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If you’re not already familiar with the iPhone’s secret settings, you’re in for a surprise. Apple has conveniently tucked away a few settings that you may not think twice about — probably don’t even know are there. But having these settings enabled means Apple is gaining more insight into your data and your phone isn’t as private as you might think.
If your goal is to make your phone as private as possible, tech experts are more than happy to let you in on a secret: these iPhone settings may be turned on right now — and Apple would rather you keep it that way:
Here’s what you need to know to make your phone more secure.
Analytics and Security
If you scroll to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics and Improvement you’ll see a number of different settings that will likely be enabled, but needn’t be unless you want Apple to have access to more of your information. Examples of some of these settings include Improve Health Records, Improve Siri & Dictation, and even Improve Handwashing (no joke). You can toggle off one setting at the top to disable all of these settings or go one by one and disable the ones you feel Apple really doesn’t need.
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Rate This App
The moment you open a new app, you receive an annoying pop-up asking you to rate it. You aren’t even sure how to rate an app that you have barely used, but that’s beside the point — there is a way to stop Apple from sending you these pop-ups in the first place. Go to Settings > App Store > In-App Ratings and Reviews. Disable this setting.
Apple Spam
Did you know that Apple can spam you? Well, in its defense it probably considers these emails filled with valuable marketing information, but if you would call them something else, it’s time to get rid of them once and for all.
Go to Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions. Disable Announcements to prevent Apple from sending emails about their updates, products, and recommendations.
Personalized Purchase Suggestions
This same settings section beneath your Apple ID is where Apple tends to “hide” some of the settings that they’d like you to keep turned on. One example of this setting is Media & Purchases, which can be found in Settings > Apple ID (Your Name). You may need to provide your Face ID to access this area, but then you’ll see a number of settings that are enabled: Personalized Recommendation is one — this setting allows Apple to use your app usage, downloads, purchases, and other activity to improve the recommendations it sends you in the App Store and other places. Feel free to disable this one.
Another setting you’ll see here is Allow Friends to Find You. This setting lets your contacts who have your phone number and email address follow you on Apple Music if they choose to do so. It’s entirely up to you whether you feel comfortable having this enabled, but it’s important to know it’s your choice.
Personalized Ads
This setting makes it easier for Apple to sell your data to companies for profit, and those companies will in turn send you personalized ads. Sounds annoying, right? Here’s how to turn it off: go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising > turn off Personalized Ads.
