Subscribers on the Helium Mobile "Zero" plan will be prompted to set-up permissions when they first subscribe. Subscribers on our "Air" and "Infinity" plans can also optionally set-up these recommended permissions.
Why do we ask subscribers to do this? Here’s a quick explanation on how they work and how they help make your plan affordable.
1. Improve Coverage
(Location Sharing – Required for the Zero Plan)
To offer free service, we ask you to share anonymized location data by toggling on "Improve Coverage" in the app. This helps us:
See where people are using Helium Mobile
Improve coverage in high-demand areas
Power the map that helps the community grow the network
Important: We don’t track your personal movements, and we never sell your data. What we see is generalized, delayed, and anonymized, just trends that help us build better service for everyone.
You get free phone service, and in return, your anonymized location data helps us improve coverage. That’s how the Zero Plan works.
👉 This permission must be set to “Always Allow” to stay on the Zero Plan.
2. Improve Battery
(Physical Activity Tracking – Optional)
To help save your battery, we ask subscribers to toggle on "Improve Battery" in the app. This lets your phone detect whether you’re walking, driving, or still, without constantly pinging GPS. That means:
Smoother switching between Wi-Fi and cellular
Smarter location use in the background
Better battery life overall
👉 This permission is optional, but it helps save your battery life for the more important things.
How This Makes Your Plan Affordable
Helium Mobile does not sell your location data to third-party advertisers. Ever. Full stop.
By collecting anonymized location information, Helium Mobile and our community can grow affordable coverage in smart, targeted ways. That lets us offer plans like Zero for free, and other plans at prices that you can afford.
Don’t worry! If location sharing isn’t for you, that’s okay: our Air and Infinity Plans don’t require it and you can change your plan at any time in the Helium Mobile app.
I got a notification about location sharing on my phone. What should I do?
Apple users may see notifications alerting them to background location data collection from various apps. You may occasionally see one of these reminders from Helium Mobile. Please ensure you continue to always allow if you are on the Zero plan.
Not seeing these permissions? Make sure your app is updated to v3.7.0 or higher.