Top Methods to Protect Your Privacy on iOS Devices

Apple has built a strong reputation for security and privacy. However, that doesn’t mean iOS users can ignore potential threats. Hackers, advertisers, and even some apps constantly seek to collect personal data. To stay safe, users must actively apply iOS privacy protection methods. Below are the most effective iOS security best practices to keep your data secure.

1. Strengthen Your Passcode and Face ID Settings

A weak passcode is a major vulnerability. Many users stick to simple 4-digit codes, but these can be cracked in minutes. Instead:

Use a six-digit passcode at a minimum.
Opt for an alphanumeric passcode—longer and more complex codes significantly increase security.
Enable Face ID or Touch ID to minimize the need for frequent passcode entry.

According to a report by Ponemon Institute, 81% of data breaches involve weak or stolen credentials. Strengthening authentication is the first step toward better privacy.

2. Limit App Tracking and Permissions

Many apps track users’ activity—even when they aren’t actively in use. iOS offers built-in protections:

Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking and disable “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”
Check app permissions under Settings > Privacy. Revoke access to your camera, microphone, or location if not necessary.
Use “Sign in with Apple” instead of third-party logins to prevent sharing unnecessary data.

Apple introduced App Tracking Transparency (ATT) in iOS 14.5, which led to a 38% drop in data collection from apps, according to Flurry Analytics.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without Protection

Public networks are a major risk for data interception. If you must use them:

Turn on VPN for iPhone. Without an iPhone VPN app, it’s best not to connect to public Wi-Fi networks at all. But with a good VPN like VeePN, it’s a different story. It encrypts your data from anyone who might see it.
Enable iCloud Private Relay (if subscribed).
Use a personal hotspot instead of free Wi-Fi.
Disable Auto-Join for public networks under Wi-Fi settings.

4. Encrypt iCloud Data and Backups

iCloud backups are convenient, but they may expose sensitive data if not configured properly. To enhance security:

Enable Advanced Data Protection in iCloud settings to encrypt backups.
Disable automatic iCloud backup for apps storing sensitive data (e.g., banking apps).
Use local backups via Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) with encrypted storage.

A 2023 study by CyberNews found that 29% of leaked cloud data originates from misconfigured backups.

5. Manage Location Services and Bluetooth Access

Your location data is highly valuable to advertisers. Some apps track location even when you aren’t using them. To limit exposure:

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Set apps to “While Using” instead of “Always.”
Disable “Precise Location” for apps that don’t require exact coordinates.
Turn off Bluetooth when not in use to prevent unwanted connections.

Security researchers discovered that Bluetooth tracking devices can pinpoint a user’s location within 1.5 meters.

6. Use a Secure Messaging App

iMessage is encrypted, but additional privacy measures help:

Enable disappearing messages in iMessage for sensitive conversations.
Use Signal or Threema for end-to-end encrypted chats.
Disable message previews on the lock screen to prevent exposure.

A study by ProtonMail found that 23% of mobile users have had their messages accessed without consent due to weak privacy settings.

7. Regularly Update iOS and Apps

Zero-day exploits are a major threat. Cybercriminals constantly look for vulnerabilities in outdated software. To stay protected:

Enable automatic iOS updates under Settings > General > Software Update.
Update apps regularly to patch security flaws.
Delete unused apps to reduce attack surfaces.

According to Verizon’s Data Breach Report, 41% of exploits target outdated software.

8. Monitor Privacy Reports and Data Leaks

iOS provides transparency tools to help users track data usage:

Check the App Privacy Report under Settings > Privacy & Security.
Use Have I Been Pwned to check if your email or password was leaked.
Enable security notifications for suspicious account activity.

A report from IBM Security found that the average time to detect a data breach is 207 days. Regular monitoring is crucial.

9. Use a Private Relay and Secure Browsing Methods

Safari includes Intelligent Tracking Prevention, but users can take extra measures:

Enable Private Relay (available with iCloud+) to mask your IP address and browsing activity.
Use extensions for cyber protection. For example, VeePN VPN can significantly enhance the cybersecurity of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla, Chrome and other browsers. Moreover, it is distributed for free.
Use DuckDuckGo or Brave instead of Google for private searches.
Disable Safari’s autofill for sensitive data like credit card numbers.

10. Enable Lockdown Mode for Maximum Security

For high-risk users (journalists, activists, executives), Lockdown Mode offers extreme protection:

Blocks message attachments and web scripts.
Restricts FaceTime calls from unknown contacts.
Disables wired data connections when the device is locked.

Apple states that Lockdown Mode significantly reduces attack surfaces, making exploits “exponentially harder.”

Final Thoughts

Protecting privacy on iOS requires more than just default settings. Users should take proactive steps, from securing authentication to managing app permissions and encrypting data. Cyber threats evolve constantly, so staying informed is essential. By applying these iOS privacy protection methods, you minimize exposure to tracking, hacking, and data breaches.

Would you take the risk of neglecting security? Or will you take control of your digital privacy today?