Key takeaways
- Review app permissions for location, camera, microphone, contacts and photos, and turn off anything an app doesn’t need.
- Set location access to ‘while using the app’ or ‘never’ for most apps, and turn off precise location where it isn’t needed.
- Use your phone’s settings to limit ad tracking across apps.
- Hide sensitive notification content on the lock screen.
- Delete apps you no longer use, since they can keep collecting data in the background.
Smartphones collect a lot of information, often through apps you installed and forgot about. You don’t need to give up useful features to protect your privacy; you just need to decide what each app is allowed to see. Here’s a checklist you can work through in about fifteen minutes.
1. Review app permissions
Open your phone’s privacy or app settings and look at which apps can access:
- Location
- Camera and microphone
- Contacts
- Photos
- Bluetooth and nearby devices
Turn off access for any app that doesn’t clearly need it. A flashlight or game doesn’t need your contacts or microphone.
2. Tighten location sharing
- Set most apps to “while using the app” or “never” rather than “always.”
- Turn off precise location for apps that only need a rough area, such as weather apps.
- Check your phone’s location history settings and decide whether you want it on.
3. Limit ad tracking
Both major phone platforms let you limit how apps track you for advertising:
- Look for settings about apps requesting to track you, and turn that off if you prefer.
- Look for your advertising ID settings, where you can reset or delete it.
4. Protect your lock screen
- Hide notification previews on the lock screen so messages and codes aren’t visible to anyone who picks up your phone.
- Use a strong passcode with fingerprint or face unlock for convenience.
Quick tip: Text-message security codes often appear on the lock screen. Hiding notification content means someone who glances at your phone can’t read them.
5. Clear out old apps
Apps you no longer use can still run in the background, collect data and miss security updates. Delete them, and when you install new apps, check the app store’s privacy information first.
6. Check account privacy settings
Many apps have their own privacy settings, separate from your phone’s:
- Social media: who can see your posts, find you by phone number or tag you.
- Messaging apps: read receipts, last-seen status and who can add you to groups.
- Shopping and streaming apps: marketing emails and data-sharing options.
Children’s privacy
If your children use apps, federal law adds protections for kids under 13: the FTC enforces the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which generally requires covered apps to get a parent’s consent before collecting a child’s personal information.
Keep going
Privacy at home also depends on your network; see our guide to securing your home Wi-Fi. And when you’re out, our guide to public Wi-Fi explains what still matters.
FAQ
Do apps really need my contacts?
Some do, like messaging apps that help you find friends. Many don’t. You can usually decline and add contacts manually where needed.
Is location tracking always bad?
No. Maps, ride apps and weather apps need location to work. The goal is to share it only when needed and only with apps you trust.
What is an advertising ID?
It’s an identifier your phone gives apps so advertisers can track activity across apps. Phones let you limit or reset this tracking in privacy settings.
Are free apps more likely to collect data?
Many free apps earn money from advertising, which often relies on data. Read the privacy information in the app store listing before installing.
This guide is general information. Plans, prices and program rules change, so check the details with your provider and official sources such as the FCC and FTC before you decide.