For the Attention of All iPhone Holders

I recently watched a Youtube video from American Youtuber ThioJoe and I thought it was enlightening, as it literally tells you what most people would not know/notice. So yeah, I'll share with you what I learned from this. 

Let's just start by saying that you are being watched. All your devices collect data about you, in particular, ThiioJoe talks about the iPhone and all its hidden settings/features. BUT, don't worry, some features are pretty straight-forward and can be removed easily:

1. Targeted Ads

Go to Settings ->  Privacy -> Advertising and then enable "Limit Ad Tracking". 

This function will stop Apple from gathering your data for targeted Ads. Bear in mind that this is not going to remove all Advertisements from your phone, they will just stop using your data to deliver them. 

2. iPhone Analytics

Go to Settings ->  Privacy -> Analytics and then disable "Share iPhone Analytics".

This feature sends personal data regarding how you use your phone and even location to Apple; companies usually explain that these sort of settings are there to improve future products, but to be honest with you, I wouldn't want Apple to know everything. 

3. Location-based Apple Ads

Go to Settings ->  Privacy -> Location Services -> System Services and disable Location-based Apple Ads. 

Having this feature on will consume your battery life in order to send you ads. Unbelievable!

4. Product Improvement - Oh, really?

Go to Settings ->  Privacy -> Location Services -> System Services -> Product Improvement, untick all settings, as they are mainly used to collect your info. 

5. Does Phone Locked mean it can't be used?

Go to Settings ->  Pass-code Lock -> Allow Access When locked -> Deselect all features you would not want to use without inserting your password. This reduces the chances of unwanted people taking
your phone and being able to access information even when your phone is locked. I would definitely remove "Return Missed Call" or "Siri" from this list, because Siri can do quite a lot of things and of course this poses a danger when you don't have to insert a password to access it. 

6. Auto-Lock

Go to Settings -> Display and Brightness -> Auto-Lock. Select the lower possible time for Phone Auto-lock as it will be more secure. But bear in mind that before the phone locks, the screen will dim, so if you select 30 seconds option, the screen will dim after 20 seconds of inactivity, which I guess would be quite annoying if you are reading something. 

I hope this smoothes the love-hate relationship with your iPhone!






*This list is based on iOs 11, so if you have another iOs version, these settings could look a bit different.*


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