How to Get the Most Out of iOS 17 Privacy Settings

Edited 3 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Privacy is one of the most important aspects of digital life today, and Apple has consistently placed an emphasis on protecting its users' data with each iOS update. iOS 17 continues this tradition by offering improved privacy features designed to give you more control over what information you share and with whom. This guide aims to help you fully understand these privacy settings and how you can take advantage of them to protect your data on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Understanding privacy settings in iOS 17

Privacy settings in iOS 17 can be accessed by opening the Settings app and scrolling down to Privacy and Security. Here you will find several categories, such as Location Services, Contacts, Calendars, Photos, Bluetooth, and more. Each category contains specific settings related to how apps can access your personal data.

2. Location Services

Location services are an essential aspect of many apps, but they also pose a significant privacy concern. iOS 17 allows you to manage how and when each app can access your location data.

• Allow once: This option allows the app to access your location only for that particular time. This is suitable for apps that you rarely use.
• While Using the App: This provides access to location while the app is open or in use, ensuring privacy while also ensuring functionality.
• Always: Only use this setting for apps you completely trust, as it allows them to track your location even when the app is not in use.
• Precise location: If you want to share only approximate location with apps, turn off this setting.

3. Camera, microphone and photos

Another important privacy feature is the ability to manage which apps have access to your camera, microphone, and photo library. This can be controlled through the Privacy and Security settings.

Camera and microphone access

It's important to regularly review which apps are allowed to use your camera and microphone, as these can be used to monitor activities around you.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Privacy and Security
3. Select Camera or Microphone under the list.
4. Approve or revoke access for specific apps.

Access to the Photos library

iOS 17 gives you even more control over permissions for your photo library. You can decide whether an app can access all photos, select photos, or any photo.

1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
2. Select a photo.
3. Select an app and choose between: Selected photos, All photos, or None.

4. App Tracking Transparency

With iOS 17, App Tracking Transparency gives you the power to control which apps can track your activity across other companies' apps and websites. When an app wants to track you, it will ask for your permission.

1. To manage these permissions, go to Settings.
2. Select Privacy and Security.
3. Tap Tracking.
4. Here you'll see a list of apps, and you can turn off the apps you don't want to allow tracking.

5. Sensitive data protection

iOS 17 has settings to protect sensitive data like passwords and personal information shared on websites. These can be managed under Safari Privacy Settings. For example, you can choose to receive an alert if your saved passwords appear in a data breach.

Password monitoring

1. Go to Settings > Passwords.
2. If iOS 17 detects a password leak, a security recommendation banner will appear.
3. Select Security recommendations to view affected accounts and change your passwords.

Fraudulent website warnings

To keep yourself safe while browsing, make sure fraudulent website warnings are enabled:

1. Open settings.
2. Tap Safari.
3. Make sure the fraudulent website warning is turned on.

6. System services and improvements

iOS 17 also allows you to configure the location data used for system services, such as location-based alerts, suggestions, and advertising. If you're cautious about how location data is used in Apple's services, you can selectively disable these.

Control System Services

1. Open Settings and go to Privacy & Security.
2. Tap Location Services.
3. Scroll down and select System Services.
4. Turn off services you don’t want using your location.

7. App Privacy Report

A relatively new feature, the App Privacy Report, provides information about how apps use the permissions you grant them and what network connections they use. This feature can help identify apps that are violating their limits.

Enable App Privacy Report

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Privacy and Security.
3. Select App Privacy Report.
4. Make sure it's turned on to begin collecting data.

8. Third-party keyboard access

If you use a third-party keyboard, it’s important to make sure they don’t have unnecessary access to your input, especially if you type sensitive information.

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Tap Keyboard > Keyboards.
3. Review any third-party keyboards and make sure full access is not allowed unless necessary.

9. Mail Privacy Protection

With iOS 17, Apple has improved email privacy protection. Mail Privacy Protection hides your IP address and loads external content privately in the background. This prevents senders from using invisible pixels to collect information about you.

Enable Mail Privacy Protection

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Mail.
3. Tap Privacy Protection, then turn on Protect Mail Activity.

10. Keep your device's software updated

The simplest but most important aspect of maintaining the privacy of your device is to ensure that your software is always up-to-date. Apple regularly provides updates that include important security patches.

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If an update is available, tap Download and install.

By keeping your device updated, you can take advantage of the latest security and privacy features.

Conclusion

In the digital age, privacy is of the utmost importance, and iOS 17 gives you the tools to maintain control over your personal data. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that your iPhone or iPad is configured to prioritize your privacy. Regularly reviewing your privacy settings, staying informed about app permissions, and keeping your device updated are important practices for protecting your personal information in today's interconnected world.

Remember, technology can significantly impact privacy, but with proactive management and vigilance, you can protect your data and enjoy a more secure and private digital experience.

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