5 Ways to Protect Your Privacy on Your Android Device

Whether your Android smartphone is in your pocket, on your nightstand, or seemingly idle on your desk, it’s always active. Even when the screen is off, many apps are actively sending data back to their servers in the background, often taking personal data without your knowledge.

The prevalence of data collection in the Android ecosystem extends beyond phones to tablets as well. It’s not always malicious hackers but seemingly harmless apps like flashlight apps, games, or weather services that infringe on your privacy. Granting permission to an app has never been more risky or challenging.

The good news is that you have defenses against this invasion of privacy. This guide will highlight the permissions that require special attention, how to prevent covert background access, and how to systematically reduce tracking on your smartphone.

The invisible data vacuum cleaners: what apps are truly after

Many users mistakenly believe that an app only collects data when it’s actively in use. However, the reality is quite different: many apps contain invisible trackers (third-party modules) that gather information in the background to create detailed user profiles for the advertising industry. This issue may be familiar to you from your web browser.

Some of the most commonly collected, yet often unnoticed, data includes:

• Location history: Where you work, sleep, shop, etc.
• Device information: Your mobile phone brand, model, battery level, etc.
• Usage behavior: Other apps you have installed, when you use them, etc.

The most critical permissions and how to limit them

During quick installations, users often grant apps permissions they don’t actually need to function. Why does a simple notes app require access to your location? Why would an offline game need access to your contacts?

Focus on these three sensitive areas:

1. Location (GPS)
Many apps track your location continuously, draining your battery and potentially creating a detailed movement profile. Solution: Change the permission from ‘Always allow’ to ‘Access only while using the app’ or revoke it completely.

2. Microphone and camera
Many users worry about their phone listening in. On Android, a small green dot indicates when the microphone or camera is active. Only grant access to apps that truly require it, like messaging or phone apps.

3. Contacts and call logs
Granting access to your address book means sharing your details and those of your contacts with the app developer. Be cautious in this area.

Preventing data leakage on your smartphone

Chris Martin / Foundry

You can significantly reduce data flow on your smartphone with a few simple steps. Take a few minutes to conduct this systematic check.

Note: Menu structures may vary by smartphone manufacturer. If unsure, use the search function in the Settings menu to quickly find terms like ‘Permissions’ or ‘Battery usage’.

Step 1: Clean up the permissions manager

You can easily see which apps have access to what.

1. Open your phone’s settings.
2. Tap on Apps (or ‘App Management’) and then Permissions (or ‘Permissions Manager’).
3. Review categories like Location, Camera, or Microphone.
4. For any unnecessary apps, select ‘Don’t allow’.

Step 2: Limit background activity

Prevent apps from running in the background and sending data covertly.

1. Go to Apps in Settings, then select ‘App battery usage’.
2. Choose a data-intensive app (e.g., Facebook or a free game).
3. Select ‘Restricted’ or turn off ‘Allow background use’.

Chris Martin / Foundry

Step 3: Prevent ad tracking

Previously, Android assigned a unique advertising ID to each device. On current devices, this feature has been removed from system settings. Here’s how to stop tracking:

1. For older devices: Search for ‘Advertising ID’ in Settings, then select ‘Delete Advertising ID’.
2. Global solution: Google has shifted ad control online. Log into your Google account on a browser, go to ‘Data & Privacy’, and turn off ‘My Ad Center’ under ‘Personalized ads’.
3. Isolate sensitive apps: On newer devices, use ‘Private Space’ or ‘Confidential Profile’ features. This moves data-heavy apps to a separate, password-protected area, isolating them from the system and preventing background data collection.

Tech Bodyguard: Block trackers system-wide

To further reduce tracking in the Android ecosystem, consider disabling tracking for the entire smartphone instead of individual apps.

• Use anti-tracking apps: Tools like DuckDuckGo offer ‘App Tracking Protection’ to block connections to known advertising and tracking networks.
• Use ad-blocking DNS services: Apps like Blokada or private DNS servers intercept tracking requests from apps and browsers, preventing data from leaving your device.

Bonus tip: Opt for data-efficient alternatives

Many popular apps consume a lot of data. Consider using open-source alternatives without trackers. F-Droid offers privacy-friendly applications, from calendars to messengers, without compromising your data.

Conclusion

Your Android device doesn’t have to be a data hog. By reviewing permissions, limiting access like location and microphone, restricting background activities, and deleting your advertising ID, you can regain your privacy.

Exercise caution when revoking permissions as overly strict restrictions can cause malfunctions. Striking a balance allows you to protect your data without sacrificing the convenience of your smartphone.