Your iPhone might be tracking you more than you think. These hidden settings could be exposing your every move.

Don’t worry, though – here’s how to take control of your privacy today!


Let's start by shedding light on the hidden trackers within your iPhone.

With an average of 60 apps on a user's device, each one comes with its own set of permissions, many of which include tracking capabilities that are not immediately apparent.

These trackers are not inherently malicious; they're often used to provide personalized experiences and targeted advertisements.

However, they can compile a startlingly detailed profile of your habits and preferences.

The Three Culprits of Concern​

1. Ad Tracking​

Ad tracking is the digital equivalent of a salesperson following you around the store, noting everything you look at. Over time, this creates a comprehensive profile of your interests. To curb this:

- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.
- Here, you can toggle off 'Allow Apps to Request to Track,' which will prevent apps from tracking your activity for advertising purposes.

Turning off ad tracking won't reduce the number of ads you see, but it will limit their ability to target you based on your behavior.

2. Significant Locations​

Your iPhone has a memory for places you frequent, known as Significant Locations.

This feature is intended to streamline your navigation and recommendations but also maps out a diary of your movements.

To manage this:
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations.
- You can switch off this feature and clear your history.

Disabling Significant Locations may result in less personalized experiences, such as generic search results in Maps, but it also means your movements aren't being logged.

3. Location Tracking​

Location tracking is the most direct form of tracking, utilizing GPS, Bluetooth, and other sensors to pinpoint your whereabouts.

To adjust location tracking:
- Head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- You can disable location services entirely or select which apps have permission to access your location and when.

If you turn off location services, certain conveniences like turn-by-turn navigation or easy social media check-ins will be affected.

However, you'll gain peace of mind knowing your location isn't being recorded.


As we embrace the digital age, it's crucial to maintain a balance between convenience and privacy.

For the over-60s community, understanding and controlling these settings is not just about privacy; it's about maintaining autonomy over our digital lives.

We've seen the world change and have adapted time and again. Ensuring our privacy in the digital realm is simply the next frontier.

Taking Action​

Now that you're aware of these settings, it's time to take action:

1. Review your iPhone's settings and consider which features are essential for your daily use and which ones you can live without.

2. Make informed decisions about which apps you allow to track your activity.

3. Share this knowledge with friends and family. Privacy is a collective effort, and by educating each other, we can all stay safer.

Remember, your privacy is a right, not a luxury. By taking a few moments to adjust your settings, you can enjoy the benefits of your iPhone without sacrificing your personal information.
Do you have other tips for maintaining privacy on your devices? Share your insights in the comments below.