Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
ZDNET Highlights
- iOS lets you block tracking across apps and websites in just a few taps.
- Turning off tracking stops targeted ads without breaking apps.
- App tracking transparency puts you in control of your data.
When you open an iPhone app, you’ve probably seen a pop-up asking for permission to track you. I always wonder who taps on Permissions, because if you care about privacy even a little bit, app tracking is one of the first iOS settings you should turn off.
Almost every app wants to know what you do on other apps and sites, so it can sell that data to advertisers. This type of tracking may be legal and common, but you don’t have to accept it. Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature puts you in control by blocking access to your advertising identifier and preventing companies from linking your activity.
Also: Is iOS 26 a flop? Why are so many people fixated on iOS 18 in 2026?
In short, it gives you the final decision. But besides the pop-up I mentioned above, there are other faster ways to turn off app tracking on your iPhone for new apps, all apps, and apps you’ve already downloaded.
Let’s be honest: Every day, we are targeted by companies trying to sell us more stuff. So why not use a simple feature to block it on your iPhone? Of course, you’ll still see ads, but they’ll be general rather than extremely specific.
How to stop apps from tracking you on iPhone
what you’ll need: All you need is an iPhone, and for this guide, I’m running iOS 26.2. App tracking transparency has been in existence since 2021 when it came with the release of iOS 14.5, so any new iPhone can follow the steps below.
When a newly installed app wants to track you, Apple needs to ask for permission to track your activity on other apps and websites, including sharing data with advertisers or data brokers. You’ll see this as a prompt when you first open the app. Don’t tap “Allow” to dismiss it immediately.
How to block tracking on newly installed iPhone apps:
- Download an app from the App Store.
- Open the app for the first time.
- When the tracking prompt appears, tap Ask app not to track.
- Continue using the app as normal.
Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why it drastically improves performance)
Once you tap Ask an app not to track, the app is denied access to your advertising identifier and can no longer track you. The app will still work, and you’ll still see ads, but they won’t be targeted to your activity.
show more
If you never want to see the tracking prompt again, Apple lets you turn off tracking requests system-wide in iOS. This is the fastest way to turn everything off in one step. When the setting is off, apps are automatically told that you don’t allow tracking, so they don’t even get a chance to ask you. Excellent.
How to Disable App Tracking for All iPhone Apps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap Tracking.
- Toggle off Allow apps to request tracking.
- Select Ask apps to stop tracking.
Also: 8 ways to get more iPhone storage today — and most are free
Once turned off, any new apps that try to request tracking permission will be automatically denied and prevented from prompting you. Apps that you previously gave permission to track you will also have their tracking permissions revoked.
show more
If you didn’t turn off tracking requests for all apps in step two above, that’s fine. You can still manually review and change tracking permissions for previously downloaded apps at any time. Apple maintains a complete list of apps that have requested tracking in the past, along with their current permission status.
How to manage tracking on a per-app basis:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap Tracking.
- Review the list of apps.
- Toggle off any apps you don’t want to be tracked.
Also: Best Ad Blockers of 2026: Clean Up Your Browsing Experience
The changes should take effect immediately, but you can always restart your iPhone to make sure.
show more
What is Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature?
Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature forces apps to ask you before they track you on other apps and websites.
Also: Best Secure Browser for Privacy in 2026: Expert Tested
When you say no to app tracking, you cut off access to your advertising identifiers, which advertisers and data brokers use to link your activity, build profiles about you, and trade that data for targeted ads. Apps can still collect information you want to share with them, but they can no longer follow you across apps or turn that behavior into a big advertising profile.
If I stop tracking will I still see ads?
Yes. Ads will not disappear completely on your iPhone. If you completely disable tracking on all your apps, they will stop being personalized or targeted to you.
Does blocking app tracking also stop location tracking?
No, location tracking is controlled separately in iOS under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
show more
