How to stop apps from tracking your data in iOS 14.5

With iOS 14.5, Apple’s latest update, you can stop apps from tracking you.

The new feature is called App Tracking Transparency, and it requires developers to ask for permission before tracking your data across other companies’ apps and websites. 

If you’ve ever been creeped out by a Facebook ad for a product you viewed on another app or web browser, then this feature is probably welcome.  

It should be enabled by default when you update to Apple’s latest operating system. But if it’s not, here’s how to turn App Tracking Transparency on in a just a few steps.

1) Update to iOS/iPadOS 14.5

The feature works on both the iPhone and iPad. To make sure you’re running the latest software on both, head to Settings > General > About. 

If it doesn’t list your current software version as iOS 14.5, then go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download. 

2) Make sure App Tracking Transparency is enabled 

As I said before, the feature should be turned on automatically upon downloading the new update. Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking and make sure the feature is toggled on. 

Now, whenever you download a new app, you’ll receive a pop-up notification asking whether you give permission for the app to “track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites.”

Image: screenshot / apple

But you can also turn the feature off completely, and manually control which apps are allowed to track your data individually via Settings. 

WATCH: 5 game-changing iPhone hacks for 2021