Have you ever talked to a friend about buying “Red Shoes,” and ten minutes later, you open Instagram or Chrome and see an ad for Red Shoes?
It feels like magic, or maybe a coincidence. But as a Cyber Security Expert at GadgetGyani, I can tell you: It is not magic. It is tracking.
Your Android phone is a powerful tool, but out of the box, it grants permissions to companies that you never agreed to. It tracks where you go, what you search for, and sometimes, even what you say.
Give me 2 minutes, and I will help you lock down your digital life. Here are the 5 Dangerous Settings you need to turn OFF right now.
The 5 Settings You Must Disable
1. Google Location History (The Stalker)
Did you know Google Maps tracks your movement even when you aren’t using the app? It creates a timeline of every restaurant, shop, and house you visited in the last year. If your phone gets hacked, this data is dangerous.
- The Fix: Pause it or set it to Auto-Delete.
- Path: Settings > Location > Location Services > Google Location History.
- Action: Switch it to OFF or select “Auto-delete activity older than 3 months”.
2. Personalized Ads (The “Spy” Ad ID)
Your phone has a unique “Advertising ID” that builds a profile of youโyour age, interests, and secretsโto show you targeted ads.
- The Fix: Delete your Ad ID.
- Path: Settings > Google > Ads.
- Action: Tap “Delete advertising ID” or “Reset advertising ID”. Now, advertisers can’t track your profile as easily.
3. Nearby Device Scanning (The Battery Drainer)
Why is your phone constantly searching for other devices? Even if Bluetooth is off, your phone keeps scanning for printers and other gadgets nearby. This is a privacy risk and a huge battery killer.
- The Fix: Stop the background search.
- Path: Settings > Connections > More Connection Settings > Nearby Device Scanning.
- Action: Turn it OFF.
4. Usage & Diagnostics (Sending Data for Free)
By default, your phone sends “diagnostic data” to Google and the phone manufacturer (Samsung/Xiaomi/OnePlus) to “improve services.” In reality, this eats up your data plan and battery while sharing details about your app usage.
- The Fix: Stop being a free tester.
- Path: Settings > Google > three dots (top right) > Usage & diagnostics.
- Action: Turn it OFF.
5. Install Unknown Apps (Crucial Security Risk)
This is the #1 way phones get infected with malware in India. If this is allowed for apps like Chrome or WhatsApp, a wrong click on a “Download” button can install a virus without asking you.
- The Fix: Block unauthorized installations.
- Path: Settings > Apps > Special App Access > Install unknown apps.
- Action: Ensure Chrome, WhatsApp, and Telegram are set to “Not Allowed”. Only enable it temporarily when you actually need to install an APK.
Bonus Tip: The ‘Green Dot’ Indicator
In Android 12, 13, 14, and 15, you might see a small Green Dot appear in the top right corner of your screen.
- What it means: An app is actively using your Camera or Microphone.
- The Warning: If you see this green dot while you are just browsing the home screen or reading a PDF, someone is spying on you. Immediately check which app is using it in the Notification shade and uninstall it.
Pro Tip: Security Meets Performance
Turning off background scanning doesn’t just protect privacy; it also boosts battery life. Check our guide on 7 Battery Saving Tips You Didn’t Know.
Want to secure your private chats from prying eyes? Read our guide on 10 Hidden WhatsApp Tricks to use the new Chat Lock feature.
Conclusion
Privacy is a right, not a luxury. These companies make money from your data, but you have the power to stop them. Take control of your device today.
Go to your settings now. Did you find “Location History” turned ON? Tell us in the comments below!
