Privacy Settings & Controls

Complete guide to telemetry opt-out, personalized ads control, and tracking prevention

🛡️ Take Control of Your Digital Privacy

This comprehensive guide provides verified, step-by-step instructions for opting out of telemetry, personalized advertising, and tracking across major platforms. All information is current as of October 2025.

## 📱 Mobile Platforms ### iOS (iPhone/iPad)
#### Disable App Tracking Transparency
  • Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
  • Toggle OFF "Allow Apps to Request to Track" (blocks all tracking requests)
  • Review individual app toggles and disable any that are enabled
#### Disable Personalized Apple Ads
  • Open Settings → Privacy & Security
  • Scroll to Apple Advertising
  • Toggle OFF "Personalized Ads"
#### Additional Privacy Settings
  • Safari Tracking Prevention: Settings → Safari → Enable "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking"
  • Private Wi-Fi Address: Settings → Wi-Fi → [Your Network] → Toggle ON "Private Wi-Fi Address"
  • Location Services: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Review per-app permissions
⚠️ Note: The tracking toggle may be grayed out for accounts under 18, managed by school/business, or created within the last 3 days.
### Android
#### Delete or Reset Advertising ID
  • Open Settings → Google → All Services
  • Under "Privacy & Security," tap Ads
  • Select "Delete advertising ID" (completely removes your ID) OR "Reset advertising ID" (generates new ID)
  • Turn OFF these additional toggles:
    • Allow ad topics
    • Allow app-suggested ads
    • Allow ad measurement
#### My Ad Center (Google Services)
  • Open Google Play Store → Settings → Ads
  • Tap My Ad Center
  • Block specific ad topics or brands
  • Toggle off personalized ads for Google Search, YouTube, and partner sites
✅ Privacy Improvement: When you delete your advertising ID, apps now receive a string of zeros instead of your actual ID, significantly reducing cross-app tracking.
## 💻 Desktop Platforms ### Windows 11
#### Disable Telemetry & Diagnostic Data
  • Right-click Start → Settings (or Win + I)
  • Navigate to Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback
  • Turn OFF:
    • Send optional diagnostic data
    • Improve inking and typing
    • Tailored experiences
#### Disable Personalized Ads
  • Settings → Privacy & security → General
  • Turn OFF all options:
    • Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID
    • Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list
    • Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches
    • Show me suggested content in the Settings app
#### Disable Microsoft Account Personalization #### Remove Ads from Windows UI
  • Start Menu: Settings → Personalization → Start → Turn OFF "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more"
  • Lock Screen: Settings → Personalization → Lock screen → Change from "Windows Spotlight" to "Picture"
  • Search Highlights: Settings → Privacy & security → Search permissions → Turn OFF "Show search highlights"
⚠️ Limitation: Windows Home edition cannot fully disable telemetry—only reduce it to "Required" diagnostic data. Pro/Enterprise/Education editions offer more control via Group Policy.
### macOS
#### Disable Personalized Ads
  • Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
  • Click Apple Advertising
  • Toggle OFF "Personalized Ads"
#### Safari Privacy Settings
  • Open Safari → Settings → Privacy
  • Enable "Prevent cross-site tracking"
  • Enable "Hide IP address from trackers"
## 🌐 Web Browsers ### Browser-Specific Privacy Controls
#### Firefox (Strongest Default Protection)
  • Click menu (☰) → Settings → Privacy & Security
  • Under "Enhanced Tracking Protection," select Strict
  • Enable "Tell websites not to sell or share my data" (Global Privacy Control)
  • Under "Cookies and Site Data," select "Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed"
  • Enable "Do Not Track" signal
**Recommended Extensions:** - uBlock Origin (ad/tracker blocking) - Privacy Badger (EFF's tracker blocker) - Firefox Multi-Account Containers
#### Chrome/Edge
  • Settings → Privacy and Security → Third-party cookies
  • Select "Block third-party cookies"
  • Enable "Send a 'Do Not Track' request"
  • Enable "Enhanced Safe Browsing" (for malware protection)
  • Navigate to chrome://settings/adPrivacy
  • Toggle OFF:
    • Ad Topics
    • Site-suggested Ads
    • Ad Measurement
⚠️ 2025 Warning: Chrome's Manifest V3 (enforced June 2025) weakens ad-blocker effectiveness. Consider switching to Firefox or Brave for stronger privacy protection.
#### Brave (Privacy-First)
  • Click menu → Settings → Shields
  • Default settings are already privacy-focused, but you can customize:
    • Trackers & ads blocking: Aggressive
    • Block fingerprinting: Enabled
    • Block cookies: Block cross-site cookies
**Built-in protections (no extensions needed):** - Ad & tracker blocking - Fingerprint randomization - Query parameter stripping - Bounce tracking prevention
#### Safari
  • Safari → Settings → Privacy
  • Enable "Prevent cross-site tracking"
  • Enable "Hide IP address from trackers"
  • Under "Website tracking," select "Prevent cross-site tracking"
### Browser Privacy Comparison (2025)
Browser Privacy Strength Default Protection Best For
Brave ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strongest (built-in blocking) Privacy-first users
Firefox ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong (Enhanced Tracking Protection) Privacy + transparency
Safari ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong (Intelligent Tracking Prevention) Apple ecosystem
Chrome/Edge ⭐⭐ Weak (requires manual setup) Extensions/compatibility
## 🎯 Platform-Specific Ad Settings ### Google
#### My Ad Center
  • Visit My Ad Center
  • Toggle OFF "Personalized ads" (top right switch)
  • Your settings apply across all devices where you're signed in
#### Chrome Browser Ad Privacy
  • Navigate to chrome://settings/adPrivacy
  • Toggle OFF:
    • Ad Topics
    • Site-suggested Ads
    • Ad Measurement
✅ Result: You'll still see ads, but they'll be generic based on your current search, time of day, or general location—not your browsing history.
### Meta (Facebook/Instagram)
#### Facebook
  • Click your profile picture (top right)
  • Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings
  • Click Ad Preferences in the left menu
  • Under "Ad Settings," turn OFF:
    • Data about your activity from partners
    • Ads based on data from partners
  • Review "Ad Topics" and select "See Less" for unwanted categories
#### Instagram
  • Open the Instagram app
  • Go to Settings and Activity → Privacy Center
  • Select AI at Meta and click "Submit an objection request"
  • Fill out the form to object to data use for ads
⚠️ 2025 Critical Update: Starting December 16, 2025, Meta will use your Meta AI chat interactions to personalize ads with NO opt-out available for non-EU users. EU users have additional GDPR protections.
### Apple
#### Disable Personalized Apple Ads
  • iOS/iPadOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising → Toggle OFF "Personalized Ads"
  • macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising → Toggle OFF "Personalized Ads"
This prevents personalized ads in the App Store, Apple News, and Stocks.
### Microsoft
#### Disable Microsoft Personalized Ads
  • Visit Microsoft Ad Settings
  • Sign in with your Microsoft account
  • Toggle OFF "See ads and offers that interest you"
## 🚫 Industry-Wide Opt-Outs ### Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) / YourAdChoices
⚠️ Important 2025 Update: The Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) shut down its opt-out tools on September 15, 2025. Use DAA/YourAdChoices instead.
#### WebChoices (Browser Opt-Out)
  • Visit WebChoices Opt-Out Tool
  • Temporarily disable cookie blockers (required for tool to work)
  • Wait for status check to identify tracking companies
  • Click "Opt Out of All" or select specific companies
  • Install "Protect My Choices" browser extension to preserve settings
#### AppChoices (Mobile Apps)
  • Download AppChoices from iOS App Store or Google Play
  • Launch app and select companies to opt out
  • Tap "Choose All Companies" for blanket opt-out
#### Token-Based Opt-Out (Email/Identifiers)
⚠️ Limitations:
  • Opting out ≠ no ads (you'll still see generic ads)
  • Per-device/browser specific (repeat for each device)
  • Only covers DAA member companies
  • Doesn't stop data collection for analytics/fraud prevention
## 📧 Email Privacy & Alias Services ### Email Aliasing Comparison
Service Free Plan Paid Plan Best For
SimpleLogin 10 aliases $30/year (unlimited) Proton ecosystem users
AnonAddy (Addy.io) Unlimited (bandwidth limits) From $12/year Budget-conscious users
ProtonMail 1 address, 1GB From $3.99/month Full encrypted email provider
Hide My Email (Apple) Included with iCloud+ From $0.99/month Apple ecosystem integration
#### SimpleLogin (Proton-owned) - **Website:** SimpleLogin - **Features:** PGP encryption, custom domains, catch-all, browser extensions - **Best for:** Users wanting open-source + Proton integration #### AnonAddy (Addy.io) - **Website:** Addy.io - **Features:** GPG encryption, unlimited free aliases, self-hosting option - **Best for:** Budget users + open-source advocates #### ProtonMail - **Website:** Proton Mail - **Features:** End-to-end encryption, Swiss privacy laws, zero-access storage - **Best for:** Complete Gmail/Outlook replacement #### Hide My Email (Apple) - **Access:** Settings → iCloud → Hide My Email (iOS/macOS) - **Features:** Native iOS/macOS integration, unlimited aliases, Safari autofill - **Best for:** Apple ecosystem users wanting zero setup
## 🗑️ Data Broker Removal Services ### Professional Data Removal Comparison (2025)
Service Coverage Price Speed Best For
Incogni 420+ brokers (Deloitte-verified) From $7.99/month Days to weeks Speed + automation
DeleteMe 85-181 automated + 569 custom From $10.75/month Weeks to months Manual service
Aura Limited brokers Bundled pricing Varies All-in-one protection
#### Incogni (Recommended for Most Users) - **Website:** Incogni - **Coverage:** 420+ data brokers (independently audited by Deloitte, Aug 2025) - **Features:** Fully automated, unlimited custom removals (Unlimited plan), monthly reports - **Pricing:** Standard ~$7.99/month, Unlimited ~$13.99/month (annual billing) #### DeleteMe - **Website:** DeleteMe - **Coverage:** Claims 850+ brokers (569 require manual custom requests) - **Features:** Human-driven verification, quarterly reports, white-glove service - **Pricing:** Standard $129/year, Premium $229/year #### Aura (All-in-One Suite) - **Website:** Aura - **Features:** Data removal + credit monitoring + identity theft insurance ($1M) + password manager + VPN + antivirus - **Best for:** Comprehensive identity protection beyond just data removal
✅ 2025 Recommendation: Incogni offers the best combination of speed, coverage, and value for most users. Choose DeleteMe if you prefer manual verification. Choose Aura for all-in-one identity protection.
## 🔗 Quick Action Links ### One-Click Opt-Out Pages Google Ad Settings Facebook Ad Preferences Microsoft Ad Settings DAA WebChoices Opt-Out YourAdChoices Token Opt-Out AppChoices (Mobile) ### Privacy Tools & Resources SimpleLogin Email Aliases AnonAddy Email Aliases Incogni Data Removal Privacy Badger Extension uBlock Origin ### Browser Extensions for Privacy uBlock Origin (Firefox) Privacy Badger (EFF) Firefox Containers HTTPS Everywhere
## 📝 Implementation Checklist ### Essential Actions (Do These First) - [ ] **Mobile:** Disable app tracking (iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking) - [ ] **Mobile:** Delete/reset advertising ID (Android: Settings → Google → Ads) - [ ] **Browser:** Switch to Firefox or Brave for better default privacy - [ ] **Browser:** Install uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger extensions - [ ] **Google:** Turn off personalized ads at [myadcenter.google.com](https://myadcenter.google.com/) - [ ] **Facebook/Meta:** Disable partner data sharing in Ad Preferences - [ ] **Windows:** Disable telemetry and advertising ID (Settings → Privacy & security) - [ ] **Industry:** Opt out via [DAA WebChoices](https://optout.aboutads.info/) ### Advanced Actions (For Maximum Privacy) - [ ] **Email:** Set up email aliasing (SimpleLogin or AnonAddy) - [ ] **Data Brokers:** Subscribe to Incogni or DeleteMe for automated removal - [ ] **Browser:** Enable DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) in browser settings - [ ] **Network:** Use a privacy-focused VPN (ProtonVPN, Mullvad, IVPN) - [ ] **Search:** Switch to DuckDuckGo or Startpage - [ ] **Messaging:** Use Signal or Session for encrypted communications - [ ] **Password Manager:** Use Bitwarden or 1Password (avoid browser-saved passwords) ### Maintenance Schedule - **Weekly:** Review new app permissions on mobile devices - **Monthly:** Check for new tracking opt-outs in browser/platform settings - **Quarterly:** Verify DAA opt-out status and re-apply if needed - **Annually:** Review data broker removal service effectiveness

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

  • Opting out ≠ invisibility: You'll still see ads and data collection continues for non-advertising purposes (analytics, security, etc.)
  • Per-device/browser: Most opt-outs are device or browser-specific; repeat steps for each device/browser you use
  • Settings may reset: Major OS updates can reset privacy settings; recheck after updates
  • Partial coverage: Industry opt-outs only affect participating companies; many trackers remain unaffected
  • Legal protections vary: EU/UK users have stronger GDPR protections; US state laws (CA, CO, CT, VA) provide limited rights

✅ Privacy Success Metrics

After implementing these settings, you should notice:

  • Fewer eerily-relevant ads following you across websites
  • Less personalized content recommendations
  • Reduced spam to your primary email address (if using aliases)
  • Fewer search results appearing in your social media feeds
  • Decreased unsolicited marketing calls/emails (after data broker removal)

🔒 Your Privacy Matters

Digital privacy is an ongoing practice, not a one-time setup. Bookmark this page and revisit quarterly to stay updated with the latest privacy controls and opt-out methods.

Last Updated: October 2025 | All information verified from official sources