Your phone, browser and social accounts collect a lot of information by default. Much of it is used for advertising and personalization. Some of it may be more than you are comfortable sharing. A periodic privacy checkup lets you decide what to keep.
This guide walks through common settings. Menus vary by device and app version, so look for similar options in your settings.
Phone Privacy
App Permissions
Review which apps can access location, camera, microphone, contacts, photos and Bluetooth. Remove permissions apps do not need. Choose “while using the app” or approximate location where possible.
Location History
Phone operating systems and some apps can keep a history of places you have been. Review and pause or delete it if you prefer.
Ad Tracking
Both major mobile platforms offer settings to limit app tracking or reset advertising identifiers. Review them.
Lock Screen
Limit what notifications show on your lock screen, so private messages and codes are not visible to anyone nearby.
Unused Apps
Delete apps you no longer use. Fewer apps mean fewer permissions and less data collection.
Browser Privacy
- Review cookie settings and consider blocking third-party cookies
- Review saved passwords and move them to a password manager. See the password manager guide.
- Remove extensions you do not use; extensions can see a lot of browsing activity
- Clear browsing data periodically if you like
- Consider privacy-focused browsers or search engines
Social Media Privacy
- Review who can see your posts, friends list and profile details
- Limit who can look you up by phone number or email
- Remove your birthday, address and phone number from public view
- Review tagged photos and tagging permissions
- Check which third-party apps are connected and remove old ones
- Review ad preferences
Public details such as birthdays and pet names are used in security questions and by scammers. See phishing red flags.
Google, Apple and Microsoft Account Dashboards
Major account providers offer privacy dashboards that show activity history, ad personalization and connected apps. Walk through them and adjust settings.
Smart Speakers and Devices
- Review voice recording history and deletion settings
- Use mute buttons when you want privacy
- Check camera settings on doorbells and indoor cameras
- Put smart devices on a separate network. See home Wi-Fi security.
Email Privacy
- Use email aliases for sign-ups
- Unsubscribe from lists you do not want
- Turn off automatic remote image loading if your email app allows, since images can be used for tracking
A Simple Annual Routine
| Area | What to review |
|---|---|
| Phone | Permissions, location history, ad tracking |
| Browser | Extensions, cookies, saved passwords |
| Social media | Visibility, tags, connected apps |
| Accounts | Privacy dashboards |
| Smart devices | Recordings, cameras |
| Data brokers | Listings. See the data broker removal guide. |
Common Mistakes
- Granting every permission requested
- Keeping unused apps and extensions
- Sharing birthdays and addresses publicly
- Never revisiting settings after updates
A Note on Children’s Devices
Phone platforms offer family features for managing children’s app downloads, screen time and content filters. Review location sharing, app permissions and in-app purchase settings on children’s devices. Talk with kids about what is safe to post, why location tagging can reveal where they are and how to report uncomfortable messages.
A Note on Cars and Connected Devices
Modern cars, TVs, fitness trackers and appliances may collect data and connect to apps. Review their privacy settings and companion apps, and turn off features you do not need. When selling a car or device, reset it and remove it from your accounts.
A Note on Photos
Photos can carry location data in their metadata. Many phones let you remove location before sharing. Social platforms often strip some metadata, but not every app does. Be mindful of what appears in the background of photos, such as house numbers or school names.
Questions to Ask About Any App
- Why does this app need this permission?
- Does it work without it?
- What does the privacy policy say about sharing data?
Starting Small
Pick one area, such as phone app permissions, and finish it in one sitting. Then move on to the next area another day.
A Note on Browser Sync
Browser sync saves bookmarks, history and sometimes passwords to your account so they appear on all your devices. That is convenient but means your account holds a lot of data. Protect it with two-factor authentication and review what is synced. See two-factor authentication setup.
Final Checkup List
- Phone permissions reviewed
- Location history set as preferred
- Browser extensions pruned
- Social media visibility checked
- Account dashboards reviewed
- Smart device recordings checked
A Note on Privacy Policies
Privacy policies are long, but skimming the sections on data sharing, retention and your choices can be revealing. Look for whether the company sells or shares data with advertisers, how long it keeps data and how to request deletion. Some state privacy laws give residents specific rights to access or delete data.
A Note on Search Engines
Search engines can keep a history of your searches tied to your account. Review search history settings, pause or delete history if you prefer and consider whether you want to be signed in while searching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I review privacy settings?
At least once a year and after major updates.
Does limiting ad tracking stop ads?
No, but it can limit personalization based on tracking.
Are browser extensions risky?
Some are. Install only what you need from trusted developers.
Should I delete location history?
It is your choice; pausing or deleting it limits stored data.
Do privacy settings protect against hackers?
Partly, by limiting exposed information. Pair them with strong account security.
The Bottom Line
Review phone permissions, browser settings, social media visibility, account dashboards and smart devices regularly, and share only what you are comfortable sharing.
Editorial note: Lock and Login is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.