How to Stop Apps from Tracking You

  • By Muhid Suleman

    Muhid Suleman

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    Muhid Suleman, An expert writer from Pureprivacy's content team, Dedicate to make data privacy simple and accessible for you. Muhid, Our Content Wizard, weaves tales about online privacy using simple and user friendly procedures. He firmly believes that online privacy is your right and a big deal in the digital jungle.

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  • 24 July 2024
  • 8 mins read

Approximately 200 million mobile devices send location data to smartphone apps. An average person's phone is usually running about 25 apps

And, researchers have discovered that over a thousand of these apps track users' activities all day long. Many apps track your activities to personalize your experience, which might feel annoying. However, there are ways to manage your privacy on your devices.

This blog post will discuss how to stop apps from tracking you with PurePrivacy.

What is App Tracking?

App tracking is gathering data from an app (application) about the app user and device and linking it to other data collected by an ad network, website, or other third-party data source for targeted advertising or measurement. 

Mobile applications (apps) are accessed through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These apps can collect information (data) and transmit it to the app creator. 

The amount of app downloads, the type of device or operating system, languages, and other in-app events are all examples of such data. Marketers use this information to better understand their app's users and design ad campaigns that target certain audiences.

Crucial Signs That Indicate Apps May Be Secretly Tracking Your Device

Here are seven important signals that apps may be tracking your smartphone without your knowledge:

  1. Unusual Discharge of the Battery

If your battery drains faster than usual, it may suggest that background applications are often accessing your location or other data.

  1. Increased Data Usage

A sudden increase in data usage might indicate that apps are transmitting your information to distant servers.

  1. Device Overheating

If your phone becomes extremely warm even when inactive, it could be due to tracking apps running continuously in the background.

  1. Unexpected Pop-Ups or Advertisements

An increase in unusual pop-ups or customized adverts may indicate that your data is being collected and shared.

  1. Slow Performance

If your smartphone slows down noticeably, it could be due to tracking processes.

  1. Unfamiliar Apps

The appearance of apps you failed to remember to install may suggest spyware or tracking software.

  1. Strange Text Or Messages

Receiving texts with random codes or numbers may be instructions sent to hidden tracking apps.

Effective Strategies for Preventing App Tracking

Here are some helpful tips to stop app tracking:

  1. On iOS Devices

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking

Toggle off "Allow Apps to Request to Track" to prevent all apps from tracking.

Toggle off "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
  1. On Android Devices

Launch the setting app on your Android device. Scroll down and go to app management.

Launch the setting app on your Android device

Select the app for which you want to manage permissions.

Select the app for which you want to manage permissions

Tap on App permissions and turn off the location.

Tap on App permissions
turn off location access on instagram

You can then manage the permissions for each app, choosing whether to allow location access all the time, only while using the app, or not at all.

  1. Use Privacy-Focused Apps

Consider using apps known for strong privacy practices.

  1. Regularly Review App Permissions

Periodically review and adjust app permissions to ensure only necessary permissions are granted.

  1. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your online privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet connection.

  1. Disable Third-Party Cookies

In your browser settings, disable third-party cookies to prevent websites from tracking your activity across different sites.

  1. Use Anti-Tracking Tools

Consider using browser extensions and tools designed to block trackers.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of tracking done by apps and protect your privacy.

Get Rid of Online Surveillance and Data Tracking 

PurePrivacy reveals who has access to your data, how your online activities are tracked, and how you may stop it. This allows you to better control and manage your internet presence.

View all the tracker that have been blocked

How PurePrivacy Stops Unknown Trackers?

Take control of your online experience and protect your personal information.

Stop Invisible Trackers from Data Collection

Block trackers and prevent them from collecting your data.

See What Information is Shared 

Manage how your information is shared and prevent profiling by third-party advertisers.

Prevent Online Trackers from Prying 

Enjoy a more personalized browsing experience without the worry of being tracked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I stop an app from accessing my information?

    Plus

    Stop third-party apps from collecting data on Android:

    Limit Location Sharing: Go to Settings > Location to restrict location access.
    Turn Off Ads Personalization: Access Settings > Google and disable ads personalization.
    Revoke App Permissions: Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager to remove unnecessary app permissions.

  • Can deleted apps still track you?

    Plus

    No, once you delete an app, it can no longer actively track you since it is no longer installed on your device and cannot access your data or send information.

    However, the app may still retain any data it previously collected about you while it was installed.

  • Which apps track you the most?

    Plus

    The apps that collect the most data about you are Facebook and Instagram, which are the only ones that link all 32 data points that Apple has defined for you.

    Seven of these data points, including your name, email address, phone number, and physical address are used only for tracking.

  • Why do apps track you?

    Plus

    A lot of apps monitor your usage to show you targeted advertisements. On iOS and Android devices, you have the option to reject tailored advertising.

    Open Settings > Privacy > Advertising on iOS, then turn on "Limited Ad Tracking."
    Go to Settings > Google > Ads on your Android device, then select "Opt out of Ads Personalization."

  • Simplify your online presence today

    With PurePrivacy, make sure all your personal data remains safe without a hassle!

Wrapping Up

By taking these precautions, you can use the internet without risk and protect your data. Make your internet experience safer and more empowering by remaining proactive and knowledgeable.