask Next Time” will prompt you for permission the next time the app is used, and “While Using the App” allows location access only when the app is in use.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Privacy | Setting stricter location permissions ensures that your whereabouts are not being tracked constantly by multiple apps, protecting your privacy. |
| Improved Battery Life | Preventing apps from accessing your location in the background can save battery life since location services can be quite power-hungry. |
| Greater Control | You have the power to decide which apps can access your location and when, giving you better control over your iPhone’s functionality. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Reduced App Functionality | Some apps may not function as intended without access to your location, such as navigation or weather apps. |
| Frequent Permission Prompts | Setting an app to “Ask Next Time” for location access may lead to frequent permission prompts, which can be annoying. |
| Manual Management | You need to manually manage the location settings for each app, which can be time-consuming if you have many apps installed. |
Additional Information
It’s important to note that the hollow arrow isn’t the only location icon you might see on your iPhone 13. A solid arrow indicates that an app has recently used your location, while a purple arrow means an app is currently using your location. Understanding these different indicators can help you better manage your privacy and battery life.
Another tip is to regularly review your location settings, especially after installing new apps. Some apps may default to always accessing your location, so it’s good practice to check your settings periodically. Additionally, iOS updates may introduce changes to location services, so staying updated on the latest features can help you maintain the right balance of privacy and convenience.
Lastly, remember that while managing location settings can enhance your privacy, it’s just one aspect of overall data security on your iPhone. Be sure to explore other privacy settings, such as those for camera, microphone, and contacts access, to fully protect your personal information.
Summary
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone 13.
- Tap on the “Privacy” option.
- Select “Location Services.”
- Find the app with the hollow arrow.
- Change the location access to “Never,” “Ask Next Time,” or “While Using the App.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the hollow arrow mean on my iPhone 13?
The hollow arrow indicates that an app is using your location in the background.
Will disabling location services for an app affect its performance?
It could, depending on the app. Navigation and weather apps, for example, need location access to function correctly.
Can I disable location services entirely?
Yes, you can turn off location services completely, but this will affect all apps and services that require location data.
How often should I check my location settings?
It’s a good idea to review your location settings whenever you install a new app or after an iOS update.
What’s the difference between the hollow arrow and the solid arrow?
The hollow arrow shows that an app may receive your location under certain conditions, while the solid arrow means an app has recently used your location.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the hollow arrow on your iPhone 13 is not just about tidying up your status bar—it’s about taking control of your privacy and ensuring your battery lasts as long as possible. By managing your location services effectively, you’re taking a proactive step in maintaining your digital well-being. Keep in mind that while this guide focused on the iPhone 13, the principles apply to other iPhone models as well.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about the ways your personal data is used and shared. Whether you’re a privacy enthusiast or just someone looking to get the most out of your iPhone, understanding the implications of location services is essential. So go ahead, take charge of your settings, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a more secure and efficient iPhone experience.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.