Your phone knows more about you than most people do—where you go, what you search, who you talk to, and even which stores you visit without buying anything. That data doesn’t just sit quietly on your device. It can be shared with apps, advertisers, and data brokers in ways that are easy to miss because the default settings are designed for convenience, not Privacy. The good news is you don’t need to be a tech expert or delete every app to tighten things up. With a handful of quick settings—most of them already built into Android and iPhone—you can dramatically reduce how much you’re tracked. Below are nine practical changes you can make today to stop your phone from quietly spying on you.
1) Lock Down Location Tracking (The Biggest Privacy Win)
Location data is one of the most sensitive signals your phone generates because it reveals routines: where you live, work, worship, seek healthcare, and who you spend time with. Many apps request location “just in case,” then keep collecting it in the background.
Set Location Access to “While Using” (or “Never”)
Aim for the principle of least privilege: an app should only get the minimum location access it needs to function.
On iPhone:
– Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
– Tap an app and choose: Never, Ask Next Time, or While Using the App
– Turn off Precise Location for apps that don’t need exact GPS accuracy (many don’t)
On Android (menu names vary by brand):
– Go to Settings > Location > App location permissions
– Set most apps to Allow only while using the app
– Remove access entirely for apps that have no legitimate reason to track you (flashlights, games, basic utilities)
A useful rule of thumb:
– Maps, ride-sharing, navigation: While Using is reasonable
– Social media, shopping, games: Usually Never or Ask every time
Disable Location History / Significant Locations
Even if you limit app permissions, your phone ecosystem can still store a running log of where you’ve been.
On iPhone:
– Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services
– Consider turning off Significant Locations (and review its history)
On Android (Google account):
– Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Data & privacy
– Turn off Location History (and delete prior history if you choose)
For more background on how location history works in Google services, see: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3118687
2) Turn Off Ad Tracking and Personalized Ads for Better Privacy
Advertising systems are optimized to identify patterns—interests, demographics, and behaviors—so they can show targeted ads. You can’t fully escape ads, but you can reduce how uniquely trackable you are.
Disable Apple/Google Ad Personalization
On iPhone:
– Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
– Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track
– Then check: Settings > Apple Advertising and disable personalized ads (wording may vary by iOS version)
On Android:
– Settings > Privacy > Ads (or Google > Ads)
– Turn off Ad personalization (or similar option)
– Consider resetting your advertising ID if available
This won’t make you anonymous, but it cuts down one of the most common ways apps “link” your behavior across services.
Limit App Tracking Requests (Even If You Sometimes Allow Them)
If you don’t want to block everything, you can still get a Privacy boost by being selective:
– Allow tracking only for apps where it directly improves something you value (rare)
– Deny tracking for social media, gaming, coupon apps, and “free” utilities (most likely to monetize data)
3) Audit App Permissions You Granted Months Ago
Permissions creep happens quietly. You install an app, tap “Allow” to get past pop-ups, and forget about it. Over time, that app might gain access to your microphone, contacts, photos, or calendar—far beyond what it needs.
Run a Permission Checkup (Once a Month)
On iPhone:
– Settings > Privacy & Security
– Review: Microphone, Camera, Photos, Contacts, Calendars, Bluetooth
On Android:
– Settings > Privacy > Permission manager
– Check by permission type (Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts)
– Look for “Allowed all the time” and downgrade it
Focus on these high-impact permissions:
– Microphone: should be off for most apps
– Contacts: many apps ask, few truly need it
– Photos: choose “Selected Photos” (iPhone) where possible
– Bluetooth: can be used for proximity tracking in some cases
Remove “Background” Access Where You Can
If an app only needs data when you open it, don’t let it run constantly.
On iPhone:
– Settings > General > Background App Refresh
– Turn off for most apps (keep only essential ones like navigation if you rely on it)
On Android:
– Settings > Apps > (choose app) > Mobile data & Wi‑Fi (or Battery)
– Disable background data where possible
– Set Battery optimization for apps you don’t need running all day
This improves Privacy and often improves battery life.
4) Stop Your Phone From Listening: Microphone, Voice Assistants, and Dictation
Phones don’t typically record everything all the time, but “always listening” wake-word features and broad microphone permissions increase the chance of accidental audio capture or misuse. Tightening these settings reduces risk without making your phone unusable.
Control Wake Words and Assistant Access
On iPhone (Siri):
– Settings > Siri & Search
– Disable Listen for “Hey Siri” if you don’t use it
– Consider disabling Siri suggestions on Lock Screen
On Android (Google Assistant):
– Settings > Google > Settings for Google apps > Search, Assistant & Voice > Google Assistant
– Review “Hey Google” settings and disable hotword detection if you prefer
– Check what devices are linked and remove anything you don’t recognize
If you keep the assistant:
– Require a button press instead of wake word
– Don’t allow use when the phone is locked unless you truly need it
Review Microphone Permissions for Social and Utility Apps
A common pattern: apps that “might” need audio someday ask for microphone access immediately. If you rarely record audio or make in-app calls:
– Set microphone permission to Never/Don’t allow
– Enable only when you actually need it, then disable again
A quick sanity test:
– If the app’s core function doesn’t involve audio, it probably doesn’t need the microphone
5) Secure Your Lock Screen and Notification Previews
Some of the most personal data leaks aren’t “hacks.” They’re notifications showing up on a locked phone—texts, 2FA codes, email subject lines, calendar details, and message previews. This is a Privacy issue in public places, at work, or even at home.
Hide Sensitive Notification Content on the Lock Screen
On iPhone:
– Settings > Notifications > Show Previews
– Choose When Unlocked or Never
On Android:
– Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen
– Choose “Hide sensitive content” (wording varies)
Also consider limiting which apps can send lock screen notifications:
– Allow only essential apps (calls, messages, calendar)
– Disable lock screen alerts for finance, email, and social apps if you can
Turn Off Lock Screen Access to High-Risk Features
Even if your phone is locked, some features may still be accessible.
Consider disabling (based on your needs):
– Voice assistant on lock screen
– Reply from lock screen (prevents accidental sending and prying eyes)
– Wallet access without authentication (configure to require Face ID/Touch ID/PIN)
This is one of the fastest settings changes with immediate real-world protection.
6) Harden Your Browser: Cross-Site Tracking, Cookies, and Autofill
Your browser is where much of your tracking happens—often through cross-site cookies, device fingerprinting, and embedded trackers. You don’t need to become a Privacy purist; a few adjustments meaningfully reduce exposure.
Enable Anti-Tracking Features
On iPhone (Safari):
– Settings > Safari
– Turn on Prevent Cross-Site Tracking
– Consider turning on Hide IP Address (from trackers) if available
– Consider blocking all cookies if it doesn’t break sites you rely on (many people prefer keeping cookies but clearing regularly)
On Android (Chrome):
– Settings > Privacy and security
– Turn on “Do Not Track” (not always honored, but harmless)
– Block third-party cookies (recommended for most users)
– Review “Site settings” for camera, mic, location permissions
If you’re open to a browser swap, Privacy-focused options often include stronger defaults. For example, Mozilla’s Firefox privacy controls are documented here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/products/firefox/privacy-and-security
Clean Up Autofill and Saved Password Habits
Autofill is convenient, but it can leak personal details in the wrong hands.
Do this:
– Remove saved addresses, phone numbers, and old cards you no longer use
– Use a dedicated password manager instead of saving everything in the browser
– Enable biometric unlock for your password manager
If you share your phone with family (even occasionally), this is especially important.
7) Control Photos, Files, and “All Access” Requests
Modern apps often ask for broad file or photo library access when they only need one upload. This is an easy place to tighten Privacy without sacrificing functionality.
Use “Selected Photos” (iPhone) or Limited Media Access (Android)
On iPhone:
– When an app requests Photos access, choose Selected Photos
– You can update later in Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos
On Android:
– Newer Android versions allow more granular media permissions
– Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager > Files and media
– Prefer “Allow only selected photos and videos” where available
This prevents apps from scanning your entire gallery, including screenshots, documents, and personal images.
Watch for “Full Files” Access and Clipboard Access
Two underappreciated risks:
– File access: Some apps request access to all files on your device. Deny unless it’s a file manager, backup tool, or a clear necessity.
– Clipboard: Copying passwords, one-time codes, or personal messages can expose them to apps that read clipboard data.
Practical habits:
– Avoid copying passwords; use a password manager’s autofill
– Clear clipboard after pasting sensitive info (some keyboards offer this)
8) Shut Off Analytics, Diagnostics, and Unnecessary Data Sharing
Many devices and apps default to sharing diagnostics and analytics. This is often framed as “help improve the product,” but it can include usage patterns that you’d rather keep private. Tuning this down is a simple Privacy upgrade.
Disable Device Analytics Sharing
On iPhone:
– Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements
– Turn off Share iPhone Analytics (and related toggles if present)
On Android:
– Settings > Privacy (or Google) > Usage & diagnostics
– Turn off usage/diagnostic sharing where available
This won’t break your phone. It simply reduces background reporting.
Review App-Level Data Sharing and Partner Settings
Many apps include their own privacy menus, often buried under:
– Settings > Privacy
– Settings > Data sharing
– Settings > Ads or Partners
Look for toggles like:
– “Share data with partners”
– “Personalized recommendations”
– “Improve ads”
– “Off-platform activity”
If you only do one thing here, do this: turn off partner sharing and off-platform tracking wherever you see it.
9) Keep Your System Updated and Use Strong Account Security
Settings changes reduce tracking, but real Privacy also depends on security. If your accounts are compromised, no amount of permission tuning will matter.
Enable Automatic Updates and Install Them Promptly
Updates often patch vulnerabilities that can be exploited to access data.
On iPhone:
– Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates
On Android:
– Settings > System > Software update
– Also update apps via the Play Store
If you delay updates for weeks, you increase the window where known security flaws remain open.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication and Check Account Access
Protect the accounts that power your phone:
– Apple ID or Google account
– Email account (often the “master key” for password resets)
– Messaging apps tied to your phone number
Do this today:
– Turn on 2FA for Apple/Google and your primary email
– Review logged-in devices and sign out of anything you don’t recognize
– Use a strong passcode (6+ digits or alphanumeric), not a simple 4-digit PIN
A practical tip: if you want higher security without hassle, consider a long numeric passcode and Face ID/biometrics for daily convenience.
What to do next
Privacy isn’t one switch—it’s a set of habits and settings that keep your data from leaking by default. Start with the biggest wins: limit location access, shut off ad personalization, and audit app permissions. Then tighten lock screen notifications, harden your browser, and reduce analytics sharing. Finally, keep your system updated and lock down your accounts with 2FA to protect everything those settings can’t.
Pick three settings from this list and change them right now—momentum matters. If you want a personalized checklist based on your exact phone model and the apps you use, contact khmuhtadin.com for help tightening your Privacy without breaking the features you rely on.
Leave a Reply