this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2026
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Privacy
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You have many options:
First things first, disable biometrics and turn on lockdown.
Turn on automatic updates and stay up to date. The 26.3 update had significant security fixes in it!
Install your privacy respecting VPNs app and mdm shim. Use their dns (especially if it has an adblocker (mulvad)).
Figure out how to keep a backup code on paper and use that to turn on advanced data protection (adp). This will allow you to have e2ee with no backdoor on your iCloud stuff.
Go to settings > privacy and security and do a security checkup. It’ll walk you through which apps have access to what and when.
Don’t install extra shit. There’s good sandboxing in iOS but every app is another tracking vector.
Turn off location services unless you need it.
Turn off siri, also in Face ID and passcode scroll to the bottom and turn off access control center when locked (or just remove the airplane mode control). That keeps someone from turning on airplane mode and defeating stolen device protection when they snatch your phone.
Settings > privacy > all the way at the bottom: wired devices allow when unlocked
There’s probably more I’ll remember later. It’s easier if I know what you’re trying to get privacy from. Big difference between 4th amendment stuff and the advertisers you unknowingly invite into your home.
What's the reasoning behind disabling biometrics?
In the US at least, the law allows state actors to compel you to unlock your phone or computer using biometrics. They cannot demand the same with a password or PIN.
True, but it's also possible to lock your phone (or switch it off) so it needs a passphrase again. Using biometrics also means you're entering your password less and so have less chance of being snooped on in public for example. And using face/touch ID makes it easier to have a longer/more secure password since you don't need to enter it as often. There's pros and cons to each but I choose to use biometrics
I fully agree with you. I use biometrics but if I’m in a situation where I think I might be pressured to unlock my phone for direct state surveillance, I.e. security or customs at the airport, I’ll just restart my phone then so it prompts for a password. Whatever suits your threat model
The other person is right!
In America:
It’s legal for the cops to hold your phone in front of your face or physically press your thumb on the fingerprint reader, they don’t even need a warrant.
Not even a judge can compel you to enter your pin.
Everywhere else:
Even if it’s legal for them to order you to enter your pin you have the option of lying and taking the punishment for that rather than give up your secrets.
Additional info on lockdown mode
If you’ve identified in your threat model that your phone could fall into the wrong hands, and someone might try to hack into it, using lockdown could save the day. Very least, the hackers are not going to have an easy day.