How to disable "spying" features on your iPhone

The authors of the Telegram channel “Not a Bug, but a Feature” shared detailed tips on how to reduce background data collection on iPhones — even when the screen is off. Despite Apple's strong privacy reputation, some iPhone functions can still collect and transmit data silently. Here’s how to manually turn off the main tracking mechanisms through your device settings.

Step-by-Step Privacy Enhancements

1. Limit Microphone Access
   Go to:
   Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
   Disable microphone access for any apps that don’t explicitly need it. This helps prevent unauthorized or passive audio recording in the background.
2. Turn Off App Tracking
   Navigate to:
   Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
   Disable permission for all apps that request to track your activity. This helps reduce the amount of data collected for targeted advertising.
3. Strengthen Safari Tracking Protection
   Open:
   Settings → Safari and enable the following:

• Prevent Cross-Site Tracking — stops trackers from following you across different websites.
• Hide IP Address — select From Trackers and Websites to make device identification harder.

Important Limitations

While these steps significantly enhance privacy, they do not eliminate data collection entirely. Some apps, and even Apple’s system services, may still send analytical data or use background processes for personalization or product improvement — even if you’ve restricted third-party app access.

Additional Expert Advice

• Keep iOS Updated — regular updates patch known security vulnerabilities.
• Review App Permissions — regularly check Settings → Privacy & Security, and restrict access to:
• Location Services
• Camera
• Contacts
• Use a VPN — encrypts internet traffic and protects your personal data, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.

These privacy settings won’t make your iPhone invisible, but they can significantly reduce background surveillance and help you regain more control over your data.