Can't Find Privacy in iPhone Settings? Look Here
It is still there, under a new name. Since iOS 16, the menu is called Privacy & Security: open Settings and scroll down to it. On iOS 15 and earlier it was just Privacy.
Old instructions that say "Settings → Privacy" now mean "Settings → Privacy & Security".
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What do I need to know?
- The name changed in iOS 16. Apple's iOS 15 guide says Settings → Privacy. From iOS 16 it says Settings → Privacy & Security.
- The settings inside are mostly where they were. Photos, Location Services and the rest are one tap in.
- It controls apps, not people. It decides what apps can read. It does not hide anything from someone holding your phone.
Where is Privacy & Security on iOS 27?
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down past the first groups of settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap a category, such as Photos, Contacts or Calendars, to see which apps asked for access.
These steps follow Apple's iPhone User Guide for iOS 27. Compare Apple's iOS 15 version, which still says Privacy.
I still can't see it. What now?
Check which iOS you have. Apple's steps: go to Settings → General → About, and read iOS Version (Apple).
- iOS 16 or later: look for Privacy & Security. It is further down the list than most people expect.
- iOS 15 or earlier: look for Privacy. Everything in this guide sits there instead.
Where did each Privacy setting go?
All of these are now under Settings → Privacy & Security on iOS 27:
- Location Services. Apple: "Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services." Camera is listed here too.
- Photos, Contacts, Calendars and other app data. Apple: "Tap a category of information" to see the apps that asked for it.
- App Privacy Report. Apple says it shows how apps use the permissions you granted and their network activity.
- Safety Check. Apple: "Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check." It reviews who you share with.
Sources: Apple's guides to Location Services and Safety Check.
Which settings should I check while I'm here?
Start with Photos and Location Services. Most apps ask for one of them, and few need full access.
Our privacy settings checklist for iOS 27 goes through the rest in order. For photo access levels, see Limited Photos Access.
What this doesn't protect against
Privacy & Security controls apps, not people. Anyone who knows your passcode can open Photos and see every picture, whatever these switches say. They can also change the switches back.
Do it with Cryptile
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