5 simple technical tips to improve digital privacy

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 both iPhone and Android using the latest software.

Sign up to receive my FREE CyberGuy report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive offers delivered right to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Guide to Surviving Scams, free when you join me CYBERGUY.COM information sheet.

10 WAYS TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM EMAIL SCAMS

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
• Tap Privacy and security
• Select a permission type like Microphone, Camera, Photos either Contacts
• Disable access for applications that do not need it

Android

YesSettings may vary depending on your Android phone manufacturer

• Open Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Scroll down and tap More privacy settings either Privacy controls
• Tap Permissions manager
• Choose a permit category and configure applications for not allow either Allow only while using the app

2) Turn off access to the location you don’t need

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

iPhone

• Open Settings
• Tap Privacy and security
• Tap Location services
• Select an application and choose While using the app either Never
• Turn off precise location when exact coordinates are not needed

Android

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Open Settings
• Tap Location
• Tap App location permissions either Application permissions
• Scroll through the list and tap the application you want to change
• Select Allow only while using the app either not allow

3) Disable sharing photos 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
• Tap Privacy and security
• Tap Photos
• Select an application anand choose Selected photos either None

Android

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Open Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Scroll down and tap More privacy settings either Privacy controls
• Tap Permissions manager
• Tap Photos and videos
• Scroll through the list and tap the application you want to change
• Configure applications for not alloweither Allow limited access

5 TECHNICAL TERMS THAT SHAPE YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY

4) Turn off app tracking

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

iPhone

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

Android

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Open Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Scroll down and tap More privacy settings
• Tap Advertisements
• Tap Remove advertising ID to remove the existing ID linked to your device
• Tap Reset Advertising ID tor generate a new blank id

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

5) Disable unnecessary background app activity

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

iPhone

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Tap Background app refresh
• Turn it off completely either disable it for individual apps

Android

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Open Settings
• Tap Applications
• Select an application
• Tap Battery
• Choose Restricted or turn off Allow background use

Pro Tip: Use a Password Manager

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

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

WHY JANUARY IS THE BEST TIME TO DELETE PERSONAL DATA ONLINE

Check out the best expert-reviewed 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 restricting background activity, you can significantly reduce the amount of personal data your phone shares. A few simple configuration changes can go a long way to protecting your digital life.

What privacy settings surprised you the most, or are there any you’re not sure about? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP

Sign up to receive my FREE CyberGuy report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Guide to Surviving Scams, free when you join me CYBERGUY.COM information sheet.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.