7 Smart iPhone Privacy Tricks to Keep Nosy People Out of Your Business

Your iPhone holds more than just messages. It’s home to your passwords, payments, and private moments. And while Apple does a solid job with security, there’s more you can do to protect what’s on your screen (especially from wandering eyes on the train).

Here are 7 iPhone privacy tips that go beyond passcodes, with the last one being a top secret for screen snoopers.

1. Face ID is Smart But Make it Smarter

Face ID isn’t foolproof by default. If your eyes are shut, or you’re not paying attention, your iPhone could still unlock. Not ideal.

Turn on ‘Require Attention’ and your phone will only unlock when you’re looking directly at it, fully awake, fully aware.

👉 Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Require Attention

2. Those Preview Texts? Yeah, Everyone Can See Them

Your lock screen doesn’t need to be a live feed of your life. That text from your boss? Or your partner? It doesn’t need to pop up for the whole train carriage to read.

Switch your notification previews to “When Unlocked” so only you decide who sees what.

👉 Settings > Notifications > Show Previews > When Unlocked

3. Your Apps Are Tracking You, Literally

Over 80% of iPhone users say no when asked to be tracked (Apple, 2021). If you haven’t switched it off yet, you’re leaving breadcrumbs behind.

Block apps from following you across the web:

👉 Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking > Disable “Allow Apps to Request to Track”

Less creepy ads. More peace of mind.

4. The Sneaky Side Glance is Real! Block It

Ever caught someone peeking at your screen? You’re not imagining it. Research shows that 72% of people admit to “shoulder surfing” (Wright et al., 2016).

Ocushield’s iPhone Privacy Screen Protector blocks side views beyond a 30° angle. It’s like putting blinders on your phone. Bonus: It also filters blue light and kills bacteria.

Now that’s multitasking.

5. Who’s Using Your Camera When You’re Not?

Your iPhone quietly logs which apps access your mic, camera, and location. But most people never check.

To view your app behaviour report:

👉 Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report

If an app’s using your location every hour, ask why.

6. You Don’t Need to Share Your Exact Whereabouts

A weather app doesn’t need to know what street you’re on. Many apps default to “Always” tracking and send that data to advertisers (Forbrukerrådet, 2020).

Change this:

👉 Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services

Set to “While Using” and switch off “Precise Location” unless it’s essential.

7. Safari Can Be Sneaky But You Can Outsmart It

Safari has built-in privacy tools most people overlook:

• Prevent cross-site tracking
• Hide your IP from trackers
• Use Private Browsing when it counts

Find these in:

👉 Settings > Safari

A few small switches make a big difference to your digital footprint.

Privacy Isn’t Paranoia, It’s Just Good Sense

You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open. So why let your phone screen be an open book for anyone nearby?

Settings can help with digital privacy, but when you’re out in public, on the train, in a café, or even at work, what’s on your screen is still easy to see. That’s where a privacy screen protector makes all the difference.

Here’s why it’s worth having:

• Nearly 3 out of 4 people admit to glancing at someone else’s phone screen when they shouldn’t (Wright et al., 2016). It happens quickly, and often.
• A study found that visual hacks take just 15 seconds, and in 91% of cases, they work (Ponemon Institute, 2015). One look at an email, password or banking app is all it takes.

Ocushield’s iPhone Privacy Screen Protector blocks views from the side, so only you can see what’s on your phone, even if someone’s sitting right next to you.

It also filters up to 30% of blue light, which can reduce eye strain and help you sleep better, especially if you’re using your phone late at night.

The screen comes with an anti-bacterial coating, and it’s easy to fit with the included applicator tray. No bubbles, no faff. Just proper protection in minutes.

Whether you're handling work on the go or just want a bit more personal space, this is a simple upgrade that keeps your screen private and your eyes comfortable, without changing the way you use your phone.

👉 Secure Your Screen with Ocushield
Because not everything on your phone is for everyone.