Essential Phone Privacy Settings for iPhone and Android

Essential Phone Privacy Settings

Your smartphone comes with numerous privacy settings that are often not enabled by default. Taking a few minutes to configure these settings significantly reduces the data your device shares with apps, advertisers, and other third parties.

iPhone Privacy Settings

• App Tracking Transparency: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking. Disable Allow Apps to Request to Track
• Location Services: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Set to While Using for essential apps, Never for others
• Analytics: Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements. Disable all sharing options
• Apple Advertising: Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising. Disable Personalized Ads
• Lockdown Mode: Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode. Enable for maximum security (disables some features)
• Safari: Enable Prevent Cross-Site Tracking, Hide IP Address, and set privacy report
• Mail Privacy: Settings > Mail > Privacy Protection. Enable Protect Mail Activity

Android Privacy Settings

• Ad ID: Settings > Privacy > Ads. Delete advertising ID or opt out of personalization
• Location: Settings > Location. Disable for apps that do not need it. Turn off Location History
• Permissions: Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager. Review and revoke unnecessary permissions
• Google Activity: Go to myactivity.google.com to disable Web & App Activity, Location History, and YouTube History
• Nearby device scanning: Disable WiFi and Bluetooth scanning when not in use
• App permissions: Review camera, microphone, contacts, and phone access for each app

Settings for Both Platforms

• Disable WiFi auto-connect to prevent connecting to rogue networks
• Turn off Bluetooth when not actively using it
• Disable notification previews on lock screen to prevent information leakage
• Enable automatic app updates for security patches
• Use a strong alphanumeric passcode, not just a 4-digit PIN
• Enable full-disk encryption (usually on by default with a passcode set)
• Disable USB accessories while locked

Spending 15 minutes configuring your privacy settings can dramatically reduce the data leaking from your device. Pair these settings with an anonymous eSIM and VPN for comprehensive mobile privacy.