How to Block Apple Ad Tracking on iPhone and iPad

Apr. 6, 2021

Apple stresses that its advertising platformdoesn’t track users, nor does it follow them across apps and websites. Moreover, the Cupertino tech giant also states that the Apple advertising platform doesn’t share personally identifiable user information with third parties. However, the company does use “Contextual Information” (more on this later) to serve personalized ads on your iOS device. So if you no longer want Apple to gather your personal information for targeted ads, let me show you how to block ad tracking on iPhone and iPad.

Before getting into the settings to block ad tracking, let’s first understand how it works, and more significantly, what sort of personal information does Apple collect to serve personalized ads to iPhone and iPad users.

The ads delivered by Apple’s advertising platform appear at three main places on your iOS device. This includes,

So, if you see personalized ads in these apps, you should know that Apple ad tracking is enabled on youriOSdevice.

Apple states that its advertising platformmay use Contextual Informationto serve ads. If you are wondering what all information the company has access to, then let me tell you that it includes your device information, device location, and search queries.

Note:Apple asserts thatyour precise location is not stored. Besides, it also mentions that profiles are not constructed from the device location information.

Apple says that its advertising platform creates segments that are groups of people that share similar characteristics. It uses information about you to determine your specific segment and delivers targeted ads accordingly.

Toprotect user privacy, Apple serves targeted ads only if more than 5000 people meet the targeting criteria.

2. Now, tap onScreen Time.

3. Next, tap onContent & Privacy Restrictions.

4. Make sure the switch forContent & Privacy Restrictionsis enabled.

5. Then, tap on‘Apple Advertising’under thePrivacysection.

6. Now, you may need toenter your screen time passcode. Finally, choose‘Don’t Allow’to block apple advertising.

Apple also allows you to disable targeted ads on your iOS/ iPadOS device. Bear in mind that turning off personalized ads will only limit Apple’s ability to deliver relevant ads to you. Furthermore, disabling personalized ads won’t reduce the number of ads you receive.

2. Now, tap onPrivacy.

3. Scroll down to the bottom and tap onApple Advertising.

4. Next, turn off the switch next toPersonalized Ads.

Stop Apple Advertising on Your iPhone or iPad with Ease

That’s pretty much it! Now that you know how Apple’s ad platform works, what all information it collects, and how to disable ad tracking on iOS, you should do the needful to safeguard your personal information. Even though Apple is quite reliable in terms of offering theneeded security and privacy to your data, you should go by your own instinct.

By the way, what do you have to say about Apple advertising and the sort of controls it offers to you? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.