Location Services on to make a phone call? Why?

why does Location Services need to be enabled for Siri to dial a phone number? I ask to "call Bob" and the response is "I can help with that if you turn on precise location for Siri". Why does the phone need to know where I am to make a phone call now?

Posted on Oct 19, 2025 4:23 PM

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5 replies

Oct 19, 2025 4:40 PM in response to WhoChick

A lot of things rely on location services. Specifically, for Siri to place a call, you have Dial Assist turned on, which automatically determines the correct international or local prefix when dialing. So that's why you need location services for Siri to place a call and actually get it where it should go, depending on where you are at the time you make the call.

Nov 16, 2025 3:21 PM in response to WhoChick

WhoChick wrote:

that is not fully correct. I have country codes for my contacts' phone numbers, including the +1 for all my US contacts. It's still indicating that location must be turned on. Interesting choice: convenience vs. not being tracked.


See if turning off Settings > Apps > Phone > Dial Assist allows you to keep Siri unaware of your location.


(I’m not in a position to test this right now, but this setting has been mentioned in this context.)


As for location tracking, you are using a cellular network. Carriers track. They were reselling, too. Some studies have indicated that three locations can enough for an unique identification for most people, IIRC. Presumably, you’re working to mitigate that, as well mitigating app-based tracking, and indirect tracking via acquaintances.



Oct 19, 2025 6:00 PM in response to WhoChick

WhoChick wrote:

that is not fully correct. I have country codes for my contacts' phone numbers, including the +1 for all my US contacts. It's still indicating that location must be turned on. Interesting choice: convenience vs. not being tracked.

Then tell Apple they're doing it wrong. We aren't associated with Apple here on this user to user only forum. We can't speak for Apple. I explained why you need Location Services, which is pretty clear. If you're not happy about that, you are welcome to share your thoughts with Apple here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple


Location Services on to make a phone call? Why?

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