iPhones Are Secure… But Not Private by Default
Apple promotes itself as the “privacy-first” tech giant. And to be fair, iPhones do offer stronger encryption and stricter app controls compared to Android. However, here’s the catch: many of the most important privacy settings are disabled out of the box. Without adjustments, your data is still more exposed than you might expect.
That’s where tools like Opera GX come inoriginally designed for gamers, it now includes advanced privacy controls that can help reinforce your digital habits beyond your phone.
This guide will walk you through 10 essential iPhone settings you should change today to reduce tracking, prevent data leaks, and protect your personal info without sacrificing usability.
1. Limit ad tracking (Apple’s system)
Even Apple wants to track your habits just “anonymously.” That still means profiling.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising
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Toggle off Personalized Ads
Bonus: You can request Apple to delete your ad activity history on the same screen.
2. Turn off location tracking where it’s not needed
Some apps constantly ping your GPS even when not in use. This drains your battery and leaks your physical movements.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
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Turn off Precise Location for apps that don’t need it (like weather or maps)
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Set most apps to “While Using” or “Never”
Go further: Scroll down to System Services > disable iPhone Analytics, Location-Based Ads, and Location-Based Suggestions.
3. Stop iPhone from sharing analytics with Apple
Your iPhone may send diagnostic data and usage patterns to Apple by default.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements
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Toggle off Share iPhone Analytics, Improve Siri & Dictation, and all other tracking switches.
4. Disable Tracking Permissions for Apps (ATT)
Thanks to Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature, apps now need to ask before tracking, but you can shut them all down by default.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
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Toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track
This prevents ALL apps from even asking in the first place.
5. Stop Apps From Accessing Your Camera & Microphone Unnecessarily
Some apps access your mic or camera even when it’s not obvious.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and Camera.
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Revoke access for any app that doesn’t need it.
Pro Tip: Apps like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok shouldn’t need your microphone unless you’re recording.
6. Hide Your IP Address From Trackers in Safari
Safari now offers Privacy Protection that hides your IP from trackers, but it’s not always on by default.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Safari.
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Under Privacy & Security, enable:
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Prevent Cross-Site Tracking
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Hide IP Address > From Trackers
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Block All Cookies (if you’re okay with some sites breaking)
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Fraudulent Website Warning
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Use DuckDuckGo or Brave as your default browser for stronger tracking protection.
7. Limit What siri stores and sends
Siri can record your voice to improve itself unless you say no.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri & Dictation History
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Tap Delete Siri & Dictation History
Also, disable “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’” if you rarely use it it prevents passive listening.
8. Use Stronger App and Device Lock Features
Protect your device physically and digitally.
What to do:
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Use a 6-digit passcode instead of 4
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Enable Face ID + Require Passcode Immediately.
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Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > scroll down to disable USB Accessories (prevents data theft if stolen)
Turn on Erase Data After 10 Failed Attempts if you store sensitive info.
9. Stop iCloud From Syncing Sensitive Data
iCloud is useful, but it stores your photos, messages, and health data unless you say otherwise.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud
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Tap Show All and disable sync for things you’d rather keep local (e.g., Health, Messages, Safari)
Use iCloud Private Relay if available; it acts like a mini-VPN for Safari.
10. Clean Up App Permissions Regularly
Apps request access once, and most users never revisit. It’s time to audit.
How to fix it:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
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Tap through Contacts, Photos, Calendars, etc.
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Remove or restrict permissions that feel excessive or unnecessary
Keep only what each app truly needs.
Privacy Is a Journey, Not a Switch
Your iPhone can be a powerful privacy tool, but only if you tell it to be. These settings take 15–20 minutes to apply and can dramatically reduce the amount of data Apple and third parties collect about you. You don’t need to disappear, you just need to reclaim control.
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