Smartphones store everything about our digital life—photos, messages, passwords, browsing history, bank details, and personal documents. But most users never explore the privacy settings hidden inside Android and iPhone. These settings are designed to protect your data from apps, advertisers, trackers, and even prying eyes.
If you want better control over your privacy, you must enable the hidden or lesser-known features described in this guide. They strengthen security without installing third-party apps and ensure your personal information remains safe.
This article explains all the hidden privacy settings you should enable right now to protect your data on Android and iPhone.
1. Disable Unnecessary App Permissions
Apps often request permissions they do not need, such as location, camera, microphone, or contacts. If you grant them access permanently, they can track you in the background.
Android
Go to Settings
Tap Privacy
Select Permission Manager
Check which apps use Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, SMS
Change permission to “Allow only while using the app” or “Deny”
iPhone
Settings → Privacy & Security → Select permission (Camera, Microphone, etc.) → Turn off for unnecessary apps
This prevents apps from secretly collecting data.
2. Turn Off Location Accuracy and Background Location
Location services are one of the biggest privacy risks. Some apps track your movement even when not in use.
Android
Settings → Location → Location Services → Turn off Precise Location
Also disable “Use Location in Background” for apps.
iPhone
Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Select app → Choose “While Using” instead of “Always”
This keeps your location private and reduces tracking.
3. Disable Ad Personalization and Tracking
Your device shares data with advertisers to target ads. Disabling this limits how much data companies collect about you.
Android
Go to Settings
Google → Ads
Turn off “Ad Personalization”
iPhone
Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → Turn off “Allow Apps to Request to Track”
Apps can no longer track your activity across other apps and websites.
4. Remove Microphone and Camera Access from System Level
Both Android and iPhone now include special toggles to completely block camera and microphone access.
Android
Quick Settings Panel → Disable Camera Access
Quick Settings Panel → Disable Microphone Access
iPhone
Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone / Camera → Turn off for all except essential apps
This guarantees that no app can secretly record anything.
5. Enable App Lock or Secure Folder
Hidden privacy features like App Lock or Secure Folder keep private apps away from others, even if your phone is unlocked.
Samsung
Settings → Biometrics and Security → Secure Folder
Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco
Settings → Apps → App Lock
Vivo / Oppo / Realme
Settings → Privacy → App Lock or Hide Apps
You can lock apps like WhatsApp, Photos, Notes, or Banking apps for better protection.
6. Use Private DNS for Encrypted Browsing
Private DNS hides your browsing activity from your ISP and protects you from trackers.
Android
Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS → Enter:dns.google
orone.one.one.one
iPhones use encrypted DNS automatically through iCloud Private Relay (if enabled).
This prevents websites and networks from spying on your activity.
7. Turn Off Clipboard Access
Apps can read whatever you copy, including passwords and OTPs.
Android 12+
Apps get notifications when reading clipboard. Disable clipboard access for suspicious apps.
iPhone
iOS automatically blocks apps from reading clipboard without permission.
Make sure to revoke access for any app that asks unnecessarily.
8. Hide Notifications on Lock Screen
Notifications can reveal private messages, OTPs, banking alerts, and verification codes.
Android
Settings → Notifications → Lock Screen → Hide sensitive content
iPhone
Settings → Notifications → Show Previews → Set to “When Unlocked”
Only you can see message previews after unlocking the phone.
9. Disable Nearby Device Scanning
Your phone constantly scans for nearby devices even when Bluetooth is off.
Android
Settings → Location → Scanning
Turn off “Bluetooth Scanning” and “Wi-Fi Scanning”
This prevents apps and advertisers from tracking your proximity to devices.
10. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Accounts like Google, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp must have 2FA enabled for better protection.
myaccount.google.com → Security → 2-Step Verification
Apple
Settings → Your Name → Password & Security → Two-Factor Authentication
This prevents unauthorized logins even if someone knows your password.
11. Disable Auto-Fill for Sensitive Apps
Auto-fill can expose saved passwords, addresses, and financial information.
Android
Settings → System → Languages & Input → Auto-fill → Disable for nontrusted apps
iPhone
Settings → Passwords → Auto-fill Passwords → Turn off for sensitive apps
Better to use built-in password managers securely.
12. Use Hidden Photo Vault and Locked Notes
Modern phones now allow locking photos and notes without third-party apps.
Android
Google Photos → Locked Folder
iPhone
Photos → Hidden Album (Face ID locked)
Notes → Lock Note
This ensures your private media stays protected.
13. Disable Background Data and Sync for Suspicious Apps
Some apps collect data silently by syncing in the background.
Android
Settings → Apps → Data Usage → Disable Background Data
iPhone
Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Turn off for unnecessary apps
Reduces battery drain and stops silent data collection.
14. Enable Find My Device / Find My iPhone
This is an essential privacy and security tool.
Android
Settings → Security → Find My Device
iPhone
Settings → Apple ID → Find My → Enable Find My iPhone
If your phone is lost, you can lock or erase data remotely.
15. Enable Lockdown Mode (Android and iPhone)
A powerful but hidden security feature designed for emergencies.
Android
Long-press power button → Lockdown Mode
This disables fingerprint, face unlock, and notifications on lock screen.
iPhone
Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode
It blocks advanced threats and protects against spying tools.
Conclusion
Your smartphone includes many privacy settings that most users never explore. Enabling these hidden features can protect your data from apps, advertisers, hackers, and even people around you. From restricting permissions to using App Lock, Secure Folder, Private DNS, hidden albums, and 2FA, each setting adds an extra layer of protection.
Privacy is not only about hiding your information but also controlling who can access it and when. By enabling the settings listed above, you ensure that your personal data remains safe at all times.
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