Your phone does not come with a user manual. Sure, you can find Apple or Android guides online, but don’t bet on Big Tech to tell you the secrets to best protect yourself.
Default settings are often much better for the companies behind them than for you. Tap or click for 10 default iPhone settings that need your attention.
Some features get more attention than others, like the new way to take over text. Tap or click to see what actually happens when you unsend a text message. Spoiler: It’s not as sneaky as you think.
Now grab your iPhone and I’ll show you some changes you can make to keep yourself safe.
1. Delete unwanted texts
Spam calls are blocked relatively effectively at the carrier level, but text messages are different. If your phone is flooded with fake shipping notifications and other junk, take a few steps to stop them.
The easiest and easiest way to stop spam is to block the number. Here’s how to block a number in Messages:
• Press the Last name Where Number at the top of a Messages conversation.
• Faucet Informationthen scroll down and tap Block this caller.
You can also go further by filtering messages from unknown senders. Text messages from anyone not in your contact list will be sent to the Unknown senders tab of the message list. Here’s how:
• Go to Settings > posts.
• To light up Filter unknown senders.
Bonus Tip: If you receive a message from an unknown number identified as spam or junk mail, you can report it to Apple. In the message, tap Report spamthen Delete and report spam.
What if you get a verification code you didn’t request? It may be nothing, but it could be a scam. Tap or click here for advice you need to take action.
2. Stop all tracking
As you move from one website to another, you’re often tracked by trackers that collect data about where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to.
Data on your browsing habits, your likes, your shares, the advertisements you click on and your shopping cart are to be entered. This information may be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising purposes.
Safari restricts third-party cookies and data. The good news is that this option is enabled by default, but it’s a good idea to make sure this option is enabled. Here’s how:
• Go to Settings > Safari.
• Below Privacy and Securityto toggle on Prevent cross-site tracking. If it’s already on, you’re good to go.
Your computer’s browser is probably full of trackers. Tap or click for an easy way to erase dozens with just a few clicks.
3. Block the creep that won’t leave you alone
I get requests for help all the time on my national radio show and podcast from people dealing with an ex, an abusive family member, or an old friend who can’t relate. If you are tired of their calls and texts, block them.
Block someone via Contacts:
• Open contactsthen tap the name of the contact you want to block.
• Faucet Block this callerthen Block Contacts.
Block someone via the Messages app:
• Open the posts application and tap a conversation.
• Press the Last name, NumberWhere profile picture at the top of the screen.
• Press the information button under contact.
• Scroll down and press Block this caller > Block Contacts.
Bonus tip: you can hide or block your number from caller ID. Tap or click here for the steps to follow.
4. Browse privately
Safari’s version of Incognito mode is called Private Browsing. No, it doesn’t keep everything you do completely private, but it does have a few benefits:
• Your browsing history is not saved and the sites you visit are not shared with your other devices.
• Safari won’t remember the pages you visit, what you search for, or your autofill information.
Here’s how to open an incognito window on your iPhone:
• Open Safari on your iPhone and press the two square tabs button in the lower right corner.
• If more than one tab is open, tap (number) Tabs at the bottom of the screen to display the list of tab groups.
• If you only have one tab open, tap Home Page at the bottom of the screen to display the list of tab groups.
• Faucet Privatethen touch Do.
Of course, private mode is not 100% private. Tap or click for my 60 second podcast breaking it down.
5. Lock your lock screen
You can access a few features – widgets, media playback controls, your camera, and Control Center – from your iPhone’s Lock screen.
You might want to change what’s accessible from your lock screen to protect your privacy. If you can see it, anyone else can see it while holding your phone.
Here’s how to keep things private:
• Go to Settings > Face ID and password (on an iPhone with Face ID) or Touch ID & Passcode (on an iPhone with a Home button).
• Enter your four digit password when prompted.
• Under the Allow access when locked section, review the options and choose which ones can be seen on the lock screen. Choices include Notification Center, Control Center, and more. Turn notification center stopped if you want notifications to remain private.
Keep your technological know-how
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today”. It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from across the country. Look for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, click the link below for a recent episode.
PODCAST CHOICE: Social Media Smugglers, Meta Crash, Facebook Privacy Tips
Afraid of Apple AirTag stalkers? Here’s how to spot creeps stalking you. Plus, watch out for this Transportation Security Administration scam, hide your phone number and email address on Facebook, fix your charging issues, and why Meta is melting. Additionally, smugglers use Snapchat and TikTok to recruit Americans to drive migrants from the border into the United States.
Check out my “Kim Komando Today” podcast on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando”.
Discover all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For his daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit his website at Komando.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.