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How to run a 5-minute privacy check on your phone
We’ve all got a load of sensitive info on our phones — texts with loved ones, banking details, passwords and family photos.
You don’t want anyone snooping around, whether it’s an app maker on the other side of the world or the guy sitting behind you at the coffee shop. Take five minutes to run this privacy audit, and then pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
Check your permissions
Apps request permissions, and the most important are your phone’s location, camera and microphone. Any apps you give access to these had better be ones you trust.
To check:
- Apple iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security, then Location Services, Camera or Microphone.
-
Google Pixel: Open Settings > Security and privacy > Privacy controls > Permission manager.
- Samsung Galaxy: Head to Settings > Security and privacy > Permission manager.
Lock down everything
Your lock screen is an effective barrier to keep others out, and everyone should use one. PIN, fingerprint, your face — whatever you prefer is better than nothing.
- Apple iPhone: Set this up via Face ID & Passcode.
- Google Pixel: Head to Settings > Security and privacy > Device lock.
- Samsung Galaxy: Under Settings, look for Lock screen and AOD.
You’ll also want your phone to lock as soon as possible when you’re not using it.
: A new report just confirmed that your phone is actually listening to you (Breakfast Television)
- Apple iPhone: Under Settings, choose Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
- Google Pixel: Head to Settings > Display and touch > Screen timeout.
- Samsung Galaxy: From your settings, tap Display > Screen timeout.
Keep out strangers
The short-range transfer tech built into iOS and Android is super handy when you need to share something with a friend or relative. But what if you don’t want strangers pinging you with unwanted photos, videos and other files?
- Apple iPhone: Your device uses AirDrop for these types of transfers. Limit it to contacts only or turn it off altogether via Settings > General > AirDrop.
- Android devices: The transfer tool here is called Quick Share. On a Pixel, you’ll find the sharing prefs under Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Quick Share. On a Galaxy, it’s under Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share.
Browse the web
Open your phone’s browser and say hello to instant tracking — unless you do something about it.
- Put limits on this on your iPhone by opening Settings > Apps and tapping on Safari. Under the app’s settings, scroll to Privacy & Security and toggle on the option for Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.
- For Chrome on Android, open the browser and tap the three dots (top right). From there, hit Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies and turn on Block third-party cookies.
❤️🩹 All pretty painless, right? Now, do your friends and family a favor and share this important intel with them using the icons below.
Keep your tech-know going
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 or so minutes of tech news, tips and callers with tech questions from all over the country, just like you!
Check out “Kim Komando Today” on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.
