Request session-based location access with the location button

The Android location button is a customizable system UI element designed to simplify how you request session-scoped precise location access. By initiating location requests through a direct user action, the button improves user privacy and reduces the friction of repetitive permission dialogs typically encountered with temporary "only this time" grants.

If your app targets Android 17 (API level 37) or later and only contains features that require session-based location access to function, Google Play policy requires you to use the location button. For more details, see the location button policy.

Location button in-app flow demonstration — **Figure 1.** Demonstration of the location button user flow.

When to use the location button

Use the location button for features that require momentary, session-based precise location access. This is ideal for applications that don't require persistent location access and aim to reduce repetitive "Only this time" permission prompts.

Common use cases include:

"Search near me" functions: Finding nearby hotels, stores, or restaurants.
Location sharing: Sharing your current location once with friends or family.
Social media: Check-ins or location tagging.
Ecommerce: Auto-filling an address for deliveries.

Customize UI

To ensure the button matches your app's aesthetic while remaining recognizable, you can modify the following visual elements:

Background and icon color scheme.
Outline style, size, and shape.
Text labels from a predefined list (e.g., "Use precise location", "Share precise location").

Location Button demonstration of customization options — **Figure 2.** Examples of location button customization options.

Implement the location button

To integrate the location button, use the Jetpack Library. This library simplifies setup, handles secure rendering on newer platforms, and provides a fallback for apps targeting Android 16 and lower.

Step 1: Declare permissions in the Android Manifest

You must declare standard location permissions along with the dedicated USE_LOCATION_BUTTON permission required by the system's remote rendering service.


  



     --> <manifest

  

  

 

    

 

             </manifest><?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> Copyright 2026 The Android Open Source Project Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); you may not use this file except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at https://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0 Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. See the License for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the License. xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"> <!-- 1. Standard Coarse and Fine Location Permissions --> <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION" /> <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION" /> <!-- Optional: If your app is only using the location button to access  location, you should add the "onlyForLocationButton" flag shown below to your ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION declaration. <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION"  android:usesPermissionFlags="onlyForLocationButton"/> Note: Adding this flag restricts your app from accessing the precise  location permission via the broader permission, and that users will be  required to use the location button in order to share precise location with  the app. This is designed to improve user privacy & trust when granting location access. --> <!-- 2. CRITICAL: Required system permission for rendering the LocationButton --> <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.USE_LOCATION_BUTTON" /> <application android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher" android:label="LocationButtonSample" android:theme="@style/Theme.PinPoint"> <activity android:name=".MainActivity" android:exported="true"> <intent-filter> <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" /> <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" /> </intent-filter> </activity> </application> class="devsite-github-link nocode no-select nocontent">AndroidManifest.xml

Step 2: Implement Kotlin composable

The following is an example implementation of the location button, including examples of using available customization options which can be used to make the UI match the rest of the app.

import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.PaddingValues
import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.height
import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.width
import androidx.compose.runtime.Composable
import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
import androidx.core.locationbutton.compose.LocationButton
import androidx.core.locationbutton.compose.LocationButtonTextType

@Composable
fun LocationPermissionScreen(onPermissionGranted: () -> Unit, onPermissionDenied: () -> Unit) {
    // Renders the secure system-trusted Location Button composable
    LocationButton(
        // Callback triggered when the user taps the secure button and makes a decision on the permission dialog
        onPermissionResult = { isGranted ->
            if (isGranted) {
                onPermissionGranted()
            } else {
                onPermissionDenied()
            }
        },
        /* ============================================================================
         * VISUAL CUSTOMIZATIONS
         * Un-comment any of the parameters below to customize the button's aesthetics.
         * If omitted, the button falls back to secure, high-contrast system defaults.
         * ============================================================================ */
        /*
        // LABEL TEXT TYPE:
        // Predefined system strings rendered inside the secure process.
        // Options: PreciseLocation, UsePreciseLocation, SharePreciseLocation,
        // NearMyPreciseLocation, or None (for an icon-only button).
        textType = LocationButtonTextType.UsePreciseLocation,

        // COLOR PALETTE:
        // Customize the container background, text label, and icon tint colors.
        backgroundColor = Color(0xFF00796B), // e.g., Material Teal
        textColor = Color.White,
        iconTint = Color(0xFFFFC107),        // e.g., Amber icon tint

        // CORNER RADIUS & SHAPE:
        // Define the resting corner radius and the morphed radius when pressed.
        cornerRadius = 24.dp,        // Rounded capsule shape
        pressedCornerRadius = 12.dp, // Morphs to sharper corners on tap

        // OUTLINE STROKE (BORDERS):
        // Add a contrasting outline stroke around the button bounds.
        strokeColor = Color(0xFF004D40),
        strokeWidth = 2.dp,

        // INTERACTIVE TOUCH PADDING:
        // Defines the secure clickable touch target boundary.
        // Coerced securely by the system between 4.dp and 8.dp.
        clickablePadding = PaddingValues(6.dp)
        */
    )
}LocationButton.kt

Step 3: Handle backward compatibility

The Jetpack library automatically handles backward compatibility on lower versions of Android. On devices running Android 16 or lower, the library falls back to a locally rendered component that preserves the customized visual layout but reverts to triggering the standard location permission prompt.

Using this approach, you can take advantage of the benefits of adopting the location button without maintaining a parallel solution for devices running Android 16 or lower.

Request special permissions

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