How to Turn Off Ad Tracking on an iPhone

I remember scrolling through my iPhone 12 when suddenly I noticed ads strangely tailored to a private convo I had just emailed. It felt like my phone was listening. That’s when I learned how pervasive tracker IDs like IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers) can be.

These little codes let companies follow your activity across apps, build ad profiles, and sometimes feel downright creepy. Fortunately, you don’t need fancy tools to fight back—iOS lets you disable ad tracking with just a few taps.

It stops apps from using your IDFA and shuts off Apple’s own ad personalization. Here's how to take control.

Steps to Disable Ad Tracking on iPhone

Step 1: Go to your iPhone Settings and select "Privacy & Security"

Step 2: Tap "Tracking"

Step 3: Toogle off the "Allow Apps to Request to Track" switch

Step 4: Following that, select "Ask Apps to Stop Tracking" from the prompt that appears. This will revoke past permissions given to apps to track your activity and stop apps from even asking for permission to track

Step 5: After doing that, go back to the "Privacy & Security" page, scroll down, then select "Apple Advertising"

Step 6: Now, toggle off the "Personalized Ads" switch. This stops Apple from using your data to tailor ads in the News or App Store

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Conclusion

Disabling ad tracking on your iPhone is one of the most effective ways to reclaim control over your digital life without sacrificing convenience. A few taps ensure apps can no longer build profiles based on your habits, and Apple’s own ad personalization is shut off too. And it’s more than just privacy—it’s peace of mind.

Try it today, and you'll probably notice the ads feel less intrusive, and your phone feels a little more like it’s listening only when you want it to.