5 phone settings to change right now for a safer smartphone
The good news? Making just a few tweaks to your settings can instantly boost your privacy, reduce tracking and give you more control over your digital life.
Here are five safety-boosting settings you can (and should) turn on today. No complicated apps or tools required. Just smart, built-in features that protect your information behind the scenes.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER
This article is based on tests conducted using an iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 18.5 and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with One UI 7.0 on Android 15. Results and instructions may vary depending on your device model and software version.
Because your phone shouldn't sell your behavior
Apps love your data, especially when it helps them target ads. On iPhone and Android, apps can track what you do across other apps and websites unless you say otherwise. Here's what to look for:
You keep seeing the same weirdly specific ad after searching for something once. Or you download a game, and suddenly ads know your location, interests and habits.
On iPhone:Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking → Toggle off "Allow Apps to Request to Track."
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer
Settings > Google > All services > Ads → Turn off "Ad personalization" or choose "Delete advertising ID" for more privacy.
This won't block all ads, but it prevents apps from tracking your activity.
Because anyone can see your texts, even when your phone is locked
By default, many phones show message previews on the lock screen. Sounds convenient, until someone sees your two-factor authentication code, private message or bank alert over your shoulder.
You'll want to change this if:
On iPhone:Settings > Notifications > Show Previews → Set to "When Unlocked."
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer
Settings > Notifications > Lock Screen notifications → Choose "Hide content" or, on some Android phones, it might say "Don't show sensitive content" (which hides sensitive content like message previews on the lock screen).
You'll still get alerts, but what's inside stays private.
Because that flashlight app doesn't need your location
Over time, apps can quietly collect more permissions than they need, accessing your camera, microphone, contacts or even location without you noticing. You might be giving away too much if:
On iPhone:Settings > Privacy & Security → Tap Location Services, Camera, Microphone, etc. to see what apps have access.
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer
Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings > Permission Manager → Review permissions by category.
Revoke anything that doesn't make sense. Your phone will still work just fine.
Because hackers love an open connection
Bluetooth is great for headphones and smartwatches, but it's also a known entry point for cybercriminals using "bluesnarfing" or other attacks to siphon data. The risk goes up if:
Swipe down from the top right of your screen to access your Control Center (iPhone) or Quick Settings (Android), and toggle Bluetooth off (A blue stylized "B" symbol shaped by two angular runes resembling "ᛒ" joined vertically) when not in use. Less is more when it comes to open channels.
Because outdated phones are hacker magnets
Software updates don't just bring new features; they patch critical vulnerabilities that hackers rely on to break into phones.
Red flags:
On iPhone:Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates → Enable both toggles.
On Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer
Settings > Software Update > Auto-download or Auto-install updates (may vary by device)
One of the simplest, strongest defenses you can set.
You don't need a tinfoil hat to take phone security seriously, just a few quick changes to how your device behaves. Small things, such as hiding message previews, checking app permissions and disabling Bluetooth can make a big difference in protecting your personal information. And, remember, phone security isn't a one-time deal. Stay curious, keep your software updated and check in on your settings periodically, just as you would with your bank or email accounts.
Got questions about phone safety? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
4 minutes ago
- CNET
Yeedi's M14 Plus Robot Vacuum Can Tackle Your Floors for Just $800, if You're a Prime Member
Keeping your floors clean is always going to be a priority, but with the right tools -- like a robot vacuum -- it doesn't have to take up too much of your time. Right now Amazon has slashed the price of the Yeedi M14 Plus vacuum and mop by 33%, dropping the usual $1,200 price tag down to just $800. Plus, the retailer is throwing in the Yeedi accessories buddy kit for free with your purchase -- an additional $60 value. But there's a catch. You have to be an Amazon Prime member to score this deal. Add the vacuum cleaner to your cart through the link, then click on the benefit item and add the kit to your cart, too. Your discount will be reflected at checkout, snagging you both for just $800. There is no telling how long this deal will last, but it could disappear at any time so act fast if you're interested. This impressive combo cleaner has 18,000Pa of suction power to collect dust and debris from around your home. It also has dynamic obstacle avoidance and edge and corner coverage for a thorough clean -- and at just 3.86 inches tall, it can fit into tight spaces, too. The device will automatically switch from carpets to hard floors to cover your whole home, and with hot water washing and hot air drying, it can tackle tough messes. The mop self-washes, too, so that it doesn't dirty the floor mid-clean. You'll also save plenty of time thanks to the self-cleaning charging station that auto-empties the debris from the vacuum and supports water refill and drain for your mop tank. Plus, you'll be able to set schedules so it will clean when it is most convenient for you. A different Yeedi model we tested -- the M12 Pro Plus -- won a CNET Editors' Choice award and is included on our best robot vacuums roundup, so we believe this M14 Plus model will also work well for buyers looking for an all-in-one system. Why this deal matters We all want to get more of our time back, and this impressive combination robot vacuum and mop can save you time and effort. Plus, you'll save $460 between the discount and the free bonus accessories kit. That makes this one of the best vacuum deals on at the moment. Just remember that you have to be a Prime member to score this deal and you need to add both items to your cart. You should see the discount applied automatically at checkout.
Entrepreneur
4 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
Tesla Board Awards Elon Musk With $29 Billion Pay Package
The Tesla board announced it unanimously approved the pay package for Musk, as his 2018 pay package remains tied up in legal limbo. The Tesla board has announced it's awarding Elon Musk with 96 million restricted shares of the company, worth around $29 billion based on its current share price. In a letter released on Monday, Robyn Denholm and Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, members of the Tesla board of directors, announced that the pay package is the "important first step in compensating Elon Musk for his extraordinary work at Tesla." According to the letter, Musk has "not received any meaningful compensation for eight years," and the $29 billion pay package is a "good faith" payment to the CEO. Musk's 2018 pay package, the highest in U.S. corporate history, has been tied up in legal issues due to an ongoing shareholder lawsuit. In December, a Delaware judge rejected the pay package for the second time, stating Tesla's lawyers had "no procedural ground for flipping" her initial decision. The judge, Kathaleen McCormick, first rejected the pay package in January 2024, stating that the Tesla board "failed to meet their burden" to prove the compensation plan was fair and in shareholders' best interests. Tesla's shareholder letter says the company has "no clear timeline for resolution" of the lawsuit and that it is waiting to be assigned a hearing date to appear in front of the Delaware Supreme Court. Related: Is It Fair To Deny The Fruits Of Hard Work? Thoughts On The Voiding Of Elon Musk's US$56 Billion Pay Package Denholm and Wilson-Thompson wrote that the board is taking "decisive action to recognize the extraordinary value" Musk has brought to the company by unanimously approving the pay package, with Musk and his brother, Kimbal Musk, recusing themselves. The package dictates that Musk will be able to purchase 96 million Tesla shares at $23.34 per share (the stock's current value is more than $300). In return, Musk must serve continuously in a senior leadership role at Tesla for a two-year vesting term. He also agrees to forfeit or return a portion of this award should his 2018 pay package be approved. Related: Why Elon Musk's Battle With Delaware Is About More Than a $55 Billion Pay Package "It is imperative to retain and motivate our extraordinary talent, beginning with Elon," the letter read, citing the ongoing war for AI talent and recent headline-making pay packages for AI engineers. Tesla's share price rose upon the announcement and is up around 2% today at the time of writing. The stock is down 18% year to date. Related: The Lawyers Who Fought Against Elon Musk's Pay Package Are Asking $370,000 an Hour in Legal Fees: 'We Did Battle With the Very Best'
Entrepreneur
4 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
What Is 'Gray Work'? Productivity Killer Impacts 2 Industries
New research indicates that the rise in workplace tools isn't always for the best. These days, rapidly evolving workplace technology, like AI, has many professionals grappling with new productivity tools on a regular basis. But not all employees believe the benefits outweigh the pain points. One in seven workers refuse to use new tools, and 39% of them identify as reluctant users, according to the 2025 Workplace Tech Resistance report by Yooz, a provider of cloud-based purchase-to-pay automation solutions. Software company Quickbase's 2025 Gray Work Report, which surveyed more than 2,000 full-time working professionals including C-level, manager-level and director respondents, took a closer look at how workplace tools impact professionals and productivity. Related: Avoid These 10 Business Habits to Increase Workplace Productivity What is "gray work"? Quickbase defines "gray work" as the "hidden costs of disconnected data and manual workarounds" that often come with increased use of workplace tools and lead to declines in productivity. According to the research, 80% of respondents reported increased investment in productivity, work management and collaboration tools, up from 66% in 2024, yet 59% agreed it feels harder than ever to be productive. What's more, 73% of respondents said using multiple project management software solutions prevents sharing information easily and 75% said they make it difficult to see all data in one place. As a result, many workers asserted such tools cause delays (50%), reduce impact (53%) and waste time (59%). Related: 10 Tips to Boost Employee Productivity and Skyrocket Performance This tool-based productivity challenge spans different industries but is especially prevalent in the financial services/insurance and professional services industries, which saw manual work rise by 67% and 63% respectively compared to last year, per the report. The research suggests that increased AI adoption could help streamline productivity with workplace tools but isn't without its own challenges. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents anticipate that their organization will increase its budget for AI tools in 2025; however, 89% of respondents have concerns around data security, compliance and privacy. But there are ways to reduce gray work and optimize AI for productivity, per the study. Learn more here.
