Your smartphone may look like an ordinary device for calling, messaging, watching videos and browsing the internet, but it quietly handles a huge amount of personal information every day. From your location and photos to contacts, microphone access, app activity and saved passwords, your phone contains data that can be extremely valuable.

The good news is that you don't need to be a technology expert to improve your privacy. A few simple settings can make your smartphone considerably safer.

Check which apps can access your location

Many apps request location permission even when they don't need your exact location to function.

Go to your phone's privacy settings and review which applications have access to your location. For apps that don't genuinely require it, consider selecting an option such as "Don't Allow" or "While Using the App."

You can also check whether an app has access to your precise location and turn that off where it isn't necessary.

Review microphone and camera permissions

Your camera and microphone are among the most sensitive features on a smartphone.

Open the privacy section of your phone and check which apps have permission to use them. A shopping, gaming or utility app may not need continuous access to your microphone or camera.

Remove permissions that don't serve a clear purpose.

Turn on two-factor authentication

A strong password is important, but it isn't always enough.

Two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to accounts such as email, social media and cloud storage. Even if someone manages to obtain your password, they may still be unable to access your account without the second verification step.

Where available, use an authenticator app or passkey rather than relying only on SMS.

Stop apps from accessing everything

Some applications ask for access to contacts, photos, files and other information during installation.

Don't automatically approve every request.

If an app only needs to select one photograph, for example, you may not need to give it access to your entire photo library. Modern smartphones increasingly offer more limited permission options, so use them whenever possible.

Keep your phone and apps updated

Software updates aren't just about new features or a redesigned interface.

Updates frequently contain security fixes that address vulnerabilities discovered in the operating system or individual applications.

Turn on automatic updates where practical and avoid continuing to use apps that are no longer supported by their developers.

Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, hotels and other public places can be convenient, but you shouldn't automatically assume that every network is trustworthy.

Avoid performing sensitive tasks such as online banking on unfamiliar networks unless you have an appropriate secure connection. Also turn off automatic connection to open Wi-Fi networks if your phone offers that option.

Don't ignore your lock screen

Your phone can contain years of personal conversations, photographs, financial information and documents.

Use a strong PIN or password along with biometric authentication. Also review what notifications are allowed to appear when the phone is locked.

If sensitive messages are displayed in full on the lock screen, someone who picks up your phone may be able to read them without unlocking it.

A five-minute privacy check can make a difference

You don't need to change dozens of settings to improve smartphone security. Start by checking location, camera and microphone permissions, enabling two-factor authentication, installing updates and strengthening your lock screen.