Your smartphone knows a lot about you. It may contain your photos, contacts, location history, messages and other personal information.
But did you know that some apps may have access to more information than they actually need?
This is why users should review their phone's privacy settings instead of automatically allowing every permission request. The good news? You do not need to be a technology expert to protect your personal data. Here are seven important settings worth checking on your next phone.
1. Check Which Apps Can Access Your Location
Some apps need your location to work properly. For example, Google Maps needs it to provide directions.
However, a calculator or simple photo-editing app usually does not need to know where you are.
What to do: Set location access to “While Using the App” when possible. Choose “Don't Allow” for apps that do not need your location.
2. Review Camera and Microphone Access
Your camera and microphone are sensitive features. Some apps need them for video calls, taking photos or recording audio. Other apps may not need this access at all.
What to do: Open your phone's privacy settings and review which apps can use your camera and microphone. Remove access if it is unnecessary.
3. Limit Access to Your Contacts
Some apps ask to access your contacts list. This can make it easier to find friends, but it also means you are sharing information about people saved on your phone.
Not every app needs this information.
What to do: Allow contact access only when it is necessary for a feature you actually use.
4. Control Access to Your Photos
You may have personal photos, family pictures, screenshots and documents stored on your phone.
When an app requests access to your photo library, consider whether it really needs to see everything.
What to do: If your phone offers the option, allow access only to selected photos instead of your entire library.
5. Review App Tracking Settings
Some apps and advertising systems use information about your activity to personalise advertisements or measure how you interact with content.
Depending on your phone and settings, you may be able to limit this type of tracking.
What to do: On an iPhone, check Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking. Review which apps can request permission to track your activity.
Android has different privacy and advertising controls, so the exact steps may vary by device.
6. Remove Permissions From Apps You No Longer Use
Have you installed apps that you have not opened for months?
It is worth checking them. Unused apps may still have permissions you previously granted, even if you no longer need those features.
What to do: Remove unnecessary permissions or uninstall apps you no longer use. On supported Android devices, you can also enable automatic permission removal for unused apps.
7. Review Your Privacy Settings Regularly
Changing your privacy settings when you first buy a phone is a good start, but it should not be the end.
You may install new apps, grant new permissions or change how you use your device over time.
What to do: Make it a habit to review your app permissions every few months. Pay attention to apps requesting access to sensitive information without a clear reason.
How to Check These Settings on Android and iPhone
The menu names may differ depending on your phone model and software version.
On Android:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps or Security & privacy.
- Find Permissions or Permission Manager.
- Review location, camera, microphone, contacts and photo access.
On iPhone:
- Open Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Review Location Services, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Photos and Tracking.
You do not need to deny every permission. Some apps need specific access to work properly. The goal is to give each app only the access it genuinely needs.
Your phone is more than a device for making calls. It is a collection of personal information that deserves protection.
Reviewing privacy settings takes only a few minutes, but it can help reduce unnecessary data sharing and give you more control over your digital life.
The next time you get a new phone, do not just transfer your apps and start using it. Take a few minutes to check your privacy settings first.
Sources
- ZDNET: https://www.zdnet.com/article/phone-privacy-settings-to-disable-review-avoid-exposing-data/
- Google Android Help: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9431959
- Apple Support: https://support.apple.com/en-asia/guide/iphone/iph6e7d349d1/ios
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