Stop your phone from spying on you!

Take back control of your phone privacy with this simple guide
Our smartphones are incredible tools, keeping us connected, entertained, and organised. But have you ever stopped to think about just how much your phone knows about you? From your location to your habits, apps and services collect a surprising amount of data. The good news is that you can take control.

Location tracking 
Many apps and services track your location to offer convenience, like maps or weather updates. But sometimes apps track your location even when you’re not using them.

How to control it:

On iPhone: Go to Settings → Privacy → Location Services. You can see which apps have access and choose Never, Ask Next Time, or While Using the App.

On Android: Go to Settings → Location. You can turn location off completely or manage app-by-app permissions.

Regularly reviewing these settings can prevent unnecessary tracking while keeping your essential apps working properly.

App data and permissions 
Apps often ask for access to your contacts, camera, microphone, or storage because these permissions allow them to provide the features they promise. For example, a messaging app needs access to your contacts to let you send messages, and a photo app needs access to your camera and storage to take and save pictures. However, some apps request more permissions than they actually need.

Tips to stay in control:

Only grant permissions when required for the app’s function.

Review permissions regularly in your phone settings.

Delete apps you no longer use—this reduces potential data sharing.

Being mindful about permissions ensures your phone shares only what you’re comfortable with.

Advertising and personalisation 
Your phone collects a surprising amount of data about you for advertising purposes. Every app you use, website you visit, and even the searches you perform can be tracked to build a detailed profile of your interests, habits, and routines. This profile allows advertisers to serve highly targeted ads, meaning the ads you see are often tailored to your behaviour rather than being random. You might notice suggestions for products you’ve recently searched for, promotions for apps similar to ones you use, or even local offers based on your location. While this personalisation can sometimes feel convenient, it also means that your activity is being monitored and stored, often without you realising the full extent of what’s being collected.

How to limit tracking:

On iPhone: Settings → Privacy → Tracking. Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track.

On Android: Settings → Google → Ads. Turn on Opt Out of Ads Personalisation.

This won’t eliminate ads, but it reduces the tracking used to personalise them.

Keeping your data safe 
Even with privacy settings in place, your phone can still be vulnerable if it isn’t secure.

Best practices:

Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Updates often include security patches.

Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.

Enable two-factor authentication where possible.

Avoid public WiFi for sensitive activities, or use a VPN if necessary.

Take control of your privacy 
Your phone can be an amazing tool without giving up your privacy. By regularly checking location settings, app permissions, and security options, you can decide what your phone shares and what stays private. A few minutes of maintenance can help keep your data safe, your WiFi experience smooth, and your mind at ease.