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Smartphone Privacy Lockdown

Secure your smartphone with this privacy checklist covering app permissions, location tracking, and biometric security.

What this tool does

Secure your smartphone with this privacy checklist covering app permissions, location tracking, and biometric security.

How to use

  1. Work down the list and tick each item as you finish it.
  2. Ticks are saved on this device, in your browser, so they are still there when you come back.

What this checklist covers

The list has 3 groups and 15 items.

  • Lock and sign-in (4 items): Enable a biometric lock if your phone offers one; Set a strong passcode; Disable lock screen previews; Turn on two-factor authentication for your accounts
  • App permissions (5 items): Review app permissions; Disable unnecessary location access; Check microphone permissions; Review camera permissions; Remove unused apps
  • Accounts and data (6 items): Review connected accounts; Check social app privacy settings; Limit ad tracking in your phone's privacy settings; Review cloud backup settings; Turn off Bluetooth when you are not using it; Update all apps and the phone's system software

Tip: Tick each item as you go. Ticks are saved on this device.

Limitations

  • This is a general list. It does not know your circumstances, so add or skip steps to suit you.
  • Ticks are saved only in this browser on this device.
  • Setting names and locations change between phones and updates, so the list names what to review, not where to tap.
  • Working through the list reduces what your phone shares. It does not guarantee the phone is secure or private.

FAQs

Q: Does the checklist change with my situation?
A: No. It starts as one list of 15 items in 3 groups and does not ask questions about you. Add your own items and remove the ones that do not apply.
Q: Are my ticks saved?
A: Yes. Ticks are saved in your browser on this device, so they are still there when you come back. They are not sent anywhere and do not follow you to another device or browser.
Q: How do I start again?
A: Press Uncheck All on a section to clear its ticks and keep your items, or Reset to Default to bring back the original list for that section and remove the items you added. Clearing your browser data for this site also removes the saved ticks.
Q: Is the list the same for iPhone and Android?
A: Yes. It is written generally, and the menus where you find each setting differ by phone and software version.

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