Have you ever thought about why you see ads for jeans just after you searched for jeans online? Well, it is not magic, but it is tracking. Advertisers track your online activity to show you ads that match your interests. Although it seems harmless, it often feels like someone is peeking over your shoulder.
However, the good news is that you can stop this tracking and take control of your privacy.
If you want to learn how, keep reading this blog.
Let’s first understand what mobile tracking is.
What is Mobile Tracking?
Mobile tracking means advertisers, websites, or apps follow your online behavior. They do this by collecting data like what apps you use, what websites you visit, what you search for, and your location.
Advertisers use this information to create a digital profile about you. This profile helps them decide what ads to show you.
Sounds scary, right?
However, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself.
Why Should You Stop Advertisers from Tracking You?
Sometimes you feel, “What is the harm? I don’t mind seeing this ad.” However, the reality is that tracking can cause more issues than you realise. For example, companies can know more about you than you would like. So, you can lose your privacy. Another one is that advertisers can influence your choice with constant reminders. If your data ends up in the wrong hands, it can be misused.
If you take control of your data, it helps you feel safer and reduces the chances of being manipulated by ads.
8 Easy Ways to Prevent Mobile Tracking
Here are some simple steps that you can take today to reduce tracking.
1. Turn Off Ad Tracking On Your Phone
iPhones and Android both have settings to limit ad tracking. On iPhone, go to Settings->Privacy & Security-> Tracking. Now, toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track.
If you’re an Android user, go to Settings -> Privacy -> Ads. Turn off Delete Advertising ID or opt out of Ads Personalisation.
Doing this will not stop all ads, but it will reduce how much advertisers can learn about you.
2. Check App Permissions
There are some apps which ask for access to things which they do not really need, such as the camera or location.
To turn them off, you should go to your phone’s App Permission settings. After that, turn off permissions that do not make any sense.
For example, your calculator app does not need your location. Therefore, this simple step blocks apps from collecting unnecessary data.
3. Use Private Browsing
You should browse the internet using Incognito mode in Google Chrome or Private Mode in Safari/Firefox. When you do private browsing, it won’t save cookies, browsing history, or site data.
Advertisers find it harder to track what you do. If you want stronger protection, consider using a browser like Brave or DuckDuckGo, which automatically blocks trackers.
4. Block Location Tracking
Your location is one of the most important data for advertisers. Therefore, if you are an iPhone user, go to Settings -> Privacy -> Location Services. Now allow location access Only While Using the App.
If you’re an Android user, go to Settings -> Location. You should choose which apps can use your location.
You can also completely switch off location services when you don’t need them.
5. Clear Your Cookies Regularly
You must clear all cookies and cache from your browser once in a while. It will help break the link between your online activities and your profile. Most browsers allow you to delete cookies automatically when you close them. So, use this setting so no websites can remember your activity.
6. Install the Tracker Blocker App
You can use apps like AdGuard or Blockada to block trackers before they collect your data. These apps act like a shield between you and advertisers.
7. Use a Virtual Private Network
A VPN helps you hide your online activity by sending your internet traffic through a private tunnel. Advertisers cannot easily track your browsing when you are connected to a VPN. Some popular VPNs include ProtonVPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.
8. Say “No” to Unnecessary Accounts
When you shop online or use any app, they might ask you to create an account. If it is not required, don’t create such accounts. The fewer accounts you make, the less data you share.
Concluding Remarks
Advertisers are always searching for ways to know more about you. However, it does not mean you should hand over your personal life so easily. To enhance your mobile experience, you’ll need to adjust a few settings, review permissions, and utilise tools like VPNs or privacy-focused browsers, which help you browse without feeling like you’re being watched.
Your smartphone is just like your personal diary. Of course, you won’t like it if strangers read it, right? So, take control of tracking. So, you can decide who gets to see what.
Therefore, the next time you see an ad pop up for something you just searched, remember you have the tools to fight back.
