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The Best Privacy Settings to Enable on Your Phone Today (2025)
- Authors
- Name
- Alex Madi
- @
NOTE
Your phone already includes most of the privacy armor you need. You just have to turn it on. The checklist below takes under 10 minutes.
Phones are walking trackers—they hold microphones, cameras, and a GPS beacon. Luckily, iOS and Android now ship with robust privacy menus. This guide spotlights the most impactful toggles to switch today, with screenshots-free instructions any non-techie can follow.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- 1. iOS Quick Wins
- 2. Android Essentials (Android 13+)
- 3. Cross-Platform Tips
- 4. Common Pitfalls
- 5. Troubleshooting
- 6. Going Further
- 7. Conclusion
1. iOS Quick Wins
| Setting | Path | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| App Tracking Transparency | Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking | Stops cross-app ad profiling |
| Precise Location Off (per app) | Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services | Hides street-level GPS |
| Limit Ad Tracking | Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising | Reduces personalised ads |
| Analytics & Improvements Off | Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements | Stops usage logs to Apple |
| Lock Hidden Photo Album | Photos app → Hidden → ⋯ → Require Face ID | Keeps sensitive pics private |
How to Disable App Tracking Requests
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Choose Tracking.
- Toggle Allow Apps to Request to Track to off.
All existing apps lose permission; new ones can’t even ask.
2. Android Essentials (Android 13+)
| Setting | Path (may vary by device) | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy Dashboard | Settings → Privacy → Privacy Dashboard | Review past permission usage |
| Approximate Location | Settings → Location → App location permissions | Shares city, not exact spot |
| Disable Ad ID Personalisation | Settings → Privacy → Ads → Delete advertising ID | Stops personalised ads |
| Microphone & Camera Indicators | Settings → Privacy → toggle Mic & camera access | One-tap kill switch |
| Auto-Reset Permissions | Settings → Apps → Three dots → Permission manager | Inactive apps lose access |
Delete Your Advertising ID
- Open Settings.
- Search for Ads.
- Tap Delete advertising ID.
Advertisers lose the key they use to stitch your app activity together.
3. Cross-Platform Tips
- Review App Permissions Monthly: Both OSes show last-used times—revoke anything fishy.
- Use Strong Lock Screen: 6-digit PIN or biometrics; disable lock screen notifications for messages.
- Disable Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Scanning when not needed to reduce passive tracking.
4. Common Pitfalls
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Denying GPS to maps permanently | Navigation won’t work |
| Forgetting to update OS | Security patches delayed |
| Installing "cleaner" apps | Many harvest more data than they save |
5. Troubleshooting
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| App breaks after permission revocation | Re-enable only the needed permission in Settings |
| Frequent tracking pop-ups on iOS | Leave ATT enabled but tap Ask App Not to Track |
| Battery drain after new privacy toggles | Location set to Always for fitness apps—switch to While Using |
6. Going Further
- Use a DNS Filter (NextDNS, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families) to block trackers at network level.
- Install a Firewall app (Android: NetGuard) to limit background data.
- Consider Lockdown Privacy (iOS) for system-wide tracker blocking.
7. Conclusion
A handful of menu flips can slash the data your phone leaks to advertisers, apps, and even the OS vendor. Set a reminder to revisit these menus quarterly—updates sometimes reset toggles. Until then, enjoy the comfort of carrying a much quieter pocket companion. 📱🔒