iOS: 9 ways to protect your privacy

by Vít Nováček, updated November 9, 2022

1. Apple Phone Lock

   For iOS security, it is vital to have a number code or password set up and authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID. For added device security, choose a multi-digit code or password. This can be set by default in Settings → Touch ID and Code Lock/Face ID and Code → Change Code → Code Options. Here you can already choose between a password or a multi-digit code.

   If you want to protect your sensitive data as much as possible, you can choose to erase your data after 10 bad password or code attempts. However, in this case, think about backing up your phone data in case you accidentally wipe your phone.

   Setting a device lock will also automatically encrypt all your data with a 256-bit AES encryption.

2. Notification

   You can hide sensitive data in your app notifications. For example, prevent others from reading your private messages without unlocking your phone.

   Turn this setting on to hide the content of notifications. The app icon that informs you of a new notification will continue to appear. To hide the content of a notification, see Settings → Notifications → App name → Show on the lock screen.

3. Location Sharing

   Your location is sensitive data. To protect it, turn off location sharing for unnecessary items. In settings → privacy → location services → system services, if applicable, you will find all the apps and system services that have access to your location.

   We recommend you go through them and select only the ones you use and trust. Another option is to turn off the location altogether. Also, consider whether you want to share your location with family and friends or turn this option off.

4. iOS apps

   Check the sensitive data requirements of installed apps. If an app does not need certain permissions, change its permissions accordingly. For some apps, you must allow access to certain permissions, or they cannot work. In this case, you will need to grant the application permissions when you start the application. You can find the application permissions clearly in Settings → Privacy.

   When checking permissions, go straight to the apps you do not use or need on your device and uninstall them.

5. Ad Settings

   Turning off personal ads does not reduce the number of ads you see, but it does limit the number of personalized ads. You can set this option in Settings → Privacy → Apple Advertising → Personal Advertising. To maintain privacy, it is also a good idea to clear your ad identifier once in a while. This removes the information collected to offer you ads; you can find this option under personal advertising settings.

6. Two-factor Apple ID Authentication

   For added security, in addition to your Apple ID password, turn on two-factor authentication, which adds additional authentication to your Apple ID login. This means you need a trusted device or mobile phone with the phone number you entered when you turned on two-factor authentication.

   Two-factor authentication works so that when you log in to your Apple ID from a new device, you need to confirm the login on one of your trusted devices or text a code to a verified phone number. If you lose your trusted device and phone number, you will not lose all your data; Apple Support will help you unlock it. To set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, go to Settings → your name → password and security → two-factor authentication. Then follow the instructions.

7. iOS Browser and Search Engine

   By default, iOS uses the Safari browser. However, that does not mean you cannot download and use another browser. For example, if you are already using Brave on your computer, it is convenient to link and use it on your mobile device as well.

   Also, use a search engine that respects the privacy of users. Examples of such a browser include DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, or Qwant. You can change the search engine in the browser app, or if you use Safari, in Settings → Safari → Search Engines. For example, choose the DuckDuckGo search engine here.

8. iOS VPN

   Not only to get privacy while browsing but also to secure your connection, it is advisable to use a VPN. A VPN not only encrypts all the data that is sent and received from your device. This protects you from hacker attempts to eavesdrop or reroute communications, even on unprotected Wi-Fi networks.

   You will also find a VPN useful for circumventing censorship or unblocking streaming services and offers destined for other countries. With VPNs and servers in many countries that you will be connecting to, you will also get more privacy since it is not easy to track across the internet.

   Connecting through a VPN server also hides your connection location. The VPN you choose will also protect you from phishing attacks and malware.

9. iOS Updates

   Be sure to update your device and apps as soon as an update is available. Using your device without updates is not advisable, as many updates include security patches. Not installing them is a security risk. An option is to set your app and system updates to download automatically.

   You can also find app updates in the App Store, receive notifications about system apps, or manually search for them in settings → general → software updates.