You can remove Apple tracking by adjusting the tracking settings on your iPhone or iPad. Here's how:
Steps to Limit or Disable App Tracking:
- Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Navigate to Privacy & Security: Scroll down and tap on "Privacy & Security".
- Select Tracking: Tap on "Tracking". This section controls which apps can request permission to track your activity across other companies' apps and websites.
- Manage App Tracking Permissions: You'll see a list of apps that have requested permission to track you.
- Individual App Control: Toggle the switch next to each app to either allow or deny tracking permission for that specific app. Turning the switch to green grants permission; turning it to gray denies it.
- Disable Tracking Requests for All Apps: At the top of the screen, you'll find the "Allow Apps to Request to Track" option. Turning this off will prevent all apps from asking for your permission to track you. Apps that previously had permission will have their tracking disabled.
What Happens When You Disable Tracking?
When you turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track" or deny individual apps permission, those apps won't be able to access your device's advertising identifier (IDFA), which is used for tracking across other apps and websites. This helps to limit the amount of personalized advertising you see. While you might still see ads, they'll be less targeted to your specific interests.
Important Considerations:
- Apple's Own Tracking: These settings primarily address app tracking across different companies' apps and websites. Apple still collects some data for its own purposes, such as improving its products and services. You can manage some of these settings within the Privacy & Security section, such as Location Services, Analytics & Improvements, and Apple Advertising.
- Limited Effectiveness: Even with tracking disabled, some apps might still collect data through other means (e.g., device fingerprinting). These methods are less reliable and generally provide less detailed information than using the IDFA.
Summary:
To remove or limit Apple tracking by apps, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and adjust the settings to your preference, either by disabling individual app tracking or turning off "Allow Apps to Request to Track" entirely. This will limit the ability of apps to track your activity across other apps and websites.
