How to Stop App Tracking on iPhone
Apps quietly profile what you do and share it with advertisers. These built-in iPhone settings shut most of that down in ten minutes — without breaking your apps.
Key takeaways
- One master switch — Allow Apps to Request to Track — lets you say no to cross-app tracking everywhere.
- Location and "personalised ads" are separate settings worth tightening too.
- Review permissions per app: camera, microphone, contacts and photos.
- None of this breaks your apps — it just limits the data they share about you.
Apps on your iPhone can quietly build a profile of you — what you buy, where you go, what else you use — and share it with advertisers and data brokers. Apple's privacy tools let you shut most of that down in a few minutes, without losing the apps you rely on. This guide covers the settings that matter, in plain language, based on Apple's own privacy documentation. The exact wording can shift slightly between iOS versions, but the locations are stable.
What "app tracking" actually means
Here, tracking means an app linking what you do inside it to data collected about you in other companies' apps and websites, usually to target ads or to sell to data brokers. Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) requires every app to ask your permission before doing this. Saying no does not break the app — you still see ads, they are just less personalised, and the app cannot follow you across other services.
Turn off app tracking (ATT)
Open Tracking settings
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking.
Turn off the master switch
Switch off Allow Apps to Request to Track. This denies the tracking request for every app at once and stops new apps from even asking.
Or decide app by app
Leave the switch on if you prefer to choose individually — each app's toggle in this list lets you allow or deny tracking for that app alone.
Turning the master switch off is the fastest, strongest option — every app is treated as denied. You can still re-enable it later if a specific app genuinely needs tracking for a feature you want.
Tighten location access
Location is some of the most sensitive data an app can collect. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services. Review each app and set it to Never, Ask Next Time, or While Using the App — very few apps genuinely need location "Always". Turn off Precise Location for apps that only need your rough area (like weather or news). For apps that should never know where you are, set them to Never.
Limit personalised ads
Apple itself runs an ad platform in the App Store, News and Stocks. To stop it personalising ads to you, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising and turn off Personalised Ads. You will still see ads in those apps, but they will not be tailored using your activity. This is separate from the ATT switch and worth doing as well.
Audit app permissions
Beyond tracking, check what each app can actually access. In Settings → Privacy & Security you will find categories — Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Photos, Calendars and more — each listing the apps that requested access. Revoke anything that does not make sense (a game does not need your contacts). For Photos, prefer Limited Access so an app sees only the images you pick, not your whole library.
Reduce tracking in Safari
Websites track you too. In Settings → Apps → Safari (or Settings → Safari on older iOS), make sure Prevent Cross-Site Tracking is on — it blocks many third-party trackers automatically. You can also turn on Hide IP Address from trackers. For broader habits, our guide on protecting your privacy online goes further.
Is it worth it?
Yes, and the cost is low. These settings reduce how much personal data leaves your phone and how completely advertisers can profile you, while your apps keep working normally — you simply see less personalised advertising. Apple designed ATT and these controls to be safe to use, so there is no downside to switching them on. Spend ten minutes once and your iPhone shares far less about you from then on.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop apps from tracking me on my iPhone?
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking and turn off 'Allow Apps to Request to Track'. This denies cross-app tracking for every app at once. You can also toggle individual apps in that list if you prefer to decide case by case.
Does turning off tracking break my apps?
No. App Tracking Transparency only stops apps from linking your activity to data collected elsewhere for advertising. The apps continue to work normally — you simply see less personalised ads, not fewer features.
What is the difference between tracking and personalised ads on iPhone?
The Tracking setting controls whether apps can follow you across other companies' apps and sites. 'Personalised Ads' under Apple Advertising controls only Apple's own ads in the App Store, News and Stocks. They are separate, so turn off both for the most privacy.
Should I turn off Location Services completely?
Usually not — maps, weather and ride apps need it to work. Instead, set each app to 'While Using the App' or 'Never' as appropriate, and turn off 'Precise Location' for apps that only need your general area. Reserve 'Always' for apps that truly require background location.
Does Safari on iPhone block trackers?
Safari includes Prevent Cross-Site Tracking, which blocks many third-party trackers by default. Confirm it is on in Settings for Safari, and consider Hide IP Address from trackers for extra protection. It reduces tracking but does not replace good overall privacy habits.
Sources & further reading
- Apple — Control app tracking permissions on iPhone
- Apple — Manage Location Services settings
- Apple — Control access to information in apps
This guide is independently produced. We reference primary documentation from device makers and security authorities (NIST, CISA, FTC). Tudug is reader-supported and may earn from ads.