Under-the-Radar iPhone Privacy Hacks

Under-the-Radar iPhone Privacy Hacks

Your iPhone is packed with powerful privacy features — but most users never dig deep enough to find them. While everyone knows about Face ID and passcodes, there are hidden privacy hacks that protect your personal data from apps, advertisers, and even snoopers. Let’s uncover these under-the-radar iPhone privacy tricks you should start using today.

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1. Stop Apps from Tracking You Across the Web

Many apps quietly track what you do online.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.

• Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track.
  This stops advertisers from following your activity between apps and websites.

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2. Hide Your Real Email with “Hide My Email”

Tired of spam after signing up for something? Use Hide My Email.

• Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Hide My Email.
  Apple creates a random email address that forwards to your real one — protecting your identity while keeping your inbox clean.

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3. Prevent Apps from Accessing Your Exact Location

You don’t always need to share your exact location.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.

• Choose an app → Turn Precise Location off.
  Apps will only get your general area, not your exact spot.

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4. Control Access to Your Photos

Instead of letting every app access all your photos:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos.

• Select the app → Choose Selected Photos.
  This way, apps only see the pictures you allow — not your entire gallery.

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5. Lock Notes with Face ID or Passcode

Some things aren’t meant for everyone’s eyes.

• Open Notes, swipe left on a note, tap the Lock icon, and secure it.
  Use Face ID or a passcode to unlock private info instantly.

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6. Turn Off Live Photo Metadata

Live Photos can include your location — something you may not want shared.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Camera.

• Turn off Location Access.
  This removes hidden location data before sharing photos online.

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7. Review App Privacy Reports

Apple’s App Privacy Report shows how often apps access your data.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report.
  You’ll see which apps use your location, mic, camera, or contacts — so you can decide who to keep or delete.

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8. Hide Notifications from Lock Screen

Don’t let private messages pop up when your phone is locked.

• Go to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews → choose When Unlocked.
  Your iPhone will only show messages when you’re looking at it.

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9. Use Private Relay for Secure Browsing (iCloud+)

If you’re an iCloud+ subscriber, turn on Private Relay for Safari.
It hides your IP address and encrypts browsing data — making it harder for trackers to follow you online.

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10. Limit Access to Your Clipboard

Some apps read what you copy and paste.
Starting from iOS 16+, iPhone asks before allowing apps to access your clipboard — always choose “Don’t Allow” for apps you don’t trust.

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Final Thought

Privacy isn’t just about locking your phone — it’s about knowing what your iPhone quietly shares behind the scenes. By using these under-the-radar privacy hacks, you’ll take back control of your personal data and keep your digital life truly private.