Mobile Privacy

Your smartphone is likely your most personal device, containing sensitive information about nearly every aspect of your life. This guide will help you enhance privacy on your mobile devices and reduce unwanted tracking and data collection.

Understanding Mobile Privacy Risks

Mobile devices face unique privacy challenges:

• Always-on connectivity and location tracking
• Numerous sensors (GPS, microphone, camera, accelerometer, etc.)
• App ecosystems with varying privacy practices
• Operating systems that collect user data
• Carrier and network-based tracking
• Physical mobility that creates detailed location histories

iOS Privacy Settings

Essential iOS Privacy Settings

1. App Tracking Transparency: Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking and disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
2. Location Services: Settings > Privacy > Location Services
   • Review app-by-app location permissions
   • Use "While Using the App" or "Ask Next Time" instead of "Always"
   • Disable "Significant Locations" to prevent location history collection
3. Analytics & Improvements: Settings > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements
   • Disable "Share iPhone Analytics"
   • Disable "Improve Siri & Dictation"
4. Apple Advertising: Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising > Disable "Personalized Ads"
5. App Privacy Report: Settings > Privacy > App Privacy Report to monitor app activity
6. Limit Ad Tracking: Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising > Turn off Personalized Ads

Advanced iOS Privacy Settings

• Safari Privacy: Settings > Safari
  • Enable "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking"
  • Enable "Block All Cookies" (may affect functionality)
  • Use "Hide IP Address" features
• Photos Privacy: Settings > Privacy > Photos
  • Set app permissions to "Selected Photos" instead of full library access
• Microphone & Camera Indicators: iOS shows orange (microphone) and green (camera) indicators when these are in use
• Private Wi-Fi Address: Settings > Wi-Fi > (i) next to network > Enable "Private Address"
• iCloud Private Relay: Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Private Relay (requires subscription)
• Hide My Email: Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Hide My Email (requires subscription)

Android Privacy Settings

Essential Android Privacy Settings

Note: Menu locations may vary by device manufacturer and Android version

1. App Permissions: Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager
   • Review permissions for Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, etc.
   • Use "Only while using the app" for location when possible
2. Google Activity Controls: Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Data & Privacy
   • Disable "Web & App Activity"
   • Disable "Location History"
   • Disable "YouTube History"
   • Disable "Ad Personalization"
3. Android Advertising ID: Settings > Privacy > Ads > Delete advertising ID and opt out of ad personalization
4. Usage & Diagnostics: Settings > Privacy > Usage & Diagnostics > Disable

Advanced Android Privacy Settings

• Private DNS: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS > Set to "Private DNS provider hostname" (e.g., dns.adguard.com)
• Nearby Device Scanning: Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Disable "Nearby device scanning"
• Sensor Permissions: Settings > Privacy > Permission manager > Sensors (body sensors, physical activity)
• Auto-reset Permissions: Settings > Apps > [App] > Permissions > Enable "Remove permissions if app isn't used"
• Privacy Dashboard: Settings > Privacy > Privacy dashboard (Android 12+)
• Camera & Microphone Toggles: Quick Settings toggles to disable camera and microphone access (Android 12+)

App Privacy Management

Evaluating App Privacy

Before installing apps, assess their privacy implications:

• Review privacy labels (iOS App Store) or data safety information (Google Play Store)
• Check permission requirements and question unnecessary permissions
• Read privacy policies (or use tools that summarize them)
• Research the app developer's reputation
• Consider alternatives with better privacy practices
• Look for open-source alternatives when possible

Managing Installed Apps

1. Regularly audit installed apps and remove unused ones
2. Review and update permission settings periodically
3. Disable background activity for non-essential apps
4. Use "Lite" versions of apps when available
5. Consider using web versions instead of apps for some services

Private Communication

Secure Messaging

Replace standard SMS/MMS with encrypted messaging apps:

• Signal: End-to-end encrypted, minimal metadata collection
• Session: Decentralized messaging that doesn't require phone numbers
• Wire: Secure messaging with additional business features
• Element (Matrix): Decentralized, encrypted messaging platform
• Threema: Privacy-focused messenger that doesn't require phone numbers

Private Browsing

Enhance privacy while browsing on mobile:

• Use privacy-focused browsers (Firefox Focus, Brave, DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser)
• Use private browsing mode
• Install content blockers (iOS) or privacy-enhancing extensions (Android Firefox)
• Use privacy-respecting search engines (DuckDuckGo, Startpage, Searx)

Location Privacy

Minimizing Location Tracking

1. Review location permission settings regularly
2. Disable "Always" location access for apps that don't need it
3. Turn off location services when not needed
4. Disable location history and timeline features
5. Use approximate location instead of precise location when available
6. Consider using a GPS spoofing app (requires advanced configuration)

Network Privacy

• Use a VPN to mask your IP address and encrypt traffic
• Enable MAC address randomization for Wi-Fi connections
• Disable Bluetooth when not in use
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi networks
• Consider using eSIM or prepaid SIM cards for sensitive activities

Advanced Mobile Privacy

Alternative Operating Systems

For maximum privacy, consider privacy-focused mobile operating systems:

• GrapheneOS: Security-hardened Android for Pixel devices
• CalyxOS: Privacy-focused Android with more user-friendly features
• LineageOS: Open-source Android distribution with optional Google services
• DivestOS: LineageOS fork with additional security patches

De-Googling Android

Reduce Google's data collection on Android:

• Use F-Droid instead of Google Play Store
• Replace Google apps with alternatives (e.g., OSMAnd for Maps)
• Use Aurora Store to access Play Store apps anonymously
• Install microG as a minimal replacement for Google services

Physical Privacy

• Use a privacy screen protector to prevent visual snooping
• Be aware of surroundings when using your device in public
• Disable lock screen notifications for sensitive apps
• Use biometric authentication carefully (can be legally compelled in some jurisdictions)
• Consider a Faraday bag for complete signal blocking when needed

Conclusion

Mobile privacy requires ongoing attention as operating systems and apps are constantly changing. By implementing these recommendations, you can significantly reduce unwanted tracking and data collection on your mobile devices. Remember that perfect privacy is difficult to achieve on mainstream mobile platforms, so focus on the measures that address your specific privacy concerns and threat model.