Change These Mobile Settings for Better Privacy
Our smartphones are the biggest data collectors, soaking up all kinds of information about us—our locations, fingerprints, app usage, and so much more. That’s why it’s important to take control and limit what they know about us.
Which Is More Private? Android or iOS
Both Android and iOS collect similar data, such as location, app usage, and personal preferences. However, keep in mind that neither iOS nor Android offers true privacy, even if you disable every privacy setting. Both operating systems are closed-source (Android’s foundational kernel (AOSP) is open-source, but off-the-shelf devices from retailers comes with proprietary components), and they continue to track you in ways you can’t fully control.
Privacy Settings
Restrict App Permissions
Limits what apps can access (e.g., camera, contacts) to prevent unnecessary spying.
| Platform | Steps |
|---|---|
| Android | 1. Open Settings > Privacy > Permission manager. 2. Tap a permission type (e.g., Location, Camera). 3. Select an app and tap Don’t allow (or Ask every time for flexibility). |
| iOS | 1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security. 2. Tap a permission type (e.g., Location Services, Contacts). 3. Find the app and toggle it off. |
Disable Location Services
Stops global tracking of your whereabouts, reducing geofence data sent to the OS or apps.
| Platform | Steps |
|---|---|
| Android | 1. Open Settings > Location. 2. Toggle the switch Off. Tip: Review app-specific location in Permission manager for exceptions. |
| iOS | 1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. 2. Toggle the switch Off. |
Hide Notification Previews
Prevents sensitive info (e.g., message snippets) from showing on your lock screen.
| Platform | Steps |
|---|---|
| Android | 1. Open Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen. 2. Select Hide sensitive content (or Don’t show notifications for full privacy). |
| iOS | 1. Open Settings > Notifications > Show Previews. 2. Select Never. |
Disable Telemetry and Diagnostics
Cuts back on data sent to Google/Apple for “improvements,” including crash reports and ad personalization.
| Platform | Steps |
|---|---|
| Android | 1. Open Settings > Privacy > Manage your data > Send diagnostic data and toggle Off. 2. Go to Settings > Privacy > Ads and toggle Opt out of Ads Personalization. 3. In Ads, tap Reset advertising ID. |
| iOS | 1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements. 2. Toggle off Share iPhone Analytics, Improve Siri & Dictation, and Share with App Developers. |