Your mobile phone stores your life in small pieces: photos, messages, locations, contacts, and much more. The good news is that today you can decide, with considerable precision, what each app sees. And what's beyond your control? The downside is that there are many settings scattered across Android, iOS, Google, and even the app store, and it's easy to get lost. Here's a complete, step-by-step guide so you can take control of your privacy.
Before we begin, an honest warning: Total privacy does not exist.It's advisable to reduce exposure and tracking, but also understand that enabling everything can break features in apps you actually need. I'll explain each setting. so you can choose what to activate according to your priorities, your mobile phone (Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) and the version of Android or iOS you have.
Google Play: The “Data Security” section that tells you what each app does
When you open an app's listing on Google Play, you'll see a section where the developer explains what data it collects and how it uses it. It's the "Data Security Section" And it helps you decide whether to install it or skip it. Use it as a preliminary filter: if you detect excessive data collection for what the app does, there are alternatives. Try it now
Basic Android review: quick device analysis
Go to Settings and then to Security and Privacy. Tap Analyze DeviceIt will tell you if you're missing screen lock, app analytics, or any other essential settings that Google considers minimum for security. If something appears in red, tap it and activate it from there.
Privacy panel on Android: who accessed what
From Security and privacy > Privacy > Privacy dashboard, you will see a graph and history by permission for the last 24 hours. It helps detect apps that abuse permissionsIf something seems off, go into that permission, review the timeline, and click Manage Permission to terminate it on the fly.
Android permission manager: streamline the permission tap one by one
Go to Security and Privacy > Privacy > Permission Manager. You'll find all the types of permissions and which apps use them.Review carefully and remember: if you cut too much and something stops working, you can always go back.
- Physical activity: data for sports apps (Google Fit and similar).
- Archives: access to local storage to read/write files.
- Calendar: View and create events for your account.
- Camera: camera usage within apps.
- Contacts: reading and using your diary (useful for “finding friends”).
- Nearby devices: detect and connect with devices via Bluetooth or other protocols.
- Photos and videoAccess to your gallery; here's the key to limiting which photos each app sees.
- Microphone: audio recording, voice notes, assistants, etc.
- Music & Audio: access to multimedia audio files.
- Notifications: manage app notifications.
- Call log: list of calls made/received.
- Connected health: centralized health data on Android 14 and later.
- Body sensors: biometrics and similar sensors (e.g. fingerprints).
- SMS: reading messages (typical for OTP codes).
- Phone Number: initiate calls directly from apps.
- LocationGPS and more; you can choose precise or approximate.
- Additional permissions: manufacturer extras or special cases (e.g. car).
Within each app, under a permission, you'll find "allowed," "denied," and in some cases, intermediate options such as “Only when using the app” or “Always ask”Adjust to your liking.
The star of the show: limit which photos each app can see (Android)
Since Android 14, when an app requests access to your photos/videos, you can grant full access, deny it, or grant access only to specific imagesPerfect for posting on social media without opening the door to your entire gallery; You can use apps to hide filesIf you've already granted full permission, force the app to ask for it again: Security and privacy > Privacy > Permission manager > Photos and videos > your app > set it to ask for permission when using it.
Precise vs. approximate location on Android
Many apps only need a general idea of where you are. Turn off “Use precise location” In Security and Privacy > Privacy > Location > your app. Keep the exact location only for navigation and maps; for everything else, the approximate location is more than enough.
Health data in Android 14: centralized control
Go to Security and Privacy > Privacy > Connected Health. Manage which apps can read or write your health data and revoke what doesn't make sense to you.
Protects unlocking: PIN without clues and passwords without "last letter visible"
In Security and privacy > Device unlocking, enable Enhanced PIN Privacy To remove animations when typing your PIN, in Privacy, disable "Show passwords" so that the last character is not displayed on the screen.
Cut off microphone and camera with a switch
Under Security and Privacy > Privacy, you will find Quick access to disable system microphone and cameraWhen they are turned off, no app can access them (not even in the background); Check which apps have access to the microphone.Activate them again when you're finished.
Lock screen notifications: decide how much is seen
In Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications, you can choose to show everything, hide sensitive content, or show nothing. You avoid prying eyes when your mobile phone is on the table.
Reduce what you send to Google (Android)
In Security and Privacy > Privacy, go to Controls your account activityTurn off location history, web and app activity, and ad personalization if you want to reduce profiling. Also check Privacy > Ads to reset your advertising ID.
In Security and privacy > More security and privacy, disable “Personalize using application data” and “Usage and diagnostics” if you do not want to send usage telemetry.
Google's native services to review
In Settings > Google you'll see many with an impact on privacy. Take a look at them and turn off what you're not using.:
- COVID-19 Exposure Notifications.
- Google App Settings (Search, Assistant, Fit, linked third-party apps).
- My Listings (Disable personalization).
- Autocomplete (SMS codes).
- Configure and restore (restorations, work profiles).
- Parental controls.
- Device and sharing (Chromebook, Cast…).
- Emergencies.
- Find my device.
- Backup.
- Game panel.
- Personalize with shared data (You can turn it off or choose apps).
In Google app settings > Connected apps, you'll see what data does each app linked to your account access?; unlink what you don't need.
Search engine, assistant and voice: data worth examining
In Google app settings > Search, Assistant & voice, you can adjust: General admission (recent pages, trend autocomplete), Notifications, Secure search, Personal results, Personalization., Google Assistant (routines, reminders), Voz (languages, swear filter, disable “OK Google”), Language and region, and Privacy & Security.
Find my device: privacy vs recovery
You can turn off Find My Device in Security & Privacy > Device finders, but think carefully about it: Without it, if it's stolen or lost, forget about locating or deleting it.If you prioritize extreme privacy, go ahead; if not, it's best to leave it active.
Google Play Protect: Sending samples to detect malware
Play Protect analyzes apps and can send samples to Google to improve detection. Increased security comes at the cost of some telemetryIt is not recommended to disable it except in very specific cases.
Extra protection when you connect: DNS and VPN
A VPN hides your IP address and a private DNS reduces tracking, outages, and common attacks. You can configure private DNS and rate a reliable VPN. to add a layer of privacy to your browsing.
Manufacturer-specific options
Depending on the phone, you will see different menus or privacy extras (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.). It's worth checking out their privacy policy. and disable the sending of statistics or "improvements" that collect data.
Privacy beyond Android: browser, search engine and apps
Configure your browser to protect yourself more (or Try privacy-focused alternativesConsider using search engines that don't profile users. Install apps from trusted sources and be wary of excessive permissions or suspicious reviews.
iOS: Privacy controls you should know
On iPhone, Privacy and Security brings together permissions for camera, microphone, photos, contacts, location, and more. Several native features stand out:
- App Passwords: end-to-end encrypted and synchronized credentials.
- Accessory configuration kit: connects Bluetooth protecting proximity information.
- Blocked and hidden appsProtect with Face ID/Touch ID or passcode; they don't appear in searches or notifications.
- Security Check: short access and location in contexts of domestic or gender violence.
- Sensitive Content Notice: blurs photos/videos with nudity; everything is processed on the device.
- Privacy sheets in the App Store: what data they collect and how it is used.
- Transparency in app monitoring (ATT)Each app must ask for permission to track you; you can change this later in Settings.
- App Privacy Report: what permissions they use and which domains they contact.
- Clipboard permissions and access notifications.
- Camera/microphone indicators and limits on background apps.
- Local networkApps must ask for permission to analyze your network.
- Approximate location (area of ~25 km²) or exact; you choose.
- Data and Privacy PageDownload, correct, or delete data from your account.
- Global Data Optional with differential privacy; you can disable it.
- Advertising: no cross-company tracking, personalized ad control, and limits for minors.
Furthermore, lock apps with PIN or Face ID/Touch ID (for example, WhatsApp) and limits photos per app when iOS asks you to.
Google: Control what your profile shows and who finds you
From your Google Account > Personal information > “Go to About me”, decide what data is shown and who (Only you / Everyone). You can add, edit or delete info (name, photo, phone, etc.).
In “Your profiles” > View profiles, enter the service and adjust its visibility. With “Profile Visibility” you choose whether someone searching for you by phone/email sees your name/photoActivate it and tap Change to choose your full or abbreviated name and whether your photo is displayed. To be found by number, enable the option in your phone settings.
Background apps and WiFi/Bluetooth scanning on Android
In Settings > Apps > Battery usage, restricts background operation of apps that don't need to be always active (avoid tapping messaging if you want to receive instant notifications).
In Settings > Location > Location Services, Disable “WiFi network search” and “Bluetooth device search” If you don't use them: you avoid passively revealing your location.
Device lock and 2FA: the foundation of everything
Activate a robust code (preferably 8-12 characters) and, if you want, biometrics for convenience. On Android: Security and privacy > Device unlockOn iPhone: Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Keep in mind the legal factor: in the US, a memorized PIN is generally considered more secure than biometrics.
Protect your Google Account with two step verificationbetter with authenticator app or security keys. Experience Passkeys: more convenient and secure logins.
Remove ad tracking on Android
Go to Security and Privacy > Privacy > Ads and tap Remove advertising IDIt's a miracle cure for stopping third parties who want to profile you using the AAID.
Configure “Find My Device” to your advantage
Go to Security and privacy > Device finders > Find my device and turn it on. Enable remote locking And, if your phone allows it, Anti-theft Protection: locks the phone when a snatching/theft is detected and locks it offline if location services are interrupted. Also activate identity verification to require biometrics when changing critical settings. You can also supplement with anti-theft apps.
Backups: what is encrypted and what is not
On Android: Settings > System > Backup. Photos/videos in Google Photos are not end-to-end encryptedSome of the other data (apps, settings, SMS, etc.) is backed up with your passcode, although Google doesn't always provide precise details about what's included in each category. On iOS, check Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Advanced Protection on Android (at-risk users)
In Security and Privacy > Advanced Protection you can activate a set of toughened measuresTheft detection, enforce HTTPS in Chrome, block unknown apps, strengthen Messages, and prevent unsecured Wi-Fi. Note: This may break websites that rely on JS optimizations or prevent sideloading of apps.
Private space and multiple users (Android 15+)
If your phone has at least 6 GB of RAM, Settings > Security and privacy > Private space allows Create an isolated environment with its own PIN. (even with another Google Account). Ideal for sensitive apps. If you share your phone, consider Settings > System > Multiple users: each profile is encrypted separately.
More network barriers: disable 2G and WEP networks
In Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > your carrier, turn off “Enable 2G” To avoid connecting to fake cell towers (IMSI catchers), if you see "Require encryption," enable it. On Android 15+, go to Internet > Network preferences. disable “Allow WEP networks”It is an obsolete and insecure protocol.
Sensitive notifications: fewer clues on the screen
In Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications, hide sensitive content or all notifications. If an app really worries you, turn off its notifications..
Custom ROMs: for experts only
There are Android ROMs focused on privacy or security. They may extend patch support, but They introduce risks and often break compatibilities.Use them only if you know what they entail and you trust the project.
Ad tracking on iOS and other useful settings
In Settings > Privacy and security > Tracking, turn off tracking for apps that don't need it (or globally). Review Analytics and Advertising to limit personalizationOn iOS and Android, periodically check Passwords to detect leaked credentials.
App-based blocking and secure WiFi networks
Many Android skins (Samsung, Xiaomi…) allow Block apps with PIN/biometrics from within the settings themselves. Also, pay attention to unsecured network warnings and avoid entering passwords or opening sensitive files on suspicious Wi-Fi networks.
A side note
Although it is not directly related to permits and tracking, several sources point out that Sustainability is not a fadbut a paradigm shift in business. That said, here we focus on mobile privacy.
Taking control of what each app sees — especially your photos — is a matter of spending a few minutes with the right menus and understanding the implications of each setting. With the Privacy Dashboard, Permission Manager, and location and gallery controls on Android 14+, plus visibility, tracking, and blocking systems on iOSYou can significantly reduce noise without losing what matters to you in each app. Adjust, test, and readjust; finding your balance between convenience and privacy is entirely possible. Share this tutorial and help others control their privacy on Android.