Privacy Settings Guide

This guide covers the most important privacy settings to change on common phones, computers, browsers, and online accounts. Settings alone won't make you invisible, but they reduce the data you give away by default.

Mobile — Brands and OS

Apple iOS / iPadOS

• Settings > Privacy & Security: turn off Location Services for apps that do not need it, and review Tracking permissions.
• Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements: disable Share iPhone Analytics.
• Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising: turn off Personalized Ads.
• Settings > Safari: turn on Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and Hide IP Address.
• Use iCloud cautiously; private data is end-to-end encrypted only when Advanced Data Protection is enabled.

Google Pixel / Stock Android

• Settings > Privacy: disable Ads personalization and reset the advertising ID.
• Settings > Location: turn off Use location and review per-app location access.
• Settings > Google: disable Usage & diagnostics and App data sharing where possible.
• Use a private DNS under Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

• Settings > Privacy: disable Customization Service and opt out of Samsung ads and marketing information.
• Review Samsung account sync and disable unused services.
• Uninstall or disable Samsung apps you do not use, or replace them with open-source alternatives from F-Droid.
• Consider disabling Bixby, Samsung Daily, and other data-collecting features.

Other Android brands (Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Motorola, etc.)

• Go through the first-party account and privacy settings and opt out of analytics, ads, and experience programs.
• Replace pre-installed browsers and keyboards with open-source or privacy-focused alternatives.
• Disable bloatware via ADB or the system settings where uninstall is blocked.

PC / Desktop — Operating Systems

Windows 10 / 11

• Settings > Privacy & Security: disable ad ID, diagnostic data, tailored experiences, and inking / typing personalization.
• Disable unnecessary telemetry with O&O ShutUp10++ or privacy.sexy.
• Uninstall or disable Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, and Cortana if you do not use them, or use a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
• Use a privacy DNS or a tool like WindowsSpyBlocker.

macOS

• System Settings > Privacy & Security: review Location Services, Analytics & Improvements, and Advertising preferences.
• Disable Share Mac Analytics and Personalized Ads.
• Use Objective-See tools such as Lulu and Oversight for network and camera/mic monitoring.
• Sign in with a local account where possible and limit iCloud syncing for sensitive data.

Linux

• Most distributions collect very little by default. Review distro-specific telemetry such as Ubuntu error reporting or Pop!_OS support.
• Use a firewall like OpenSnitch or Gufw to monitor outbound connections.
• Keep software sources limited to official repositories and Flatpak/Flathub permissions tight.

Browsers and Online Accounts

• Use a privacy-focused browser such as Brave, LibreWolf, Tor, or hardened Firefox.
• Install uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger.
• Use a password manager and enable 2FA everywhere you can, ideally a hardware key or app-based TOTP.
• Search with DuckDuckGo, Marginalia, Kagi, or a self-hosted SearXNG instance.

Recommended Online Privacy & Safety Settings

• Use a password manager (Bitwarden, KeePassXC, Proton Pass, or KeePassium/Strongbox on iOS) and turn on AutoFill.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every important account; prefer app-based TOTP or a hardware key over SMS.
• Choose a privacy-focused browser (Brave, Firefox, Tor, or hardened Safari) and install uBlock Origin on desktop.
• Set a private DNS (NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, or a personal Pi-hole/AdGuard Home) to block ads and trackers network-wide.
• Review location, camera, microphone, and contact permissions for every app; revoke what is not needed.
• Disable ad personalization and analytics/telemetry in your OS, Google, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and browser settings.
• Freeze credit reports and use masked/aliased emails for online accounts where possible.
• Keep systems and apps updated, and only install software from official sources or trusted package managers.

Online Safety

For a deeper look at safety, verification, and avoiding scams, see the Safety, Verification & Online Safety guide.

Recommended VPNs & DNS Services

See the curated VPN and DNS recommendations on the main index for services we trust.

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