08/23/2026
📱 DIGITAL SAFETY CHECKLIST: Protect Your Phone and Browser Privacy
Did you know that an abuser can track your activity through subtle phone settings, shared family plans, or browser history? If you are planning to leave or seeking support, keeping your digital footprint private is critical.
Here are key steps to audit your phone and internet safety today:
📍 1. Check Location Sharing & Map Apps
Find My / Google Location Sharing: Go to your phone's settings and verify who has access to your real-time location.
Social Media Maps: Turn off location features like Snap Map or Facebook Location Services, and avoid "checking in" to locations.
Bluetooth AirTags / Trackers: If you receive an "Unknown Accessory Detected" notification on your phone, do not ignore it.
🔒 2. Review App Permissions & Hidden Tracking
Check your installed apps list for anything unfamiliar or disguised (e.g., hidden calculator apps, monitoring tools).
Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and set location access to "Never" or "While Using App" for non-essential apps.
Watch for warning signs like unusual battery drain, sudden rapid data usage, or your phone running hot when idle.
🌐 3. Manage Browser History Safely
Use Private/Incognito Mode: Browsing in private mode stops your phone from saving search history, cookies, or temporary files.
Smart History Clearing: Wiping your entire browser history at once can sometimes trigger suspicion. If necessary, delete specific sensitive web pages from your history individually rather than clearing all data.
🔐 4. Secure Your Accounts
Update passwords for email, banking, and social media using strong, unique passphrases.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), but ensure verification codes are sent to a private email address or device an abuser cannot access.
⚠️ THE GOLDEN RULE OF DIGITAL SAFETY:
If you suspect your phone or computer is actively monitored with spyware, it is impossible to guarantee total privacy on that device. Whenever possible, use a safe device—such as a trusted friend's phone, a public library computer, or a secondary prepaid phone—to research resources, make safety plans, or contact a hotline.
💙 Need to talk to someone right now?
Reach out to local advocacy services or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788
