Location permission

Learn to ask for location permission.

Location permission

Location permission is the approval required for the app to receive GPS data. It is requested with Permissions.askAsync(Permissions.LOCATION). If status === 'granted' the location can be fetched; otherwise the map or nearby places feature will not work.

Location permission has two types: foreground (while the app is open) and background (when closed). In Expo Permissions.LOCATION is for foreground; background needs extra setup. Background location is more sensitive; users are more cautious about it. That is why it should be requested only when truly needed. Location is personal data; asking with a good explanation keeps user trust.

Foreground vs background

Foreground location reads GPS data while the app is open on screen. Permissions.LOCATION gives this. It is enough for showing a map, listing nearby places.

Background location reads location even when the app is closed. This is needed for apps that require continuous tracking like navigation or fitness. It is more sensitive; App Store and Play Store review it strictly. Background location requires UIBackgroundModes on iOS and the ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION permission on Android. Expo configures these in app.json. Asking for background location without need can be intrusive enough to drive users away.

Exercise Write requestLocationPermission

Write a requestLocationPermission function. Make it async. Call Permissions.askAsync(Permissions.LOCATION) with await; return status.

Show example solution

async function requestLocationPermission() {
  const { status } = await Permissions.askAsync(Permissions.LOCATION);
  return status;
}

Test yourself

Match each type to its role

Permissions.LOCATION

Foreground location
background

Location while closed
GPS

Location source
'granted'

Permission given

LOCATION permission

await Permissions.askAsync(Permissions.____);

Show answer

await Permissions.askAsync(Permissions.LOCATION);

Why is location permission requested?
```
Permissions.askAsync(Permissions.LOCATION);
```
- To get GPS data
- To press a button
- To send notifications
- To store files
Show answer

To get GPS data — Location permission is requested to get GPS data.

Next lesson: Notification permission

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