iPhones are more privacy-friendly than Android by default, but "more private" doesn't mean private. There are dozens of settings Apple doesn't highlight in setup that significantly affect how much data your phone collects and shares. Here's what to change.
Location Services
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services. Go through every app and set location access to "Never" or "While Using" — never "Always" unless there's a specific reason (like a navigation app). Also scroll to the bottom and tap System Services to disable "iPhone Analytics," "Routing & Traffic," and "Improve Maps."
App Tracking
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking. Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track." This implements Apple's App Tracking Transparency — apps can no longer ask for permission to track you across other companies' apps and websites.
Analytics & Improvements
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements. Turn off all options here. These settings send usage data and diagnostics to Apple and app developers.
Siri & Dictation
Go to Settings → Siri & Search. Turn off "Listen for Hey Siri" if you don't use it — it requires your phone to constantly listen for the wake word. Also go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics & Improvements and turn off "Improve Siri & Dictation" to stop voice recordings from being sent to Apple.
Limit Ad Tracking
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising and turn off "Personalized Ads." This prevents Apple from using your data to target you with ads within Apple apps.
Review App Permissions
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security and work through each category — Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Photos, Microphone, Camera. For each, review which apps have access and remove any that don't need it.
iCloud Data
Be aware that if you use iCloud Backup, your messages, photos, and app data are stored on Apple's servers. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud to see what's being synced and turn off anything you don't need in the cloud.
Use a Private DNS
Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → [Your Network] → Configure DNS and set it to Manual. Add 1.1.1.2 (Cloudflare's family-safe DNS) or 9.9.9.9 (Quad9, which blocks malicious domains). This protects your DNS queries even without a VPN.
Safari Privacy Settings
If you use Safari, go to Settings → Safari and enable "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" and "Hide IP Address" (set to "From Trackers"). Also turn on "Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement" and disable "Allow Websites to Check for Apple Pay."