While Apple does have a better track record for privacy and security than Google and Microsoft, they still infringe on them in many ways. To protect yourself, here are 5 simple tips that will get you started.
1.) Disable ad tracking
iOS uses an ad identifier called the Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA). The IDFA allows third-party tracking on your phone, thus creating a profile on you, which will be sent to advertisers and data brokers.
To prevent this, simply disable the IDFA completely from your phone by doing the following: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking and disable “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”
Apple also does their own ad tracking, and if you wish to disable it, do the following: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising and disable “Personalized Ads”.
2.) Disable Airdrop
AirDrop is used to share files, but it poses a privacy risk as it also shares your personal information about your surroundings. Additionally, it has weak security protocols, as your identity can be easily discovered.
To reduce the privacy and security risks of Airdrop, you should disable by doing the following: Go to Settings → General → AirDrop → and check “Receiving Off”.
⭐ If you still need to shares files with others nearby, you should check out LocalSend. It is a free and open source app that similar is to AirDrop, but respects users privacy and security better and is cross-platform (AirDrop only works for iOS and Mac).
3.) Location Services
If you don’t use Location Services, you should turn them off completely. To do so, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → and toggle it off.
If you need Location Services on for certain apps, then you can enable and disable which apps have that permission.
4.) Enable either Passcode, TouchID, or FaceID
To ensure no one can access your phone, you should enable either Passcode, TouchID, or FaceID. Each method has its pros and cons, so make sure you read up on what each option entails. To enable the option, go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode.
‼️Cops can force suspect to unlock phone with thumbprint, US court rules
5.) Hide and Lock Apps
For extra protection, consider hiding and locking down your apps either with a Passcode, TouchID, or FaceID. To do so, tap and hold down on the app until you get a menu. You should see an option that says, “Require Passcode (or TouchID/FaceID).” You’ll then have the option to either “Require Passcode/TouchID/FaceID” or “Hide and Require Passcode/TouchID/FaceID.” Hiding the app puts it in a “Hidden” folder on the App Library screen, and you will not receive any notifications.
⭐Bonus: Turn on Advanced Data Protection
If you use iCloud, then you should enable Advanced Data Protection. This provides end-to-end encryption for most of your iCloud data with your keys stored on your devices, rather than on Apple’s servers. The drawback for using Advanced Data Protection is that if you lose the keys, Apple cannot help you access your account.
‼️In February 2025, Apple pulled their Advanced Data Protection for new and existing users in the UK as a result of their encryption battle with the UK government. The UK govt has since backed down from their encryption backdoor request, but it’s not clear when Advanced Data Protection will return for UK users.
If you are unable to access the Advanced Data Protection feature, I recommend using Cryptomator. It is a free and open source tool that allows you to enable end-to-end encryption in your cloud storage. This means your cloud provider will not be able to see your data. Cryptomator is available for iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, and many others and is cross-platform.
Until Next Time,
Monique 📱
Sources:
How to: Get to Know iPhone Privacy and Security Settings
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I drowned my iphone in the bathtub and bought a dumb phone.