1. Start With an App Permissions Audit
A phone security settings audit is a short, focused review of built‑in options for app access, messaging, calling, and tracking that closes silent privacy gaps without installing extra security apps or changing how you use your device day to day. Most people never review app permissions, so old apps keep quietly pulling data long after you stop using them. Location access is the most overused permission: weather, retail, and fitness apps frequently request constant tracking when they only need your city or region. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warns that default phone settings are designed for convenience, not privacy, which means more data flowing to more services. On iPhone, open Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services and restrict apps to While Using or ask each time. On Android, open Settings → Apps → Permissions and review Location, Microphone, Camera, and Contacts, turning off anything an app does not clearly need.
2. Turn On Built-In Spam Text Filters
Spam and phishing texts are one of the easiest ways scammers reach you, yet built‑in defenses are often disabled or ignored. According to PCMag, enabling your phone’s message filtering sends texts from unknown senders to a separate folder, so suspicious links never land in your main inbox. On iPhone, go to Settings → Messages and enable Message Filtering (or Filter Unknown Senders). You will still receive the texts, but they are quarantined away from conversations with saved contacts. On Android, Google Messages can auto‑classify unwanted texts into Spam or Unknown, reducing the chance you tap a malicious link. Make it a habit to treat every message from a number you have not saved with caution. If a message claims to be from a bank, doctor, delivery service, or friend, confirm by calling a trusted number or using the official app rather than replying to the text.
3. Lock Down Your Android Keyboard’s Data Collection
On Android, your keyboard can be a major privacy weak spot. Popular keyboards like Gboard connect to the internet for autocorrect, predictions, and AI features, which can mean your typing patterns and usage data are shared for analysis. ZDNET notes that “unless you take the time to make [Gboard] private, it's tracking you.” First, check which keyboard you are using: Settings → System (or General Management) → Languages & input → On‑screen keyboard. Tap your active keyboard and open its privacy or advanced settings. Turn off options such as sharing usage statistics, personalisation based on your typing history, and cloud sync of your dictionary if you do not need them. If you prefer a more private option, consider switching to a keyboard that minimises or removes network access for predictions. Whatever you choose, review keyboard permissions and ensure it does not have unnecessary access to contacts, microphone, or other data.
4. Tweak Google Messages for Better Privacy
Google Messages includes several privacy‑related options that many people never touch. After you set up a new Android phone, open Google Messages, tap your profile picture, and go to Messages settings. From there, review features such as read receipts, typing indicators, spam protection, and link previews so you only share what you are comfortable with. Pay attention to the Protection and safety section. Here you can manage Sensitive Content Warnings, which can detect and blur images that may contain nudity on your device before you see them. You can decide whether you want those warnings at all, or only in specific contexts. While extra features like AI assistants in Messages can be convenient, remember that they may not be end‑to‑end encrypted and can increase data exposure. For a safer default, enable spam protection, limit what others can see about your activity, and avoid sending sensitive information in unencrypted chats.
5. Use Call Screening and Device-Find Features
Unwanted calls and a lost phone are both serious privacy headaches. Many phones now ship with call screening or spam call detection that you should enable as part of your phone security checklist. These features can identify likely spam or scam calls and block or label them before you pick up, reducing the risk of social‑engineering attacks that start with a “wrong number” or fake support call. On Android, check your Phone app’s settings for caller ID and spam options and turn them on. Some devices also include advanced call filtering or screening that can answer calls on your behalf and show you a transcript so you decide whether to pick up. Finally, confirm that your device‑find feature works. Android’s Find Hub and similar services can locate your phone, make it ring, lock it, or erase it remotely, which helps protect your accounts and messages if your device goes missing.
