Essential Phone Privacy Settings You Must Change Right Now

In today’s digital world, your smartphone is more than just a communication device—it stores your personal data, tracks your location, and connects to multiple online services. Without proper privacy settings, your data can be vulnerable to misuse by apps, websites, advertisers, or even cybercriminals. Fortunately, most smartphones come with built-in tools and settings that can protect your personal information.

This guide will walk you through the most critical privacy settings you should review and change immediately to ensure your phone usage is safer and more private.

Turn Off Ad Personalisation

Both Android and iOS collect data to personalise ads. While this may seem convenient, it means your behaviour is constantly monitored. Disabling ad personalisation limits how much data companies collect.

For Android:

Go to Settings > Google > Ads
Enable Opt out of Ads Personalisation

For iOS:

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising
Turn off Personalised Ads

Limit App Permissions

Apps often request access to features they don’t need. For example, a calculator app should not need access to your camera or contacts. Regularly audit app permissions and revoke any unnecessary access.

How to Check App Permissions:

On Android:
Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager

On iOS:
Settings > Scroll to app name > Review permissions

Revoke permissions like camera, microphone, and location access from apps that don’t need them.

Disable Location Tracking

Many apps track your location even when you’re not actively using them. You can control which apps have access to your location and when.

Android:

Settings > Location > App Location Permissions
Choose Allow only while using the app or Deny

iOS:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
Select each app to modify location access

Also, consider disabling location history completely if you don’t need it.

Use Strong Screen Lock Methods

Your phone’s lock screen is your first line of defence. Make sure it’s set up with strong security.

Options include:

• PIN or passcode (avoid easy sequences like 1234)
  
  
• Fingerprint or Face ID
  
  
• Avoid using swipe or pattern locks as they are less secure
  
  

To change this, go to your phone’s Security settings.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even if someone steals your password, two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection. Most phones support 2FA for Google, Apple ID, and other critical accounts.

For Google Account:

Visit myaccount.google.com/security and turn on 2-Step Verification

For Apple ID:

Go to Settings > Tap your name > Password & Security > Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Manage Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Access

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can be exploited to track your device or expose it to nearby threats. Turn off these features when not in use and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

Also disable Auto-Connect to Wi-Fi networks:

• Android: Settings > Wi-Fi Preferences > Toggle off Auto-Connect
  
  
• iOS: Settings > Wi-Fi > Tap info icon next to a network > Disable Auto-Join
  
  

Restrict Background App Activity

Some apps continue to operate in the background, collecting data even when not in use. You can stop them from doing this by limiting background data or background refresh.

On Android:

Settings > Apps > Choose App > Battery > Select Restricted

On iOS:

Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Turn off for non-essential apps

Review Privacy Dashboard and Reports

Android and iOS provide built-in dashboards that show how often your data is accessed.

Android (Android 12 and above):

Settings > Privacy > Privacy Dashboard
Check which apps accessed sensitive data in the past 24 hours

iOS:

Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report

Review the report to see which apps are overly active with your data and take action accordingly.

Disable Voice Assistant Access from Lock Screen

Voice assistants like Google Assistant or Siri can be activated without unlocking your phone. Disable this feature to prevent unauthorised access.

Android:

Settings > Apps > Assistant > Lock screen personal results > Turn Off

iOS:

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Disable Siri when locked

Use a Secure and Encrypted Messaging App

Not all messaging apps offer end-to-end encryption. Switch to messaging platforms that prioritise security, such as Signal or WhatsApp, and ensure backups are encrypted.

On WhatsApp:

Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Enable End-to-End Encrypted Backup

Your smartphone collects and transmits a vast amount of personal information daily. While technology continues to advance, your privacy remains your responsibility. By adjusting the above settings, you take the first important step towards reclaiming control over your digital life.

Make it a habit to review your privacy settings regularly, especially after software updates or installing new apps. A secure phone is not just about protection—it’s about peace of mind.