Delete Your Mobile Advertising ID
Every smartphone has a unique, resettable ID used for advertising, much like cookies on a website. This ID allows advertisers and data brokers to build a profile of your activity across different apps. By deleting it, you make it much harder for them
to stitch together your digital footprint. On Android, you can find this option under 'Settings' > 'Security and privacy' > 'Ads' and then select 'Delete advertising ID'. On iOS, the system is a bit different; you can prevent apps from tracking you in the first place by going to 'Settings' > 'Privacy & Security' > 'Tracking' and toggling off 'Allow Apps to Request to Track'. This single step is one of the most effective ways to disrupt the data collection chain.
Take Control of Location Services
Many apps request your location but don't actually need it to function. Worse, some may be collecting and selling your precise geolocation data. Modern operating systems allow you to grant either 'Precise' or 'Approximate' location access. For apps like weather or news, 'Approximate' is usually sufficient. Reserve 'Precise' location for navigation or ride-sharing apps that genuinely need to know your exact position. You can audit these permissions by visiting 'Settings' > 'Privacy & Security' > 'Location Services' on iOS or 'Settings' > 'Location' on Android. Review the list and change any non-essential app's access to 'While Using the App' or 'Never'. Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning, often found in location settings, can also reduce passive location tracking.
Restrict Background App Activity
Apps often refresh in the background even when you're not using them. This not only consumes battery and mobile data but can also be a channel for apps to send usage data back to their servers. By restricting background activity, you ensure apps only use data when you are actively interacting with them. On iOS, you can manage this at 'Settings' > 'General' > 'Background App Refresh'. On Android, this feature is often called 'Data Saver' mode, or you can restrict individual apps by going into 'Settings' > 'Apps', selecting an app, and toggling off 'Background data'. This simple tweak limits an app’s ability to operate unseen.
Conduct a Full App Permission Audit
Over time, it's easy to lose track of which apps have access to your microphone, camera, contacts, and photos. Many apps request permissions they don't truly need. It is good practice to regularly perform a 'privacy check-up'. On both iOS and Android, the 'Privacy' section within 'Settings' contains a permission manager that lists which apps can access sensitive hardware and data. Go through each category—microphone, camera, contacts, calendar—and revoke permission for any app that doesn't have a clear and essential reason for access. For example, a simple game probably doesn't need access to your contacts. This audit puts you back in control of your personal information.
Use a Privacy-Focused DNS
This sounds technical, but it’s a surprisingly simple and powerful tweak. The Domain Name System (DNS) acts like the internet's phonebook, translating website names into IP addresses. By default, your ISP handles this, which means they can see every site you visit. Switching to a privacy-focused DNS service can block trackers, malware, and ads at the network level, before they even reach your device. Services like Quad9 and AdGuard DNS offer free, public servers. On most Android devices, you can change this by going to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Private DNS' and entering the hostname of the service (e.g., dns.quad9.net). On iOS, you'll need a small utility app from your chosen DNS provider to configure it, but the process is straightforward.
