Apple Maps ads have no documented off switch. Learn why Personalized Ads does not affect Maps, and how to review location access separately.
Apple does not document a switch that removes ads from Maps. Turning off Personalized Ads does not change Maps advertising. Location permissions are a separate privacy choice, not a way to make sponsored results disappear.
Correction, September 4, 2026: we previously recommended three settings as a way to strip targeting from Maps ads. That advice was incorrect. This guide now follows Apple's Maps-specific advertising documentation.
Why Personalized Ads does not change Maps ads
Apple's Maps advertising privacy explanation says the Personalized Ads setting is not supported in Maps. Ads use context from the current session, including search terms, the area of the map being viewed and approximate device location. Apple says precise location and Maps interaction history are not used for this advertising. Clearing Significant Locations is therefore not a documented Maps ad control.
Look for the Ad label and open its information panel to learn about the placement. Treat the label as useful context when choosing a business; it does not establish that the business is the closest, cheapest or best choice for you.
Review location permissions for the reasons that matter to you
You can review Maps under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Choose access based on the location features you want. Disabling access can limit functions that need your current position; it does not prevent you from looking up a place manually. Do not assume that While Using means an active navigation session can never use location in the background. Apple's location-sharing guide explains the permission options.
What this means in practice
If the goal is fewer sponsored placements, these privacy settings are not a solution. If the goal is control over location access, review the permissions independently. Our Maps advertising and privacy guide explains how advertising context differs from a history of your movements.
