Regular SMS texts don’t contain your GPS location unless you actively share it (like tapping the location pin in iMessage or sending a Google Maps link). The real risks come from:
- Clicking suspicious links - These can grab your location if you give permission
- Messaging apps with location features - WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. can embed location data
- Cell tower triangulation - This requires law enforcement access, not something a random person can do
Quick fixes:
- iPhone: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Messages → set to “Never”
- Android: Settings > Apps > [Your SMS App] > Permissions → turn off Location
For extra protection, I’d recommend Signal for messaging - it’s free, encrypted, and doesn’t track location. If you’re really concerned about family privacy, apps like mSpy or FlexiSPY let you monitor what location data your devices are sharing, though they’re paid services.
The main thing - don’t click random links in texts, especially shortened URLs. That’s how most location tracking actually happens these days.