Initial Setup
When setting up your iPhone, choose options that limit data sharing:
- Skip signing in with Apple ID during initial setup if possible
- Disable Siri and dictation
- Don’t share analytics data with Apple
- Don’t allow apps to request to track
Privacy & Security Settings
Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security and adjust the following:
Location Services
- Turn off Location Services entirely, or
- Review each app’s location access and set to “Never” or “While Using” as needed
- Disable System Services like “Significant Locations” and “iPhone Analytics”
Tracking
- Turn off “Allow Apps to Request to Track”
App Privacy Report
- Enable App Privacy Report to monitor how apps use your data
Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Photos
- Review which apps have access and revoke unnecessary permissions
Microphone and Camera
- Revoke access for apps that don’t explicitly need it
Health
- Review which apps can read and write health and fitness data
Analytics & Improvements
- Turn off “Share iPhone Analytics” and “Improve Siri & Dictation”
Safari Settings
In Settings > Safari:
- Enable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking”
- Enable “Hide IP Address from Trackers”
- Set “Block All Cookies” (may affect some website functionality)
- Enable “Fraudulent Website Warning”
- Disable “Check for Apple Pay”
- Set Search Engine to DuckDuckGo
General Settings
Background App Refresh
In Settings > General > Background App Refresh:
- Turn off entirely or selectively for apps
Keyboard
In Settings > General > Keyboard:
- Disable “Enable Dictation”
Apple Advertising
In Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising:
- Turn off “Personalized Ads”
iCloud Settings
In Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud:
- Review which apps sync data to iCloud and disable unnecessary ones
- Turn off “iCloud Backup” if you prefer local backups
App Store Settings
In Settings > App Store:
- Turn off “Personalized Recommendations”
Notifications
In Settings > Notifications:
- Review each app’s notification settings and limit as needed
- Disable “Show Previews” for sensitive apps
Face ID & Passcode
In Settings > Face ID & Passcode:
- Use a strong alphanumeric passcode
- Limit accessible features when locked
Additional Measures
- Install a reputable VPN app for encrypted internet traffic
- Use Signal or another end-to-end encrypted messaging app for communications
- Regularly review and delete unused apps
- Keep your iOS version updated
Remember, maximizing privacy often comes at the cost of convenience. You may need to adjust these settings based on your personal needs and usage patterns. Regularly review your privacy settings as they may change with iOS updates.
Citations:
[1] https://surfshark.com/blog/iphone-privacy-settings
[2] https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/control-what-you-share-iph6e7d349d1/ios
[3] https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/iphone-privacy-settings/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/privacytoolsIO/comments/qdrqmg/comprehensive_ios_privacy_settings_guide/
[5] https://allaboutcookies.org/iphone-privacy-settings
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/111rxou/best_tips_for_ios_privacy/
[7] https://www.apple.com/privacy/control/
[8] https://www.aura.com/learn/privacy-settings-on-iphone
