How do I sign into a Google app on my iPhone without signing in for ALL apps?

by ganitarashid on 11/7/2019, 12:09:29 AM with 4 comments
I like to use the Google Voice iOS app on my iPhone to make and receive calls. However, if I sign into my Google account in the Google Voice app, suddenly all the other Google apps (such as Google Maps) also know who I am. I don't like this, because Google Maps has no business of knowing which Google account is using Google Voice on the same phone. How can I avoid this?

  • by a3n on 11/7/2019, 1:08:27 AM

    There is only one Google app, data collection. What we think of as apps are just multiple entry points for the one app to us.

    Analogously, why would you log on to a system for each drop down menu?

  • by somebodynew on 11/7/2019, 3:20:01 AM

    When I selected the profile picture menu in the top right of Google Maps there was an option to "use without an account". After selecting it I am still signed in to other Google apps. Google Maps still lists the account in the menu but claims that it is not signed in. Note that before you sign out you should clear and pause your "Location History".

  • by oil25 on 11/7/2019, 12:41:24 AM

    I doubt it's possible. I think Google uses the device browser (SFSafariViewController) to do OAuth, so users aren't asked to sign in in every application. No doubt they think this is a feature. Why not simply use Google Maps in an private browser window if you're looking to improve privacy? Or even better, check out OpenStreetMap.

  • by chewz on 11/7/2019, 7:42:17 AM

    Welcome to Google. We are on your phone and in your life for total surveilance and control, not for providing particular service. Please toe the line.