Your Phone is a Tracking Device
We carry our smartphones everywhere. They know where we sleep, who we talk to, and what we buy. Securing them is critical.
You don't need to throw your phone in the river. Just spending 10 minutes in your settings menu can stop 80% of the data leakage.
iPhone (iOS) Essentials
Apple markets itself on privacy, but the defaults are still too open.
1. Stop App Tracking
Apple introduced a feature called "App Tracking Transparency." Use it.
- Go to: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.
- Action: Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track." Now, apps are automatically denied permission to follow you across other apps and websites.
2. Lock Down Location
Does a flashlight app need your location? No.
- Go to: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Action: Review every app.
- Set almost everything to "While Using" or "Never".
- Turn off "Precise Location" for apps that just need a general city (like Weather apps). Only Maps/Uber need precise location.
3. Advanced Data Protection (iCloud)
By default, Apple holds the keys to your iCloud backups. If served a warrant, they can decrypt your photos and messages.
- Go to: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection.
- Action: Turn it ON.
- Warning: This uses end-to-end encryption. If you lose your password and recovery key, Apple cannot help you. You are your own bank.
Android Essentials
Android is owned by Google, so privacy is harder, but security is excellent.
1. Permission Manager
Android has a great dashboard to see who is accessing what.
- Go to: Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager.
- Action: Check "Location", "Microphone", and "Camera". Remove permissions from apps that don't logically need them.
2. Auto-Delete Activity
Tell Google to forget you periodically.
- Go to: Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Data & Privacy.
- Action: Under "Web & App Activity" and "Location History", set Auto-delete to "3 months" (Instructions).
3. Opt-Out of Ads
- Go to: Settings > Google > Ads.
- Action: Tap "Delete advertising ID". This resets your profile and stops apps from tracking you with a permanent ID.
For Everyone: The Golden Rule
Uninstall apps you don't use. Every app is a potential window for data collection. If you haven't opened it in 3 months, delete it.
