Privacy Settings: Easy Tricks to Guard Your Phone Data

Ever wonder why apps keep asking for your location, contacts, or microphone? Most of the time you can shut them down, but the options are hidden deep inside the phone. This guide shows you the most useful privacy settings on Android and iOS, and how to reach them without a tech degree.

Unlock Hidden Android Privacy Menus

Android phones hide a lot of privacy controls in "Advanced" or "Developer" sections. Open Settings > Privacy first – you’ll see a list of permissions that apps have accessed recently. Turn off anything that looks unnecessary, like "Phone" permission for a game.

For even deeper control, type *#*#4636#*#* in the dialer. This secret code opens the "Testing" menu where you can see detailed network info and toggle "Background data" for specific apps. Cutting background data stops apps from sending location updates when you’re not using them.

If you want to stop Google from tracking your activity, go to Settings > Google > Ads and enable "Opt out of Ads Personalization". It’s a simple switch that reduces targeted ads across the system.

iOS Privacy Hacks You Probably Missed

iOS keeps privacy front and center, but many settings are tucked away. Start with Settings > Privacy & Security. Here you can see which apps accessed your microphone, camera, and location in the last 24 hours. Turn off "Precise Location" for apps that only need a general area – it saves battery and hides your exact spot.

Apple also offers a hidden feature called "App Tracking Transparency". When an app wants to track you across other apps, a popup asks for permission. Always choose "Ask App Not To Track" unless you trust the app completely.

Want to see all the hidden settings? Dial *3001#12345#* to open the Field Test Mode. It shows signal strength and can hint at which apps are draining your data. While not a privacy setting per se, it helps you spot unusual activity.

Both platforms let you limit ad tracking, revoke unnecessary permissions, and block background data. The key is to check these menus regularly – privacy isn’t a set‑and‑forget thing.

Finally, keep your OS updated. System updates often patch privacy loopholes that hackers exploit. If an update won’t install automatically, you can force it by going to Settings > About phone > System updates on Android, or Settings > General > Software Update on iOS.

By using these hidden menus and quick toggles, you’ll keep your personal info out of the hands of apps that don’t need it. It takes just a few minutes, but the peace of mind lasts much longer.