Some quick settings to protect your privacy on your phone. Do them in any order, and come back to this page anytime.
1. Limit location sharing
Choose “While using the app” or “Never” instead of “Always”.
- iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
- Android: Settings → Location → App location permissions
2. Check which apps can use your microphone
Turn off microphone access for any app that doesn’t need to hear you.
- iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
- Android: Settings → Privacy → Permission manager → Microphone (menu names vary by phone)
3. Check which apps can see all your photos
Most apps only need a few photos, not your whole library. Choose limited access or none.
- iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Photos
- Android: Settings → Privacy → Permission manager → Photos and videos
4. Turn off ad tracking
Stop apps from following what you do across other apps and websites to target ads at you.
- iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → turn off “Allow Apps to Request to Track”
- Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Delete advertising ID (menu names vary by phone)
5. Add two-factor login to your main account
A second lock: even with your password, someone still needs a code from your phone.
- Apple: Settings → your name → Sign-In & Security
- Google: Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification
Can’t find a setting? Menus differ between phones. Tap the search bar at the top of Settings and type its name.
Prefer paper? Download the printable version (PDF).
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