When buying a new iPhone, it's only natural to have the desire to start using it immediately. On the other hand, the settings on your iPhone may not be set up for maximum privacy, battery life, or user-friendliness.
It's possible for certain settings to inadvertently expose your hobbies and preferences to others. Allow me to provide you with a straightforward guide on ten settings that are recommended to be disabled upon purchasing an iPhone. Doing so will help you safeguard your privacy and enhance your overall user experience.
1. Automatic App Updates

The “App Updates” feature is incredibly user-friendly, making it a breeze to keep your installed apps up to date with the latest versions.
On the other hand, it can also cause disruptions. If an app updates while you are using it, it might temporarily become unusable.
In some cases, updates can alter the interface or functionality of an app in ways that may not be to your liking. It's worth noting that automatic updates can use up a significant amount of data if they happen while you're not connected to Wi-Fi.
If you want to have greater control over your app updates, you can easily turn off this feature. Simply open the iPhone settings, tap on “App Store,” and disable the “App Updates” switch.
2. Background App Refresh

Apps can update their content in the background, even when you're not using them. Understanding this feature's benefits, like receiving timely notifications such as emails or weather updates, is important.
However, it's worth noting that it can have an impact on your battery life and data usage. If you're worried about battery life or data usage, it's best to disable this feature.
To accomplish this, navigate to the iPhone settings, locate the “General” section, access the “Background App Refresh” option, and either turn it off entirely or selectively disable it for certain apps.
3. “Ask to Join Networks” for Wi-Fi

Your iPhone can alert you and ask if you'd like to connect to Wi-Fi networks when you're in an area with available options. Knowing this can be helpful, but it can also be frustrating and potentially risky if you connect to unsecured networks.
To avoid your device from constantly trying to connect to free Wi-Fi networks, simply disable the “Ask to Join Networks” setting. It's a breeze to do this on your iPhone. Just head to your settings, find the “Wi-Fi” option, disable the “Ask to Join Networks” feature, and you're all set.
4. Easy Access

The “Easy Access” feature is specifically designed to enhance the usability of your iPhone by conveniently lowering the top of the screen, allowing for effortless one-handed operation.
However, it can be activated unintentionally, leading to frustration. If you discover that this feature is unnecessary, particularly on smaller models such as the iPhone SE, you have the option to disable it.
Here's a simple way to do it: just open the settings on your iPhone, go to “Accessibility,” choose “Touch,” and disable the “Reachability” switch.
5. Erase Data

The “Erase Data” feature is designed to ensure the security of your personal information. It will erase all data on your iPhone if the wrong passcode is entered ten times.
Although this offers a strong level of security, it can also result in unintentional data loss.
If you're looking for a solution, you can disable the feature by accessing the iPhone settings, selecting “Face ID & Passcode” (or “Touch ID & Passcode”), entering your passcode, scrolling down, and deactivating “Erase Data.”
6. Siri Suggestions

Siri Suggestions can be helpful, but they may inadvertently expose your habits and preferences to anyone who catches a glimpse of your lock screen or widget screen.
If you want to keep your privacy intact, you have the option to disable Siri Suggestions. To accomplish this, access the iPhone settings, locate “Siri & Search,” and disable the options for “Suggestions in Search,” “Suggestions in Look Up,” and “Suggestions on Lock Screen.”
7. In-App Ratings and Reviews

Pop-ups asking for ratings and reviews can be bothersome, especially when you're in the middle of playing a game or using an app.
To prevent these interruptions, you can easily disable the feature by accessing the iPhone settings, choosing “App Store,” and deactivating “In-App Ratings & Reviews.”
8. Location Services (GPS)

Knowing how Location Services function is essential when using apps like maps and location sharing. However, you need to be aware that they can have an impact on your battery life and potentially compromise your privacy.
If you don't use GPS often, you might want to consider disabling this feature. Keep in mind that if you disable Location Services, you won't be able to use the Find My feature to locate your iPhone in case it goes missing.
To disable Location Services, navigate to the settings on your iPhone. From there, access the “Privacy & Security” section and choose “Location Services.” Finally, toggle the switch to turn off “Location Services.”
9. Personalized Ads
Personalized ads are generated from your browsing history and app usage, which some may find intrusive.
In addition, transmitting this data to servers can drain your device's battery and use up your data.
If you want to avoid having your browsing history used for ad targeting, simply disable personalized ads. To accomplish this, access the iPhone settings, choose “Privacy & Security,” tap on “Apple Advertising,” and disable “Personalized Ads.
Bottom line: A lot of individuals tend to stick with the default settings on their iPhones, but these settings may not be optimal when it comes to privacy, battery life, or convenience. Reviewing and adjusting your iPhone settings can greatly enhance your experience and ensure your device functions according to your preferences.