How to stop apps from tracking your data in iOS 14.5

With iOS 14.5, 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.

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 tap Download.

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 on before iOS 14.5, then ATT is automatically disabled.

To toggle it on, go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking and 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 any apps 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.

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