Tech Is that iPhone app spying? Apples App Privacy Report reveals all Learn how to use this tool to monitor app behavior, protect your personal information Published March 10, 2025 10:00am EDT close 'CyberGuy': Is that iPhone app spying? What Apple's App Privacy Report can tell you Tech expert Kurt Knutsson urges you to use Apples App Privacy Report to see what your apps are really up to. Apple's App Privacy Report is a powerful tool that allows iPhone users to monitor how apps access their data and interact with third-party services. This feature provides valuable insights into app behavior, helping users make informed decisions about their privacy. Here's what you need to know about using the App Privacy Report to protect your personal information. App Privacy Report on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to access the App Privacy ReportTo access and enable the App Privacy Report on your iPhone (were running iOS 18.3.1), follow these steps:Open theSettings app on your iPhoneScroll down and tap onPrivacy & SecurityScroll to the bottom and tap onApp Privacy ReportTapTurn on App Privacy Report if it's not already enabled Steps to access the App Privacy Report (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Once activated, the report will collect data for seven days, providing a comprehensive overview of app activities.Understanding the App Privacy ReportThe App Privacy Report is divided into four main sections.1) Data and sensor accessThis section shows which apps have accessed sensitive data such as your location, contacts, photos, camera and microphone. Pay attention to apps that access data when not in use, as this might indicate suspicious behavior. Data and sensor access (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)2) App network activityHere, you can see the network traffic generated by apps and the connections they establish with external domains. This information helps identify if and how your data is being shared with third parties. App network activity (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)3) Website network activityThis section provides insights into the network activity of websites you visit within apps. Website network activity (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)4) Most-contacted domainsThis part of the report shows which external domains and websites your apps interact with most frequently. It's particularly useful for understanding where your data might be sent after leaving an app. Most-contacted domains (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Taking action based on the reportAfter reviewing the App Privacy Report, you can take several steps to protect your privacy:Revoke unnecessary permissions for apps that access data they don't needDisable tracking for apps that engage in excessive data sharingUninstall apps that violate your privacy preferencesTo limit ad tracking:Go to SettingsTapPrivacy & SecurityClickApple AdvertisingTurn offPersonalized Ads to prevent Apple from using your data for targeted advertising Steps to turn off personalized ads (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Take your privacy protection even furtherApples App Privacy Report is a great starting point, but it doesnt stop apps, websites and data brokers from tracking you. For full protection, consider using trusted security tools:1) Install strong antivirus softwareCybercriminals use malware, phishing emails and ransomware scams to steal personal data. A reliable antivirus program can:Detect and block malicious software before it can harm your deviceAlert you to phishing scams designed to steal your personal informationProtect all your devices, including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, from online threatsGet my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2) Remove your personal data from the webYour private information is constantly collected and sold by data brokers, making you a target for scammers and identity theft. A personal data removal service can:Scan and remove your information from hundreds of online databasesReduce spam, scam calls and phishing attemptsContinuously monitor and automate data removal over timeWhile no service can remove all of your data from the internet, ongoing monitoring helps keep your information out of the hands of data brokers.Find my top data removal services here.Kurts key takeawaysThe App Privacy Report is a valuable tool for iPhone users concerned about their digital privacy. By regularly reviewing this report, you can gain a clearer understanding of how apps handle your personal data and take appropriate actions to protect your privacy. While not all network connections indicate malicious intent, being informed allows you to make conscious decisions about the apps you use and the permissions you grant.After reviewing your App Privacy Report, were there any app behaviors that surprised or concerned you?Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.