iOS Privacy 26 - Additional suggestions missing from the guide

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First, I want to thank those who compiled the guide for iOS. There are a lot of helpful recommendations within it. I’ve been spending time going through iOS, and I have some additional recommendations to add.

  • Settings→Wi-Fi→Edit (top-right corner)→Scroll down to Managed Networks→Tap on the “i” next to each network and disable “Auto-Join” :: If you want to know more about why you should disable Auto-Join, please look up “carrier offloading.” There are concerns about businesses using it to track consumers.
  • Additionally, consider doing the following with your wireless network: For your Wi-Fi SSID, consider adding “_nomap” or “_optout” to keep Google & Apple from mapping your router’s location.
  • Settings→Cellular→Cellular Data Options→Data Mode→Consider changing to “Low Data Mode.” The default mode is “Allow More Data on 5G.” This mode may prioritize 5G over Wi-Fi. This might not be an issue with privacy or security; however, it seems to be an odd choice to add by default, which makes me a bit more suspicious. Additionally, for those with a limited data plan, it would be good to change to Low Data Mode to save on cellular data.
  • Settings→Cellular→Consider turning off “Calls on Other Devices” for privacy.
  • After you have turned off analytics, background app refresh, etc. that have been recommended in the iOS guide, go to Settings→Screen Time→Content & Privacy Restrictions→Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions:
    • Allowed Apps & Features: If you do not use these features, disable them, especially AirDrop.
    • Intelligence & Siri: Disable all of the features that you do not want to use.
    • My understanding is that all of the options under Privacy will maintain lock in your current settings if you change them to “Don’t Allow.” This is helpful if you install new apps that they will not be able to access these permissions. In particular, it is beneficial to not allow “Apple Advertising” and “Allow Apps to Request to Track.” Ensure that you have already and turned off these settings in the appropriate menus before making this change; otherwise, it will lock those apps into tracking (just not new apps that are installed). Consider doing this for “Background App Activity” to prevent new apps from using this feature, especially if you have it enabled for certain apps so you cannot disable it in settings.
  • Settings→Apps→
    • FaceTime
      • Consider limiting how people can reach you with FaceTime under “You can be reahed by FaceTime at”
      • Disable “FaceTime Live Photos” since it could unintentionally capture undesired audio/video.
    • Mail
      • Others can chime in, but I would disable “Mail Privacy Protection” after reading the privacy policy. It sounds sketchy since it uses “two separate relays operated by different entities.” One of the entities receives your IP address and the other receives Mail content. If you disable it, then it then “the Hide IP Address feature will still mask you IP address using the same two-separate-internet-relays design.” “By using these features, you agree and consent to Apple’s and its subsidiaries’ and agents’ transmission, collection, maintenance, processing, and use of this information as described above.” Therefore, it might be best to disable all features; however, I’m unclear. If you don’t use the Mail app. I would delete it to reduce data leakage.
    • Maps
      • Disable all options under “Contribute to Maps” and “Photo Use.”
    • Messages
      • Tap on “Send & Receive” and consider limiting how you can receive and send iMessages.
      • Message History. You may want to limit how long messages are retained.
    • Photos
      • Consider disabling iCloud Photos to prevent them from automatically being backed up.
      • Consider disabling “Enhanced Visual Search.”
    • Safari
      • Consider changing default Search Engine to DuckDuckGo or at least use it in Private Browsing.
      • Disable “Search Engine Suggestions,” “Safari Suggestions,” “Show Recent Searches,” and “Preload Top Hit.” I also turn off “Quick Website Search.”
      • Enable “Block Pop-ups.”
      • Disable if you are using a DNS resolver - “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.”
      • Disable if you are using a DNS resolver - “From Trackers” for “Hide IP Address” after reading the privacy policy.
      • Disable if you are using a DNS resolver - “Fradulent Website Warning.”
      • Disable “Highlights.”
      • Ensure that Camera, Microphone, & Location are set to either “Ask” or “Deny.”
      • Advanced
        • Change “Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection” to “All Browsing.”
        • Disable “Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement.” This is worded in a way to trick consumers.
        • Disable “Check for Apple Pay.”
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