Complete iPhone and Android privacy protection guide for mobile security

Protecting your privacy doesn’t require advanced tools or technical expertise. Some of the most effective protections are already built into your phone; you just need to know where to look.

These five privacy tips show you exactly how to reduce tracking and limit data sharing on iPhone and Android using the latest software.

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10 WAYS TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM EMAIL SCAMS

Smartphone users can enhance privacy by adjusting built-in settings that limit tracking, location sharing, and background data collection on iPhone and Android devices. (Neil Godwin/Avenir via Getty Images)

1) Reduce app permissions

Apps often request access to your camera, microphone, contacts, photos, and location, even when it’s not necessary. Limiting these permissions reduces background data collection.

iPhone

• Open Settings
• Faucet Privacy and security
• Select a permission type such as Microphone, Camera, Photos Or Contacts
• Disable access for applications that don’t need it

Android

SSettings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer

• Open Settings
• Faucet Security and Privacy
• Scroll down and tap More privacy settings Or Privacy controls
• Faucet Authorization Manager
• Choose one authorization category and set the apps to Do not allow Or Allow only when using the app

2) Disable location access you don’t need

Location tracking can reveal where you live, work, shop and travel.

iPhone

• Open Settings
• Faucet Privacy and security
• Faucet Location Services
• Select an app and choose When using the app Or Never
• Turn off Precise location when exact coordinates are not necessary

Android

SSettings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer

• Open Settings
• Faucet Location
• Faucet App location permissions Or App permissions
• Scroll through the list and tap the application you want to modify
• Select Allow only when using the app Or Do not allow

3) Turn off photo sharing with apps

Some apps request full access to your photo library, giving them visibility into every image and video you’ve taken.

iPhone

• Open Settings
• Faucet Privacy and security
• Faucet Photos
• Select one application oneand choose Selected photos Or None

Android

SSettings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer

• Open Settings
• Faucet Security and Privacy
• Scroll down and tap More privacy settings Or Privacy controls
• Faucet Authorization Manager
• Faucet Photos and videos
• Scroll through the list and tap the application you want to modify
• Set apps to Do not allowOr Allow limited access

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Disabling unnecessary app permissions and tracking features helps protect sensitive information stored on your phone. (Sebastian Kahnert/photo alliance via Getty Images)

4) Turn off app tracking

App tracking allows advertisers to track your activity across multiple apps.

iPhone

• Open Settings
• Faucet Privacy and security
• Faucet Follow up
• Turn off Allow apps to request tracking

Android

SSettings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer

• Open Settings
• Faucet Security and Privacy
• Scroll down and tap More privacy settings
• Faucet Announcements
• Faucet Remove advertising ID to remove the existing ID linked to your device
• Faucet Reset Advertising ID to generate a new blank identifier

This removes the identifier that apps use to track you for targeted ads and replaces it with a new identifier that is not linked to your previous activity.

5) Disable unnecessary background app activities

Some apps continue to run and collect data even when you are not actively using them.

iPhone

• Open Settings
• Faucet General
• Faucet Background app refresh
• Turn it off completely Or disable it for individual apps

Android

SSettings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer

• Open Settings
• Faucet Applications
• Select an app
• Faucet Battery
• Choose Limit or turn off Allow background usage

Pro Tip: Use a Password Manager

A password manager reduces the need to store logins in apps, which can limit unnecessary permissions and data collection.

Next, check to see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 choice for password manager includes a built-in breach scanner that checks to see if your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

WHY JANUARY IS THE BEST TIME TO DELETE PERSONAL DATA ONLINE

Privacy experts say small changes to phone settings can go a long way in reducing digital surveillance and data exposure. (Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)

Discover the Best Expert-Rated Password Managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Protecting your privacy doesn’t have to be complicated. By reducing app permissions, limiting location access, controlling photo sharing, turning off app tracking, and limiting background activity, you can significantly reduce the amount of personal data your phone shares. A few simple settings changes can go a long way in protecting your digital life.

Which privacy setting surprised you the most, or is there one you’re not sure about? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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