Your phone ships with defaults chosen for the manufacturer’s benefit, not yours. These buried settings are worth changing today.
1. Limit Ad Tracking
iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking — turn off “Allow Apps to Request to Track.” This stops apps from asking to follow you across other apps. Android: Settings > Privacy > Ads — enable “Opt out of Ads Personalization” and reset your advertising ID.
2. Stop Apps Tracking Your Location in the Background
Go through Settings > Privacy > Location Services (iPhone) or Settings > Location > App permissions (Android). Change everything possible from “Always” to “While Using the App” or “Ask Every Time.” Very few apps genuinely need your location 24/7.
3. Turn On Auto-Updates — For Security
Outdated phones get hacked. Enable automatic OS updates: iPhone > Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Android > Settings > System > Software update > auto-download. Also enable auto-update for apps in the Play Store / App Store.
4. Enable Find My Device
If your phone is lost or stolen, this is your lifeline. iPhone: Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone (on). Android: Settings > Security > Find My Device (on). Test it once from a browser so you know it works before you need it.
5. Silence Unknown Callers
Spam calls are relentless. iPhone: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers — unknown numbers go straight to voicemail. Android: Phone app > Settings > Spam and Call Screen — enable spam filtering and call screening.
6. Set Up Emergency SOS
Both platforms can auto-call emergency services and share your location with emergency contacts. iPhone: Settings > Emergency SOS. Android: Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency SOS. Add at least one emergency contact — it takes two minutes and matters enormously if it’s ever needed.
7. Review App Permissions Yearly
Apps accumulate permissions they no longer need. Once a year, go to Settings > Privacy (iPhone) or Privacy Dashboard (Android) and revoke camera, microphone, and contacts access from apps that have no business having it.
The Bottom Line
Ten minutes in your settings buys you real privacy, better battery life, and genuine security. The defaults serve advertisers — these changes make your phone serve you.