Can I still use an app after turning off tracking?

Usually, yes. An app should not restrict its main features because you refused tracking, although the ads you see may be less personalized.

Does turning off app tracking stop all ads?

No. This setting limits tracking across apps and websites owned by other companies, but apps may still show ads.

Can I turn off tracking for only one app?

Yes. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, then turn off the switch next to that app.

Why do I not see an app in the Tracking list?

Only apps that have requested tracking permission appear in the list. An empty list may mean that no app has asked yet or that you have disabled all tracking requests.

How to Turn Off App Tracking on iPhone: A Beginner's Guide

Quick Answer

To stop every app from asking for tracking permission, open:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking

Then turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track.

If you only want to block a specific app, leave the main switch on and turn off the switch next to that app’s name.

💡小技巧

When an app first asks, “Allow [App] to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites?”, you can also tap “Ask App Not to Track.”

What is app tracking?

Some apps want to connect your activity across apps or websites owned by different companies. For example, this information may be used to show advertising based on products you viewed elsewhere. Your iPhone displays a permission message first so that you can decide whether to allow it.

If you recently switched from Android, think of this as a privacy control for whether activity across different companies’ apps and websites can be linked. Refusing tracking usually does not stop you from using the app, and it does not remove every ad from the app.

Method 1: Turn off tracking requests for every app

If you do not want to answer the same question whenever you install a new app, turning off the main switch is the simplest option.

Step 1: Open Settings

Find the gray gear-shaped Settings app on your iPhone Home Screen and tap it.

Step 2: Open Privacy & Security

Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security.

Step 3: Tap Tracking

Tap Tracking. This screen contains the main switch and a list of apps that have requested tracking permission.

Step 4: Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track

Tap the switch next to Allow Apps to Request to Track so that it changes from green to gray.

After you turn it off, new apps cannot display a tracking permission request. iOS treats the request as though you selected Ask App Not to Track.

✅建議

When the switch is gray, you are done. You do not need to restart your iPhone.

Method 2: Turn off tracking for one app

If you are comfortable allowing some apps to track but want to block a shopping, game, or social app, you can manage each app separately.

Open Settings.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Tap Tracking.
Keep Allow Apps to Request to Track turned on.
Find the app in the list and turn off the switch beside it.

If you change your mind later, return to the same screen to change an individual app’s permission.

Which option should I choose when an app asks?

When an app displays the tracking permission message, you will usually see two options:

Ask App Not to Track: Do not allow that app to track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites.
Allow: Give the app permission for this kind of tracking.

If you are unsure, Ask App Not to Track is a reasonable starting point for a privacy-conscious beginner. You can change the setting later if needed.

⚠️注意

Tracking permission is separate from Location, Photos, Camera, and Microphone permissions. Turning off tracking does not turn off those permissions; manage each one separately under Privacy & Security.

What changes after tracking is turned off?

You may still see ads after turning off app tracking, but they may be less relevant to your interests. An app may also continue using information it collects within its own service, such as keeping items in your shopping cart or remembering preferences inside the app.

This control mainly limits tracking across other companies’ apps and websites. It is not a button for deleting your account, browsing history, or all app data.

If you are setting up a new iPhone, continue with our first iPhone settings guide to finish other useful basics.

Summary

Turning off iPhone app tracking requests takes four steps:

Open Settings
Open Privacy & Security
Tap Tracking
Turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track

Turn off the main switch for the simplest all-at-once option, or manage the apps in the list individually if you want more control. This setting does not remove apps or eliminate every ad, but it gives you more control over tracking across apps and websites.