10 Smartphone Settings You Should Change Right Now for Better Privacy and Performance

Smartphones are essential to modern life — from banking and emails to photos and social media. But most people leave default settings untouched, not realizing these can drain battery, slow down performance, and compromise privacy. 🛑

The good news? With just a few tweaks, you can make your phone faster, more private, and easier to use. 💡

Here are 10 important smartphone settings you should change right now — whether you’re using Android or iOS.

1. 🔋 Turn Off Background App Refresh

Many apps run in the background even when you’re not using them, constantly updating and consuming data, battery, and memory.

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Off or select only essential apps.
• Android: Settings → Apps → Select app → Battery → Restrict background activity.

✅ Why change this?
Improves battery life and reduces data usage.

2. 👁️ Disable Ad Tracking

Your smartphone constantly collects data to serve personalized ads. You can opt out and regain some control over your digital privacy.

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → Turn off “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”
• Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Turn on “Opt out of Ads Personalization.”

✅ Why change this?
Reduces data collection and improves your online privacy.

3. 🌐 Limit Location Access

Apps often access your location even when not in use, draining battery and compromising privacy.

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Choose apps → Select “While Using” or “Never.”
• Android: Settings → Location → App location permissions → Choose “Only while using” or “Don’t allow.”

✅ Why change this?
Saves battery and enhances security by preventing location tracking.

4. 🔕 Disable Notifications for Non-Essential Apps

Notifications from every app create distractions and clutter. Limiting them improves focus and productivity.

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → Notifications → Select app → Turn off “Allow Notifications.”
• Android: Settings → Notifications → App settings → Disable unnecessary ones.

✅ Why change this?
Reduces distractions, improves battery life, and enhances mental clarity.

5. 🌙 Enable Dark Mode

Dark mode not only looks sleek but also saves battery on OLED screens and is easier on the eyes at night. 😎

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → Display & Brightness → Choose “Dark.”
• Android: Settings → Display → Toggle on “Dark Theme.”

✅ Why change this?
Helps reduce eye strain and extend battery life.

6. 🧼 Clear Cache Regularly

Over time, your phone’s cache fills up with unnecessary data that slows performance.

📲 How to fix it:

• Android: Settings → Storage → Cached data → Clear.
• iPhone: Safari → Settings → Clear History and Website Data; or uninstall/reinstall apps to clear cache.

✅ Why change this?
Frees up space and boosts device speed.

7. 🔐 Set a Stronger Lock Screen Method

Still using a simple 4-digit code or no lock at all? It’s time to upgrade to facial recognition, fingerprint, or a strong alphanumeric password.

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Enable Face ID or change passcode.
• Android: Settings → Security → Screen lock → Choose fingerprint or strong PIN.

✅ Why change this?
Enhances protection against unauthorized access.

8. 🚫 Auto-Block Spam Calls

Spam calls waste time and pose phishing risks. Most modern phones offer tools to automatically block them.

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers.
• Android: Settings → Caller ID & Spam → Enable “Filter Spam Calls.”

✅ Why change this?
Reduces distractions and protects against scams.

9. 🕵️‍♂️ Limit App Permissions

Some apps request access to your microphone, camera, or contacts without a real need. Audit and revoke permissions regularly.

📲 How to fix it:

• iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Review each category.
• Android: Settings → Apps → Permissions → Review individually.

✅ Why change this?
Improves privacy and limits potential security breaches.

10. 📶 Disable Unused Connectivity Features

Leaving Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirDrop on when not needed makes your phone vulnerable to hacking and drains battery.

📲 How to fix it:

• Swipe down the Control Center or Quick Settings panel and disable any unused features.

✅ Why change this?
Improves battery and device security.

💭 Final Thoughts

Small settings changes = big performance and privacy improvements. 🔧

Your phone is a powerful tool — make sure it’s working for you, not against you.

Try these tweaks today and notice the difference. Share this with a friend who’s always complaining about their phone! 📱