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Ava Brooks's blog

Ava Brooks

18 Dec 2025

How to Disable App Tracking on iPhone? An eSIMCard Privacy Guide for Travellers

To disable app tracking, open iPhone Settings, go to Privacy & Security, tap Tracking, and switch off Allow Apps to Request to Track. Once this is off, apps can’t ask to track your activity across other apps or websites. Your apps still work as normal.

Privacy is the biggest concern for many mobile phone users. People buy an iPhone for its privacy-focused security parameters. But sometimes when you open an app, you see a message asking to track your activity. Most iPhone users tap a button and move on. Few stop to think about what it really means.

App tracking affects how ads follow you, how apps share data, and how your phone behaves when you switch networks or travel. Turning tracking off won’t halt your apps. It just gives you more control over what gets shared in the background.

The blog will guide you through the procedure of how to disable app tracking on iPhone and how you can get full privacy control.

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Why iPhones Ask About App Tracking

The tracking pop-up usually appears after installing an app or updating iOS. It isn’t a warning, and it doesn’t mean something is wrong with your phone.

Apple added this feature to give users a choice. Before that, apps could track activity quietly. Now, they have to ask. When you will notice App tracking notices:

That’s normal. Different networks and regions trigger fresh app behavior.

What “App Tracking” Actually Means on an iPhone

App tracking isn’t about what you do inside one app. It’s about what happens outside it. When an app asks to track you, it wants to link your activity across other apps and websites. This helps build a profile based on what you browse, watch, or buy.

When tracking is turned off:

Your phone still collects basic data. What changes is how much of it gets shared beyond the app you’re using.

Why Apps Want to Track You

Most apps ask to track you for ads. That’s the honest reason. Since everyone wants to earn money, app tracking helps companies:

Some of this data also moves through ad networks and data brokers. You don’t see that part, but it happens in the background.

If you travel often, this matters more. Switching countries, networks, or SIM profiles creates more chances for apps to collect and connect data. Turning off tracking keeps that footprint smaller, especially when you’re using mobile data or an eSIM connection.

How to Disable App Tracking on iPhone (Step by Step)

If your goal is to stop apps from following your activity, Apple makes it simple. You just need to know where to look. Follow these steps on your iPhone:

1. Open Settings

2. Tap Privacy & Security

3. Select Tracking

4. Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track

Once you switch this off, apps lose permission to track your activity across other apps and websites. You won’t see tracking pop-ups again, even when installing new apps.

This setting controls cross-app tracking only. It does not block app features, calls, or mobile data. Your phone continues working normally, whether you’re on Wi-Fi or using an eSIMCard data plan while travelling.

What Happens After You Turn Off App Tracking

The understanding here is that, when you turn off app tracking, your app may not function well or stop working. That’s not how it works, and Apple is clear about this. After you disable tracking:

Apps can still collect data inside their own environment. That includes actions you take while logged in. What changes is how data is shared outside the app.

For travellers, this matters. When you move between countries or networks, fewer tracking links are rebuilt in the background. Combined with an eSIMCard mobile connection, this helps reduce unnecessary data profiling while abroad.

How to Control Tracking for Individual Apps

Even if you've turned off tracking everywhere, you might notice some apps still showing below the toggle. This can be confusing at first, so here’s a simple explanation of why it happens:

You can manage this manually by: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking.

You’ll see a list of apps that previously had permission to track. Turning them off removes their ability to request tracking in the future.

If the list looks shorter over time, that’s normal. As apps update, fewer will appear. Apple’s system gradually cleans up older approvals.

What iPhone App Tracking Controls Do NOT Stop

Turning off app tracking is a strong privacy step, but it doesn’t block everything. Apple never claims it does, and this is where many blogs mislead users.

App Tracking Transparency does not stop:

Apps can still use first-party data to improve services or measure performance. What they can’t do is follow you across other apps and websites without consent.

This distinction matters. When you understand it, expectations stay realistic. You protect your privacy without assuming your phone is suddenly invisible online.

Extra Privacy Steps Most iPhone Users Skip

If you want stronger privacy, app tracking is only the starting point. A few extra settings make a real difference, especially when you travel.

The following are the simple steps many people overlook:

None of these settings affects calling, data speed, or app performance. They simply reduce background data sharing.

For users relying on mobile data abroad, these steps also help control unwanted data use. Less background activity means better stability when using an eSIMCard connection in new regions.

Why Travellers Should Disable App Tracking Before a Trip

Travel changes how your phone behaves. New networks, new apps, and unfamiliar Wi-Fi connections all increase tracking exposure.

Disabling app tracking before travelling helps:

When paired with an eSIMCard data plan, this setup is cleaner and safer. Your mobile connection stays separate from local SIM networks, and fewer tracking links are rebuilt while you move between countries.

For travellers, privacy is not about fear. It’s about control. A few small settings keep your phone working the way you expect, no matter where you land.

How Using an eSIMCard Helps Reduce Tracking While Travelling

When you travel, your mobile connection matters more than you think. Traditional SIM cards often tie your activity to local carrier systems, which can increase tracking across regions.

Using an eSIMCard changes that experience. Because your data connection is managed digitally, it creates a cleaner mobile network identity when you move between countries.

This helps in a few simple ways:

An eSIMCard plan keeps your mobile data consistent across borders. When combined with app tracking controls, it gives travellers more control over how apps behave and how data flows in the background.

Common Myths About App Tracking on iPhone

There’s a lot of confusion around app tracking, and much of it comes from oversimplified advice online. Let’s clear up the most common myths.

“Turning off tracking blocks all data collection.”

Not true. It limits cross-app tracking, but apps still collect basic usage data inside their own environment.

“App tracking is the same as hacking.”

It isn’t. Tracking is mostly about advertising and analytics, not security breaches.

“Apps stop working if tracking is off.”

Apps continue to function normally. You may see fewer targeted ads, but features remain intact.

“Only social media apps track you.”

Many everyday apps request tracking permission, including shopping, travel, and utility apps.

Understanding these points helps you make better choices without fear. App tracking controls are tools, not magic switches. If used correctly, they improve privacy without disrupting your daily mobile use.

FAQs

Does turning off app tracking affect mobile data or eSIM performance?

No. Disabling app tracking does not change your mobile data speed, signal strength, or eSIMCard performance. It only limits how apps share data across other apps and websites.

Should I disable app tracking before travelling internationally?

Yes. Turning off app tracking before travel helps reduce cross-region data profiling, repeated tracking prompts, and unnecessary background data use when switching networks or using an eSIM.

Can apps still collect data after app tracking is turned off?

Yes. Apps can still collect data inside their own platform, such as searches or purchases. What’s blocked is cross-app and cross-website tracking without your consent.

Is app tracking disabled automatically when using an eSIMCard?

No. App tracking is controlled by iOS settings, not the SIM type. However, using an eSIMCard with tracking disabled gives travellers better control over app behavior across networks.

4.9

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Based on 500,000+ customer reviews

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Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted us

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With eSIM Card, you can save 100% on roaming fees

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