How to stop iPhone from being tracked

Concerned about unauthorized phone tracking? Learn how to protect your iPhone's privacy and prevent unwanted surveillance. A friend's experience with a location-tracking boyfriend highlighted the importance of phone security. This guide provides practical steps to enhance your iPhone's privacy.

Signs Your iPhone Might Be Tracked:

Before taking action, it's helpful to identify potential signs of tracking. These include:

1. Unexpectedly rapid battery drain.
2. A sudden surge in data usage.
3. Unusual or irrelevant app permission requests.
4. Strange status icons on your screen.
5. Overheating device.

Monitoring your iPhone's performance, and using a third-party app like "Usage" (which provides detailed performance metrics including processor temperature) can help detect anomalies.

Securing Your iPhone from Tracking:

While complete untraceability is difficult, these steps significantly improve your privacy:

1. Disable Location Services:

This prevents apps and websites from tracking your location via GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
• Turn off Location Services. Alternatively, manage location access for individual apps.

2. Use a VPN:

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) like ClearVPN encrypts your internet traffic, making your online activity virtually invisible to trackers. ClearVPN's AES-256 encryption and Kill Switch feature provide robust protection.

3. Employ a Privacy-Focused Browser:

Many popular browsers track data even in incognito mode. Safari's Private Browsing mode offers some protection, but consider a browser explicitly designed for privacy.

4. Disable Bluetooth (when not in use):

Turning off Bluetooth prevents unauthorized connections that could be used for tracking. Access this via Settings > Bluetooth or the Control Center.

5. Utilize Airplane Mode (for maximum privacy):

Airplane mode disables most radio signals, preventing data transmission. Note that it doesn't disable the built-in GPS, so it's not a complete solution. Access via Control Center.

6. Manage App Permissions:

Carefully review and restrict app permissions to only what's necessary. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security to manage individual permissions.

7. Secure Your Google Account:

Disable Google's location tracking and data collection by going to your Google account settings and managing your Web & App Activity.

8. Protect Against Spyware:

Use anti-spyware tools and avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources. Consider using an ad blocker like AdLock to mitigate risks from malicious ads.

9. Avoid Unsecured Public Wi-Fi:

Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable. Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

10. Turn Off Your Phone (when not in use): This is the most effective way to prevent real-time tracking, but not always practical.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can an iPhone be tracked when turned off? Generally no, unless jailbroken.
• Will removing the SIM card stop tracking? No, if your iPhone is connected to the internet.
• Can you still see someone's location if their phone is off? No.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly enhance your iPhone's privacy and reduce the risk of unauthorized tracking. Consider using ClearVPN, Usage, and AdLock (available via Setapp) for comprehensive protection.

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