- Review your settings every few months, because apps change them.
- Limit who can see your posts, contact you and tag you.
- Switch on two-factor login and remove apps you no longer use.
The short answer
Social media apps share more about you than you may realise. Your name, photos, friends, location and interests are visible unless you change the settings. A short review of a few key controls greatly reduces the chance of unwanted contact, scams and identity theft.
Check these settings first
| Setting | What to do |
|---|---|
| Account visibility | Choose private or friends-only if you do not need a public profile |
| Who can message you | Limit to friends or followers |
| Who can tag you | Require your approval for tags |
| Location sharing | Turn off precise location unless needed |
| Profile information | Hide phone number, email and birthday |
| Active status | Hide “last seen” and online status if you prefer |
| Ad personalisation | Reduce how much data is used for ads |
Secure your login
- Create a strong, unique password. A password manager and two-factor login remembers it for you.
- Turn on two-factor authentication in the security settings.
- Look at the list of devices logged in and sign out any you do not recognise.
- Consider passkeys where the app offers them.
Review connected apps
Over time you may have allowed quizzes, games and third-party tools to access your account. Open the security or apps settings and remove anything you do not use. Each connection is another way for your data to leak.
Be careful with what you post
- Avoid sharing your home address, workplace routine or travel plans in real time.
- Think before posting documents, tickets or cards that show personal numbers.
- Remember that screenshots and shares can spread a post beyond your chosen audience.
- Ask friends before posting pictures of them.
For artists, creators and businesses
If you need a public account to promote your work, separate it from your personal profile. Use a business or creator account, keep personal details out of the bio and have a second person who can recover the account. Keep your personal account private, and choose carefully who you accept as friends.
Recognise scams and fake accounts
- Be cautious about friend requests from people you do not know.
- Do not click links in unexpected messages, even from a friend, because their account may be hacked.
- Never share one-time codes.
- Learn the signs in our guide to phishing emails and SMS scams and to deepfakes and AI voice scams.
App by app, in short
| App | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Settings and privacy, then Privacy Checkup | |
| Settings, then Privacy, and consider a private account | |
| Settings, then Privacy, and turn on two-step verification | |
| TikTok | Settings and privacy, then Privacy, and set a private account |
| X | Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety |
Menus change often, so if you cannot find a setting, search the settings screen or the app’s help centre.
Quick checklist
- Set the account to private if possible
- Limit messages and tags
- Turn off precise location
- Switch on two-factor login
- Remove unused connected apps
- Review settings every few months
Key points to remember
Privacy settings take ten minutes and protect you for months. Protect the phone too: see how to spot fake apps and malware, and keep your photos safe with a backup.
