Throughout the day, apps keep tabs on what we're doing with our devices and send that information to distant servers. We know this is happening, but there isn't a straightforward way to stop it. Fortunately, with the right apps, you can end much of this tracking.
1. Check the App's Play Store Description
Over the years, Google has done a better job of telling you whether an app shares data with third parties and what kind of information it collects. You can see whether app developers take steps to safeguard your information, such as encrypting information in transit or allowing you to delete your account.
You can find this information by visiting an app's Play Store page and scrolling down to the "Data safety" section. Google's data can help you gauge whether an app tracks, but it doesn't tell you how to stop it. So, if you want to actively stop an app from tracking you, you'll need to rely on third-party tools, which we'll discuss below.
2. Aurora Store
Aurora is an alternative way to access and download Play Store apps. With Aurora, you can download apps anonymously without creating a Google account. That's already a plus for privacy since no one gets a log of all the apps you have installed. But you can limit tracking further using the extra information it reveals about apps.
When you view an app's page within Aurora, there's a "Privacy" section that lists known trackers contained within the app. If you scroll further, you will also see a "Permission" section that lists the exact permissions that the app requests.
You can't block tracking using Aurora, but it can help you gauge which apps to avoid. And you learn which trackers need blocking using other means and what permissions to revoke.
Download:Aurora Store (Free)
3. NetGuard
Now that you're ready to take action into your own hands, it's time to download NetGuard. This is a firewall app that doesn't require you to root your device. With NetGuard, you can monitor all traffic flowing in and out of your device and turn off the tap.
By default, NetGuard lets you block traffic on the app level. This can be great for apps you can use offline but may be prone to leaking information about you, like sketchy image editing apps that provide useful features but secretly track you. But if you want to truly stop others from gleaning any insights into how you use your phone, NetGuard lets you block system-level services as well. This includes Google Play Services.
Blocking Google Play Services lets you de-Google your device, in a sense, without having to go through the hassle of installing a custom ROM. Just know that doing so can break some unexpected functionality, like the ability to receive push notifications from certain apps.
NetGuard can also get more granular, enabling you to block specific connections. This is handy if you wish to use an app but only want to stop its background tracking.
Download:NetGuard (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. DuckDuckGo Private Browser
NetGuard can get complex and intimidating. If you want to block third-party tracking without going so hands-on, check out DuckDuckGo's App Tracking Protection. You can turn this feature on and trust that it will protect you from a large amount of third-party tracking.
Using DuckDuckGo as your browser also blocks some of the tracking you encounter when browsing the web. It's not ironclad security, but this is the easiest step you can take to reduce tracking without funneling all of your traffic through a VPN.
Download:DuckDuckGo Private Browser (Free)
Stop App Tracking in Its Tracks
When reading about the sheer amount of online tracking we're subject to, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and shut down. But that doesn't necessarily mean we can't do anything about it.
While walking around with a SIM card always gives someone the ability to keep tabs on us, that doesn't mean we need to open the floodgates and grant hundreds of companies that ability. You have the power to stop them while still using your phone to do what you love.
