Privacy Settings for All Major Devices
Complete privacy configuration guides for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more.
Device Privacy Overview
Every device collects data about you. Default settings prioritize features over privacy. These guides help you reclaim control.
Windows 11/10 Privacy Settings
Advertising ID
Settings → Privacy → General → Turn off "Let apps use advertising ID"
Telemetry
Settings → Privacy → Diagnostics & feedback → Send "Required diagnostic data" only
Activity History
Settings → Privacy → Activity history → Uncheck "Store my activity history on this device"
Location
Settings → Privacy → Location → Turn off unless needed. Review which apps have access.
Camera & Microphone
Settings → Privacy → Camera/Microphone → Review app permissions. Turn off when not needed.
macOS Privacy Settings
Location Services
System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Location Services → Review enabled apps
Analytics
System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Analytics → Uncheck all sharing options
Advertising
System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Apple Advertising → Turn on "Limit Ad Tracking"
Siri
System Preferences → Siri → Disable if not used. Siri recordings stored by Apple.
iPhone/iPad Privacy Settings
App Tracking Transparency
Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
Location Services
Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Set apps to "While Using" or "Never"
Analytics
Settings → Privacy → Analytics & Improvements → Turn off all options
Personalized Ads
Settings → Privacy → Apple Advertising → Turn off "Personalized Ads"
Safari Privacy
Settings → Safari → Turn on "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" and "Hide IP Address"
Android Privacy Settings
Ad Personalization
Settings → Privacy → Ads → Turn off "Opt into Ads Personalization"
Location
Settings → Location → App permissions → Set to "Only while using app" or deny
Google Activity Controls
Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account → Data & Privacy → Turn off activity tracking
App Permissions
Settings → Privacy → Permission manager → Review and revoke unnecessary permissions
Smart TV Privacy
- Disable ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) - tracks what you watch
- Turn off voice recognition if available
- Disable interest-based advertising
- Don't connect to internet if possible (use external streaming device)
- Review and limit app permissions
Smart Speaker Privacy
- Amazon Alexa: Settings → Alexa Privacy → Manage Your Alexa Data → Delete recordings
- Google Home: Google Account → Data & Privacy → Delete voice recordings
- Apple HomePod: Settings → Siri & Search → Delete Siri history
- Mute when discussing sensitive topics
- Review voice recordings monthly and delete
Router Privacy
- Change default admin password immediately
- Enable WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if unavailable)
- Hide SSID (network name) from broadcasting
- Disable WPS (security risk)
- Update firmware regularly
- Enable firewall
- Use guest network for IoT devices