Browser & App Privacy Settings Cheat Sheet

Firefox

• Turn on Enhanced Tracking Protection: Strict.
• Auto-clear cookies and history on close (Settings → Privacy & Security).
• Enable HTTPS-Only Mode (Settings → Privacy & Security → HTTPS-Only Mode → “Enable in all windows”).
• Install privacy extensions: uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, Decentraleyes.

Brave

• Ensure Shields are enabled (blocks ads, trackers, cookies by default).
• Disable fingerprinting where possible (Settings → Shields).
• Use Brave’s password manager, or disable it and use an external manager consistently.

Chrome / Edge

If you must use Chromium browsers, tighten privacy settings and add blockers.

• Turn on “Block third-party cookies”.
• Disable “Preload pages for faster browsing” (can leak browsing habits).
• Enable HTTPS-First mode (Settings → Privacy & Security → Security).
• Add extensions like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger.

Tor Browser

• Download only from torproject.org.
• Use HTTPS versions of sites when possible.
• Avoid logging into accounts tied to your real identity if anonymity is the goal.
• Do not install extra extensions (they can weaken anonymity).

General browser privacy tips

• Keep your browser updated.
• Block or limit third-party cookies.
• Clear browsing history and cache regularly (or auto-clear on close).
• Use HTTPS whenever possible.
• Limit permissions like microphone, camera, or location unless truly needed.

iOS (iPhone / iPad)

• Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services: set most apps to “While Using” or “Never”.
• Settings → Safari: enable “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking”.
• Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising: turn off “Personalized Ads”.
• Keep iOS updated regularly.

Android

• Settings → Location: set apps to “Only while using” or revoke entirely.
• Settings → Privacy: turn off “Usage & diagnostics” where possible.
• Google settings → Ads: opt out of Ads Personalization.
• Use privacy-respecting apps from F-Droid when possible.

General mobile privacy tips

• Review app permissions every few months.
• Keep your operating system and apps updated.
• Turn off background activity for apps that don’t need it.
• Disable microphone, camera, or location access by default; allow case-by-case.

WhatsApp

• Settings → Privacy: Last Seen & Online → My Contacts (or Nobody).
• Turn off Read Receipts if you prefer more control.
• Enable Two-Step Verification.

Signal

• Settings → Privacy: enable “Always relay calls” for extra anonymity.
• Enable “Screen security” to block screenshots inside the app (where supported).

Telegram

• Settings → Privacy: Last Seen & Online → Nobody.
• Disable “People nearby”.
• Turn on auto-delete messages for private chats when appropriate.

Session Messenger

• No phone number required: your Session ID is your identity.
• End-to-end encrypted by default, routed through decentralized infrastructure.
• Enable disappearing messages for sensitive chats.
• Prefer Session over SMS for private conversations.

General messaging privacy tips

• Prefer end-to-end encrypted apps.
• Turn off read receipts if you want more control.
• Regularly clear old chats and backups.
• Use disappearing messages for sensitive conversations.
• Avoid SMS for anything private — it is not secure.

Facebook

• Settings → Privacy: “Who can see your friends list” → Only Me.
• Turn off face recognition (if available in your region).
• Disable location history and background location access.
• Review Off-Facebook Activity and clear it.

Instagram

• Switch to a private account.
• Turn off activity status (“Show when you’re active”).
• Disable location access at the device level.

Twitter / X

• Settings → Privacy & Safety: protect your posts.
• Turn off personalization based on inferred identity (where available).
• Disable location sharing in posts.

TikTok

• Settings → Privacy: disable “Suggest your account to others” if you want more privacy.
• Disable location services at the device level.
• Restrict third-party data sharing in privacy settings where possible.

Bluesky

• Adjust who can reply to your posts in settings.
• Limit discoverability if you do not want algorithmic promotion.
• Use moderation tools proactively (mute, block, filters).
• Review connected apps and revoke access you do not use.

General social media privacy tips

• Avoid posting real-time locations.
• Use different usernames across platforms when possible.
• Be cautious accepting random friend/follow requests.
• Regularly review connected apps and third-party logins.
• Limit visibility of birthdates, family details, and personal info.