How to Disable an iPhone From Being Tracked
By Jay Darrington
In 2011, Apple, Inc revealed that it had been tracking the location of its thousands of iPhone users as they visited websites using the device. As of October 2012, Apple's terms of service still allows them to track you. However, you can set up your iPhone to prevent Apple from tracking you to increase your account's privacy.
Step 1
Tap on the "Settings" app from the iPhone's home screen.
Step 2
Tap on the "General" section, "About" and then "Advertising." Set the switch next to "Limit Ad Tracking" to the "On" position and then tap Settings again. This limits the amount of information that can be sent to Apple about you, such as the apps you use and your personal data. (This is available only on iOS6 or later devices).
Step 3
Tap the "Privacy" tab, "Location Services" and then "System Settings." Set the switch for "Location-Based iAds" to "Off." This keeps Apple from tracking your location and serving you ads based on your current or past location. (For iOS 5 and earlier versions, Location Services is found in the Settings tab.)
Step 4
Tap on the Settings tab again, then tap the Safari tab.
Step 5
Set the "Private Browsing" switch to the "On" position so that Safari will not record your Web history.
References
- The Telegraph: Apple iPhone tracks users' location in hidden file
- OSX Daily: Enable Private Browsing on iPad & iPhone with Safari in iOS
- Business Insider: How To Get Advertisers To Stop Tracking Your iPhone Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/stop-tracking-on-iphone-2012-10#ixzz2AR3EbqCk
- Apple: How to opt out of interest-based ads from the iAd network
Warnings
- This will not stop government agencies or law enforcement from tracking you down. For absolute privacy, you should not have the iPhone on your person.
Writer Bio
Jay Darrington has been a professional writer since 2006, specializing in technology. He has published on several online blogs, including iTech24, iPhoneland and Tech101. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication technology from California State University.