Top 7 Tips to Keep Your iPhone and iPad Private and Secure
Think, keep your iPhone and iPad private and secure? Think Again.
Chances are, as you read this, several apps are silently collecting data about you. From your favorite food delivery service to social media platforms and weather apps, tracking is happening constantly often under the guise of “improving your experience.” But where does that leave your privacy?
While disabling location services altogether might seem extreme (after all, you do want your pizza to arrive hot and on time), it’s important to realize that privacy risks go far beyond personalized ads or food suggestions. We’re not saying you’re being watched by the CIA, but if they wanted to, or if a skilled hacker tried hard enough, the possibilities are real.
Here’s the catch: iPhones are widely regarded as more secure than many other devices, and they generally are, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. The sense of security they offer often lulls users into ignoring additional safety measures. Think of it like having a high-end lock on your front door but leaving the door wide open.
Whether it’s nosy apps, public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities, or data-hungry services in the background, your iPhone is constantly exchanging information and not all of it is necessary.
That’s why this guide is here. We’re breaking down essential features and practical tips to help you take back control of your privacy. These aren’t just basic steps; they’re effective strategies to protect your personal information while still enjoying the best your device has to offer.
Let’s dive into how to keep your iPhone and iPad private and secure smartly, efficiently, and without losing the functionality you love.
7 Powerful iPhone Privacy Features You Should Start Using Today
Apple has always taken user privacy seriously, and with the latest iOS updates, they’ve added even more tools to help you control what you share and with whom. Whether you’re trying to secure sensitive apps or limit how much of your data third-party apps can access, here are four powerful privacy features every iPhone user should know about:
1. Lock and Hide Apps with Face ID (iOS 18)
With iOS 18, Apple introduced a long-awaited privacy upgrade: the ability to lock and hide any third-party app using Face ID or a passcode.
Once an app is locked or hidden:
- It won’t appear in the app list.
- It won’t show up in Spotlight search.
- It’s fully protected from unauthorized access.
Here’s how to lock or hide an app:
- Long-press the app icon until the quick actions menu appears.
- Tap Require Face ID to lock the app.
- Or, choose Hide and Require Face ID to hide and lock the app entirely.
- On the next screen, tap Hide App to confirm.
Note: Built-in apps like Camera, Maps, Settings, etc., cannot be hidden or locked using this feature.
To find hidden apps later:
- Go to the App Library (swipe left past all home screens).
- Scroll to the bottom to access the Hidden Apps folder.
- Or navigate to Settings > Apps and look for the Hidden Apps list.
2. Limit Contact Access for Apps
Many apps, especially social media platforms, ask for access to your full contact list. But now, iPhone gives you more control, letting you choose exactly which contacts you want to share with each app.
This helps avoid:
- Unwanted suggestions or messages sent to people you know.
- Oversharing your network with unknown third parties.
How to do it:
- When prompted to grant contact access to an app, tap Choose Specific Contacts.
- Manually select only the people you want the app to see.
This selective sharing keeps your contact data secure and limits unnecessary exposure.
3. Block Link Trackers Automatically
Another recent update helps protect your digital trail by removing tracking information from URLs. This means links you open in Mail, Messages, and Safari will have any tracker codes stripped, keeping your browsing more private.
While it won’t break essential analytics like UTM tags for advertisers, it will:
- Block hidden trackers from knowing where you clicked a link.
- Prevent invasive data collection by suspicious sites.
Make sure these settings are enabled:
- Go to Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security.
- Ensure Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and Hide IP Address (from Trackers) are turned on.
- Scroll to Advanced > Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement and confirm it’s enabled.
This feature is turned on by default starting with iOS 17.
4. Use “Hide My Email” with iCloud+
Don’t want to give your real email to every app or website? With Hide My Email, you can generate random, private email addresses that forward messages to your inbox without ever revealing your personal email.
How to use it:
- When signing up for an app or site using Sign in with Apple, choose Hide My Email.
- A unique email address will be created and linked to your Apple ID.
- Emails sent to it will land in your Apple inbox, and you can delete the address anytime.
Note: This feature is available only to users with an iCloud+ subscription.
5. Keep an Eye on Recording Indicators
Worried that an app might be accessing your microphone or camera without your knowledge? Apple has a subtle but powerful solution built into iOS.
With newer iPhones (especially those featuring the Dynamic Island), you’ll see:
- An orange point appears when your microphone is being used by an app.
- A green dot when your camera is being used by an app.
These indicators appear at the top of the screen (or in the Dynamic Island) and let you know immediately when a recording function is active, giving you greater transparency and the opportunity to take action if something seems off.
6. Disable Precise Location Sharing
Not all apps require precise location information. Fortunately, Apple lets you share only your approximate location with apps, which is enough for many services to work without compromising your privacy.
Here’s how to turn off Precise Location:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Tap on the app whose access you want to adjust.
- Disable the Precise Location toggle.
By doing this, apps will still get a general idea of where you are for instance, the city or neighborhood but they won’t be able to pinpoint your exact location. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in keeping your movements private.
7. Securely Erase Your iPhone Before Selling It
Thinking about selling, trading in, or giving away your iPhone? Be sure to wipe it clean, not just for convenience, but to keep your iPhone and iPad private and secure.
While iOS includes a built-in Erase All Content and Settings option, it’s important to know that deleted data can sometimes be recovered using specialized tools. That’s why a more thorough solution is recommended for extra peace of mind.
For complete data destruction, consider using a dedicated tool like CubexSoft Data Wipe Tool, which:
- Permanently erases all data beyond recovery.
- Removes everything from contacts and messages to media files and app data.
- Prepares your device for resale or donation safely and securely.
Bonus Tip: Always sign out of your Apple ID and disable Find My iPhone before erasing your device. This ensures the next user can activate it without issue.
Final Thoughts
Your iPhone comes with a powerful set of privacy tools you just need to know where to look. From hiding apps and masking your location to watching for hidden trackers and securely erasing data, these features put you back in control.
While the tips in this guide offer a solid foundation for protecting your personal data, Apple’s privacy options go even deeper. Explore your device’s settings regularly to stay one step ahead of potential risks.
And remember: if you’re ever parting ways with your iPhone, don’t just erase your content, erase it permanently using a secure eraser tool like CubexSoft iPhone Eraser Tool to keep your iPhone and iPad private and secure.
