Hardening checklist

Already know the settings? Check off what's done on each device. Want the reasoning behind an item — why it matters, what it actually protects against — theguides cover that.

iPhone guide →

iPhone

0/8 done

Learn the power-off habit for moments of real risk Hold the side button + a volume button, then power all the way down
Turn on Advanced Data Protection Settings → your name → iCloud → Advanced Data Protection
Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track" Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
Turn off Apple's Personalized Ads Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising
Lock down Location Services app-by-app; turn off Significant Locations Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → System Services
Switch to a custom alphanumeric passcode; hide lock-screen previews Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Change Passcode → Passcode Options

If you're higher-risk (organizers, immigrants, journalists)

Know how to disable Face ID fast before a risk moment (power button, then Cancel)
Turn on Lockdown Mode if you have specific reason to be targeted Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode

Android guide →

Mac guide →

Mac

0/9 done

Turn on FileVault; save the recovery key somewhere physical System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault
Set a real passphrase (EFF rule of thumb: six random words)
Learn to Shut Down (not sleep, not close-the-lid) before any risk moment
Review Accessibility, Full Disk Access, Screen Recording, Input Monitoring grants System Settings → Privacy & Security
Turn off Analytics & Improvements and Personalized Ads System Settings → Privacy & Security
Use Firefox + uBlock Origin
Turn on the firewall (blocks incoming, not outgoing -- know the limit) System Settings → Network → Firewall
Turn on automatic updates, including Rapid Security Responses

If you're higher-risk (organizers, immigrants, journalists)

Turn on Lockdown Mode if you might be a spyware target Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode

Windows guide →