Most apps default to sharing more than you would choose. A short visit to your settings puts you back in control, and you only have to do it once.
On your phone
Open your phone’s main Settings, then look for the Privacy or Location section. Go through your apps and turn off location for any app that does not truly need it. A game or a torch does not need to know where you are. For apps that do need location, such as maps, choose the option to share it only while you are using the app, not always.
On your main accounts
In each social account, open Settings and look for a section named Privacy or Audience. The settings that matter most are:
- Who can see your posts. Set this to friends or followers you approve, not « public » or « everyone ».
- Who can message or find you. Limit messages to people you know, and turn off the option that lets strangers find you by your phone number or email.
- Tagging. Turn on the option to review tags before they appear on your profile.
Limit ad and data sharing
Look for a section called Ads, Ad preferences, or Data. Turn off options that let the app use your activity from other sites and apps to target you. You can also turn off personalised ads where the choice is offered.
Check your login security while you are there
In the same Settings area, find Security and turn on two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication), which asks for a second code when you sign in. It is one of the strongest protections you can add, and it lives right next to the privacy settings you just changed.