PHONE

Phone settings worth changing

Ten minutes, no apps to install. These changes reduce how much advertisers, apps and people nearby can learn about you. Menu names vary slightly by phone model and software version.

1. Limit ad tracking

iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track". Then Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising, turn off Personalized Ads.

Android: Settings > Privacy > Ads, choose "Delete advertising ID" (on versions that offer it) or opt out of ad personalization.

2. Review location access

iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Set most apps to "While Using" or "Never", and turn off Precise Location for anything that is not a map or ride app.

Android: Settings > Location > App permissions. Use "Allow only while using the app" and approximate location where offered.

3. Check other app permissions

Look at which apps can use your camera, microphone, contacts and photos. If an app does not need a permission to do its job, remove it. On iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security. On Android: Settings > Privacy > Permission manager.

4. Stop the lock screen from leaking

Set notification previews to show only when unlocked, so messages and codes are not readable on a locked phone.

iPhone: Settings > Notifications > Show Previews > When Unlocked. Also review Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Allow Access When Locked.

Android: Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen, choose to hide sensitive content.

5. Remove location from photos you share

Photos can carry the place they were taken. On iPhone, tap Options in the share sheet and turn off Location before sending. On Android, check your camera app settings for location tags and turn them off.

6. Use a strong screen lock

Use a 6-digit or longer passcode, or an alphanumeric one, instead of a 4-digit code. Turn on automatic updates so security fixes install without you thinking about it.

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