Hidden iPhone Settings to Change
We use our iPhone so much throughout the day. But when's the last time we had a look through the settings app?
There are a few great hidden settings within your iPhone. These can help you limit what you're sharing, keep your personal accounts secure and avoid any minor annoyances.
Below are 10 hidden settings to look out for on your iPhone. Note that the menu names will be as you may see on recent iOs versions but may appear differently on older models and versions.
1. Disable App Tracking Requests
Sometimes when opening a new app you will get a prompt asking you to allow them to track you across other companies apps and websites. Whilst it can be easy to just tap cancel, it is worth knowing what it is.
Head into Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking. Toggle off ‘Allow Apps to Request to Track’ if you don't want to get these prompts. You can also look at the apps that have requested access and what permissions they have.
This stops the app from tracking you across other apps but does not stop all data gathering. It will not stop websites from tracking visits but is a great way to help protect your privacy.
2. Disable Precise Location
Whilst some apps such as weather will need your location (city), they probably don't need to know what building you are by.
Head into Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Tap on the app and ensure the options are set to your liking. Options will include:
- While Using the App – whilst using the app it will have access.
- Always – always have access.
- Don't Allow – no access.
If possible disable ‘Precise Location’. This will give an approximate area. You can leave apps that really need Precise Location such as turn-by-turn navigation or features that use delivery.
Avoid turning this off completely as some features will need it.
3. Disable Sensitive Notifications
Sometimes when putting your phone down on the table during a meeting you will get a notification. The first line will appear on your lock screen meaning everyone can see.
Head into Settings > Notifications > Show Previews. Change this to ‘When Unlocked’ or ‘Never’. You can also change the notification settings of individual apps.
‘When Unlocked’ will be a good setting for many. This means you can see your notifications but the content isn't shown on your locked screen.
If you are sharing your screen make sure you check your notification settings.
4. Enable Stolen Device Protection
Losing your iPhone can be extremely stressful. However if someone has seen you unlock your phone they may know your passcode.
On a supported iPhone head into Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. Enter your passcode. Scroll down and tap ‘Stolen Device Protection’. Toggle this on. You will also be able to check if it is enabled when you are not in known locations or always.
This will add extra biometric checks for some sensitive actions. It may also mean that there is a security delay to make any important changes to your accounts. You may need to have Face ID/Touch ID set up.
Whilst this isn't a replacement for having a strong passcode and Find My it will help add an extra barrier.
5. Check Camera & Microphone Permissions
You may have an app like a photo editor that you installed for a project last year. This may still have permissions that you don't want.
Head into Settings > Privacy & Security. There are several options here including Camera, Microphone, Photos & Contacts. Tap each option and check what apps have requested access. Toggle off any you don't want.
Apps that use video calling will need access to your microphone. Apps that use the camera will need access. Just check if you want to give them access.
For more details head into App Privacy Report. Toggle this on and you can check what apps have accessed over time.
6. Check Who You're Sharing With
Sometimes it can be useful to share your location with someone to meet up with a friend or plan a family trip. However it can be easy to forget who you've shared with.
Head into Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. Tap ‘Manage Sharing & Access’.
You can check who you've given access to.
Within Safety Check there is also the option to ‘Emergency Reset’. This should only be used if you need to stop sharing with certain people urgently. If you're just checking your permissions don't use this as it can cause issues with your sharing.
7. Disable Background App Refresh
Some apps will refresh in the background. Whilst this can be handy when opening an app like news or messages it is not needed for all apps.
Head into Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Toggle this off or set to Wi-Fi only. You can also manage individual apps.
If you don't need your shopping app to refresh often when not using it you could disable it.
This won't be a battery miracle. iOS will already manage apps in the background. Disabling this won't stop all apps in the background or notifications. It can just help reduce any unnecessary refreshes.
8. Smart Charging
If you're regularly charging your phone overnight or at your desk it is worth checking your options.
On iPhone 15 & newer head into Settings > Battery > Charging. Check what options you have. Charging to a lower percentage (80%) can help reduce battery degradation over time. However you won't have as much battery for the day.
On iPhone 14 & older head into Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Toggle ‘Optimized Battery Charging’. This will stop your phone from charging above 80% in certain circumstances based on your usage.
If you're regularly out for long periods without a charger it may be more useful to have it fully charged.
9. Safari Privacy & Fraud Protection
You don't need to install any extensions to get some basic privacy settings. Safari has several options.
Head into Settings > Apps > Safari (on recent iOs versions). Ensure ‘Prevent Cross-Site Tracking’ is turned on. Check ‘Fraudulent Website Warning’ if available in your region.
Check ‘Hide IP Address’. This will depend on the services you use. Safari does not offer true anonymity.
These can help reduce some tracking risks and will show warnings for suspected fraud sites. However they cannot guarantee to spot all dangerous sites so make sure you check the links.
10. Set AirDrop Recipients
AirDrop can be amazing when someone nearby wants to share a photo. However it can be annoying when you're sharing your phone with people you don't know.
Head into Settings > General > AirDrop or use the AirDrop option in Control Centre. For everyday use you may want to set this to ‘Contacts Only’ or ‘Receiving Off’. Only use ‘Everyone’ for 10 Minutes if you really need to receive something from someone outside of your contacts.
This will automatically revert after 10 Minutes. Newer devices may also ask for a code when someone outside your contacts shares with you.
Which iPhone Settings Should I Change?
You don't need to change all 10 settings. If you're looking to improve your privacy start with tracking, location and notification previews. If you're worried about losing your phone enable Stolen Device Protection and check your current security settings. If you're looking to make your phone easier to use everyday then background refresh, smart charging and AirDrop are worth checking.
If you're a delivery driver you may want Precise Location throughout the day. However if you're working from home you may want to limit this. Choose what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
The most useful hidden iPhone settings aren't the flashiest. They are the little settings that control what information you're sharing, who can see it and how your phone operates when you're busy.
Take a few minutes to look through the settings that matter to you. Change one setting and see how it effects your routine. This will be much better than trying to follow a list of "hidden" tricks.
Your iPhone already gives you a lot of control. Knowing where to find it is the first step to making the most out of it.
