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Managing Your Data Sharing Settings on Mobile Devices

Smartphones collect information such as how you use apps, your location, device details, and on newer devices, data used for AI features. Turning off data sharing does not affect your phone’s functionality. It simply limits what information is shared with third parties.

Author(s):
Kayla Young

Why Review Your Settings? 

Privacy controls have changed as devices and apps have evolved. Early devices kept most controls in general privacy menus. Many apps now include their own settings. New AI tools may also use your device data to personalize suggestions and services. Reviewing your settings regularly helps ensure your device reflects your privacy choices. 

How to Opt-Out of Data Sharing 

iPhone 

  1. Open Settings. 

  1. Select Privacy & Security. 

  1. Tap Tracking. 

  1. Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track. 

Android 

Menus vary by device. 

  1. Open Settings. 

  1. Select Privacy. 

  1. Tap Ads. 

  1. Choose Delete advertising ID or Opt-out of ad personalization. 

Turning Off AI-Related Data Use 

iPhone (iOS 18 and later) 

  1. Open Settings. 

  1. Go to Apple Intelligence & Siri or Privacy & Security, then Apple Intelligence. 

  1. Turn off Apple Intelligence, Cloud Processing, Improve Siri & Dictation, Suggestions on Device, and Personalized Recommendations. 

  1. Optional: Turn off Transfer to iPhone under Settings, General, AirPlay & Handoff. 

Android 

  1. Open Settings. 

  1. Select Privacy. 

  1. Tap Device Personalization Services. 

  1. Turn off Personalized suggestions, Smart prioritization, and Contextual text suggestions. 

To limit cloud-based AI processing:

  1. Open Settings. 

  1. Select Google. 

  1. Tap Data & Privacy. 

  1. Turn off Personal results, Web & App Activity, AI-powered features, and Improve Assistant or Improve AI Tools. 

This step reduces how much of your device activity is sent to external servers for analysis. Turning off cloud-based AI features keeps more of your data on the device itself rather than allowing apps or service providers to process it remotely.

Samsung devices may include additional controls under Advanced Features and Advanced Intelligence. 

Summary 

These steps help you control how your information is shared without limiting your ability to use your device. Checking your settings regularly is an effective way to keep your privacy preferences up to date.