CoMaps4d ago

We're thrilled to announce that CoMaps Android release 2025.06.10 is now live on the F-Droid app catalogue!

This is a big step forward in our mission to provide a privacy-respecting, community-powered navigation app to everyone.

Why F-Droid?
- Free and Open Source: F-Droid ensures that the apps listed contain no closed / proprietary parts.

- Community: F-Droid is a volunteer-driven project, aligning perfectly with our values and the support of the amazing people who use CoMaps.

Show threadUnicornLady4d ago
@CoMaps
I like the idea of the Android app but in order for it to work you GPS has to be turned on and if its turned on then Google has access to your location. Kind of defeats the privacy part.
Show threadSooraj Mishra4d ago

@UnicornLady @CoMaps Yeah but a navigation app without access to GPS is kind of worthless?

Google location access is quite annoying and only way would be to use vanilla rom (without Gapps) but it has its own issues.

Show threadRejZoR4d ago
@dark_phoenix @UnicornLady @CoMaps You can disable Google and only use GPS on any phone, but is a bit slower.
Show threadSooraj Mishra

@rejzor @UnicornLady @CoMaps Oh yeah, CoMaps has a feature which uses Google Locations services for higher accuracy. But I am glad it can work without it, although a bit slower and less accurate.

Btw, how to disable Google? Does disabling Gmaps stop all location services tracking? or the Google Search App? or is it embedded in the GMS components?

Jun 20 at 9:06amTusky
Show threadHarry3d ago

@dark_phoenix it's embedded in GMS, by default your location, nearby wifi, bluetooth, etc. are constantly sent to Google in the background.

The only thing you can do really is use a de-googled ROM like CalyxOS, LineageOS or Graphene

Show threadStomata3d ago
@hbond @dark_phoenix or atleast disable all google apps. If possible google play services
Show threadSooraj Mishra3d ago
@hbond Using a de-googled rom would make me lose some apps (like govt apps, UPI and some banking ones)
Show threadRejZoR3d ago

@dark_phoenix @UnicornLady @CoMaps You have to disable it in Android settings (Settings->Location->Location services->Location accuracy

Disable "Improve Location Accuracy". This will disable Google's location service entirely and phone will rely on GPS only to determine your location. You can also disable Location entirely to not even use GPS until actually needed. And to save some battery. Apart from navigation/maps, you really don't need location at all.