# How to Audit Hidden Carrier Features and Lock Down Smartphone Privacy *Technology · Tech Desk · Published 2026-11-11T15:11:50Z* Canonical: https://amk.news/article/how-to-audit-hidden-carrier-features-and-lock-down-smartphone-privacy > Uncover the quietly enabled carrier features and background tracking tools built into your iPhone or Android device. Follow this step-by-step guide to locate these hidden settings and restrict unauthorized data collection today. ## Key points - Trevor Nace published a popular video titled Your Android Phone Tracking You And Listening which has accumulated over 5.7 million views on the platform. - Mobile network operators bundle diagnostic tools within system software to log network performance, location data, and application usage metrics from user devices. - Mobile network operators can track physical positions using multilateration by calculating radio signal strength across multiple cell towers even without an active call. Your smartphone constantly communicates with nearby cell towers to maintain service, but your mobile network carrier and device operating system are often collecting far more than a basic network signal. As How-To Geek recently noted, hidden carrier features on Android serve as a critical privacy domain that few users ever think to audit, while PCMag highlights that your carrier is actively tracking your iPhone through quiet default settings. With millions of users seeking answers—a popular video titled "Your Android Phone Tracking You And Listening. TURN THIS OFF" has racked up over 5.7 million views—it is clear that native privacy controls are a major concern. Here is how to locate these hidden settings and lock down your data today. ## 1. Disable Carrier Metrics and Diagnostics Sharing Mobile network operators often bundle pre-installed software or diagnostic tools within your system software to log network performance, location data, and app usage metrics. While carriers frame this as network optimization, it frequently serves as background data harvesting. _Watch: Your Android Phone Tracking You And Listening. TURN THIS OFF — Trevor Nace_ - **On Android (paths may vary by version and manufacturer):** Open **Settings** > **Privacy** (or **Security & Privacy**) > **Usage & diagnostics**, and toggle the switch to **Off**. Additionally, check **Settings** > **Connections** > **More connection settings** for carrier-specific diagnostic services. - **On iOS:** Go to **Settings** > **Privacy & Security** > **Analytics & Improvements**, and toggle off **Share iPhone Analytics** as well as any carrier-specific reporting options. ## 2. Restrict Hidden Location Tracking and Cell Tower Multilateration Mobile network operators can track your physical position using multilateration—calculating radio signal strength across multiple cell towers even when you are not on an active call. While you cannot completely sever a cellular connection without cutting off service entirely, you can prevent apps and carrier profiles from tapping into precise location services without your consent. _Close-up of a woman holding a mobile phone. (51634339530) (Image: Wikimedia Commons)_ - **On Android:** Navigate to **Settings** > **Location** > **Location Services**. Turn off **Wi-Fi scanning** and **Bluetooth scanning** to prevent local background positioning. - **On iOS:** Navigate to **Settings** > **Privacy & Security** > **Location Services** > **System Services**. Disable non-essential toggles such as **Significant Locations** and **iPhone Analytics**. ## 3. Audit Microphone, Camera, and Ad Tracking Permissions If you suspect your phone is monitoring your conversations or activity for targeted advertising, your first stop should be your central permission manager and ad identifiers. - **Audit Microphone Permissions:** On both platforms, open **Settings** > **Privacy** > **Permission Manager** (Android) or **Microphone** (iOS). Strip microphone access from any app that does not strictly require voice input. - **Reset or Limit Advertising Identifiers:** On Android, go to **Settings** > **Privacy** > **Ads** and select **Delete advertising ID**. On iOS, go to **Settings** > **Privacy & Security** > **Apple Advertising** and toggle off **Personalized Ads**. ## 4. Use Secret Diagnostic Dial Codes to Inspect Network Status Both Android and iOS feature hidden dialer codes—sometimes called USSD or secret codes—that allow you to view underlying network connections, signal strength metrics, and call-forwarding configurations directly from your phone app. _Hypnotised by the smartphone (Vom Handy hypnotisiert) 07 (Image: Wikimedia Commons)_ - **Check Call Forwarding:** Open your phone dialer and enter *#61# or *#21# to verify whether your calls or messages are silently being redirected to an unknown number. - **Access Field Test Mode:** On iPhone, dialing *3001#12345#* opens Field Test Mode, revealing detailed cellular tower data and signal performance metrics that bypass standard consumer menus. ## Honest Limitations: What These Steps Cannot Change While auditing your carrier features and locking down operating system toggles significantly reduces telemetry and app tracking, it does not make you entirely invisible. By design, your phone must continuously transmit an idle signal to nearby antenna masts to maintain a connection for emergency calls and cellular data. If you require absolute location privacy, the only permanent solution is enabling Airplane Mode or powering the device down completely inside a signal-blocking enclosure. ## Who Benefits Most From This Audit? This audit is essential for anyone using a carrier-supplied smartphone, users running major updates like One UI or iOS who haven't reviewed permissions recently, and privacy-conscious users looking to minimize personal data sharing across cellular infrastructure. **Sources:** This report draws on coverage by PCMag, MakeUseOf, All About Cookies, Android Police, Yahoo Tech, Kurt the CyberGuy, ZDNET, Android Authority. The wording is our own. --- Source: AMK News (https://amk.news). Reuse requires attribution and a link to the canonical URL.