In general on my devices, I disable tracking and background data transfers to central services.

  • I usually copy my phone photos with sftp to my home computer (iCloud is not a backup service, when a file is deleted on the phone, it is also deleted in iCloud)
  • I don't want apps to auto update (another post)

Here my privacy setteings, note that the settings below change overtime, new settings are created so they should be checked regularly overtime.

iOS

  • In Apple Id, disable iCloud for: photos, iCloud Drive, calendar, messages, home, maps, siri
  • In Apple Id, media and Purchases: disable personal recommendations
  • In Apple Id, find my: disable Find my network to not participate as an airtag relay
  • Disable mobile data for apps that don't need data when I'm outside my home
  • Disable share connection with other users
  • Disable notifications for most apps
  • Disable screen time
  • Disable background app refresh for most apps
  • Disable siri
  • In Privacy, disable Location Services for most apps, disable tracking, disable access to ressources appropriately, disable Analytics and Improvements, disable personalised ads
  • Disable app store automatic downloads
  • Disable fill in passwords

Android

  • In connected devices, disable Bluetooth
  • In connected devices, disable nearby share
  • Disable notifications for most apps
  • Disable location
  • Disable usage access for all apps
  • Disable backup
  • In connections, disable NFC
  • In connections, disable nearby device scanning
  • Biometrics and security, disable find my mobile
  • In privacy permission manager, disallow access to most ressources for most apps
  • In privacy, disable send diagnostic data
  • In privacy, disable receive marketing information
  • In privacy, disable android personalisation service
  • In privacy, disable auto-fill with Google
  • In privacy, disable Google location history
  • In privacy activity controls, disable all (search, location, youtube)
  • In privacy ads, opt out of ads persnalisation
  • In privacy usage and diagnostics, turn off
  • Disable location (keep enable emergency location service)
  • In advanced features, disable bixby rountines
  • Stop background apps

I wish these settings would be opted out by default when the account is created and when a device is setup. A menu window could appear to opt-in selectively or all.

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hashtags: #privacy #iphone #android