【2017 Archives】

With iOS 14.5017 Archives Apple's latest update, you can stop apps from tracking you.

The new feature is called App Tracking Transparency (ATT), and it requires developers to ask for permission before tracking your data across other companies' apps and websites.

If you've ever been creeped out by a Facebook ad for a product you viewed on another app or web browser, then this feature is probably welcome.

If you had Limit Ad Tracking (LAT) turned off prior to the update, then the new feature should be enabled by default when you update to Apple's latest operating system. But if it's not, here's how to turn App Tracking Transparency on in a just a few steps.

1) Update to iOS/iPadOS 14.5

The feature works on both the iPhone and iPad. To make sure you're running the latest software on both, head to Settings > General > About.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

Make sure you're on the latest software. Credit: screenshot / apple Once it says iOS 14.5, you're good to go. Credit: Screenshot / apple

If it doesn't list your current software version as iOS 14.5, then go to Settings > General > Software Update and tapDownload.

2) Toggle on App Tracking Transparency

As I said before, if you had LAT turned off prior to updating, then ATT should be turned on automatically upon downloading the new update. If you had LAT turned onbefore iOS 14.5, then ATT is automatically disabled.

To toggle it on, go to Settings > Privacy > Trackingand make sure the feature is toggled on. 

The feature is available under the Tracking tab via Settings. Credit: screenshot / apple The feature should be turned on automatically. Credit: screenshot / apple

Now, whenever you download a new app, you'll receive a pop-up notification asking whether you give permission for the app to "track your activity across other companies' apps and websites."

When the app is enabled, you'll receive a pop-up notification after downloading an app. Credit: screenshot / apple

But if you don't want to be asked for permission and don't want anyapps to track your data, you can also turn the feature off completely. That way, each app will automatically know you've requested not to be tracked. You'll still be able to manually control which apps are allowed to track your data individually via Settings.

UPDATE: May 10, 2021, 5:21 p.m. EDT This article was updated to clarify when App Tracking Transparency is automatically enabled.

Related Video: 5 game-changing iPhone hacks for 2021

Topics iPad iPhone

• Deals
• Shopping
• Life
• Entertainment
• Science
• Digital Culture
• Social Good
• Tech

• Amazon Big Spring Sale 2025: Save $170 on Dyson Hot+Cool
• Kim Kardashian addresses her blackface controversy and promises she's realizing stuff
• The best way to remember proper mask hygiene? Treat it like your underwear.
• What it would take for a big box chain like Walmart to go package
• Best robot vacuum deal: Save $140 on roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum
• Marco Rubio's attempt to hug Ivanka Trump is peak awkward
• J.K. Rowling made a huge correction to this 'Daily Mail' headline
• Everything coming to Hulu in August 2020
• I'm a college professor. My advice to young people who feel hooked on tech
• Google's AI starts answering Verizon support calls

• 2020 laws that give us hope for the year ahead
• Everything we think Apple will release in 2020
• Trump wants to kill the energy program that helped make Tesla what it is today
• College students stage buzzer beater that's almost more thrilling than actual March Madness
• New Lyft and Uber rules to know for New Year's Day
• The 10 most anticipated TV shows of 2020
• Airbnb offers free emergency housing for people displaced by Australian bushfires
• Zoo sues advertising agency for using raccoon in 'erotic' video
• How to stick with your charitable New Year's resolutions
• The horniest moments of 2019

• Best Samsung deal: Save $60 on 64GB Samsung Galaxy Tab A9
• Coconut oil is not a magical health food after all
• Google Maps just made it way easier to rent a bike in 10 cities
• Coconut oil is not a magical health food after all
• Best IPL deal: Save $80 on Braun IPL Silk·Expert
• Study uncovers clever way to get people to eat their veggies
• The best way to remember proper mask hygiene? Treat it like your underwear.
• Finally, you can buy this giant Frankenstein of a sex toy
• Things AMD Needs to Fix
• How to teach sustainable habits to kids

• Best vacuum mop combo deal: Save $140 on the Tineco Floor One S5
• Moms in Portland form human shield to protect demonstrators
• Twitter shut down a Trump retweet thanks to Linkin Park
• Japan to use cancer
• 10 Tech Predictions for 2017
• Oh good, there's now a swimsuit with Donald Trump's face on it
• 'Ghost of Tsushima' is a triumph in video game storytelling: Review
• This dead hacker's account could be the key to the big Twitter hack
• SpaceX lands its first rocket on West Coast ground: Watch
• Rich guy Leo DiCaprio surrenders priceless art in wake of embezzlement scandal