Three Simple Steps to Prevent iPhone Apps from Tracking

If you want to keep those unnerving targeted ads at bay, you'll need to tweak a few settings on your iPhone. These adjustments will effectively curb how apps track your activity.

Curb Tracking When Installing New Apps

Whenever a fresh app is added to your iPhone, Apple mandates that it seeks your consent to trace your engagement across various apps and websites. This includes sharing data with advertisers. The first time you launch the app, you'll encounter a prompt asking for permission. Resist the impulse to dismiss it quickly by tapping 'allow.'

Selecting the option to 'Ask App Not to Track' prevents the application from accessing your advertising ID, effectively halting its tracking capabilities. You’ll continue to see ads, but they'll be general, not based on your personal activity.

Comprehensive Block on Tracking

To never see a tracking request again, you can disable these prompts on your entire device using iOS. This method expedites the process, denying tracking attempts automatically. Once set, apps won't have the opportunity to ask for tracking, thus offering a blanket protection.

When this setting is engaged, any new applications attempting to request tracking permissions will be blocked automatically. Tracking permissions for apps granted access previously will also be revoked.

Review Tracking Permissions for Existing Apps

In case you haven’t disabled tracking across all apps, you can still individually review and update tracking settings for each app already on your device. Apple provides a complete list of apps that have requested tracking in the past, along with their permission status.

Adjustments should apply instantly, but restarting your iPhone can ensure the settings are fully updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Apple's App Tracking Transparency

Apple's feature compels apps to ask for your consent before they can track you across other digital platforms.

Declining tracking means blocking access to your advertising identifier, preventing advertisers and data brokers from connecting your behavior to develop personalized profiles or targeted ads. Apps may still use data you voluntarily provide but cannot trace your activities across other applications.

Will Disabling Tracking Eliminate Ads?

No, ads won’t vanish entirely. They will simply become generic and not tailored to your personal activity if you disable tracking on your apps.

Does Disabling App Tracking Affect Location Tracking?

No, it does not influence location-based services. Location tracking is managed separately under your device's 'Privacy and Security' settings.