Let's face it: Social media can feel like a minefield. Between oversharing personal details, friend requests from strangers and sneaky scams sliding into your DMs, it's easy to put yourself at risk without realizing it. But staying safe online doesn't have to be complicated. With a few smart settings and habits, you can enjoy social media without giving away more than you mean to.
Settings and menus on social media platforms can change over time and may vary by device (iOS vs. Android vs. Web) or region. The steps below were accurate at the time of publishing, but you may see slightly different wording or paths depending on updates, app version or mobile device manufacturer.
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HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PERSONAL INFO FROM PEOPLE-SEARCH SITES
Many apps automatically tag your posts with your location. That can let strangers know your routines or even your home address.
On iPhone
On Android
(Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.)
Note: Some apps may still have permission for "While using the app" or "Only this time." So, you should check each app individually, especially camera and social-media apps, for location permissions.
Pro tip: Even turning off location for just your camera app helps keep photos from carrying hidden location data.
META TO ALLOW TEENS' PARENTS TO DISABLE PRIVATE CHATS WITH AI AFTER BACKLASH OVER FLIRTY CHATBOTS
A private account means only people you approve can see your posts and photos. Think of it like putting a lock on your front door.
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
X (formerly Twitter)
Snapchat
YouTube
Note: Entire channels cannot be made private, only individual videos.
LinkedIn
Fake profiles are everywhere. Scammers may pose as friends, celebrities or even customer service reps. Reporting them helps keep you (and others) safe.
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
X (formerly Twitter)
YouTube
Snapchat
LinkedIn
Pro tip: Don't just block. Report alerts to the platform so they can remove the account for everyone.
Even if someone steals your password, 2FA makes it harder for them to break in. It adds an extra step, like a code texted to your phone.
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
X (formerly Twitter)
Note: Text message (SMS) verification on X may only be available for paid (Premium) users or in certain regions. If SMS isn't available, you can still use an authentication app or a physical security key for two-factor authentication.
Pro tip: Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of text messages for stronger protection.
Your photos may reveal more than you think - house numbers, car license plates or even vacation details that signal you're away from home.
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Every time you post, share or comment online, you're leaving small clues about your life, and scammers are great at putting those pieces together. The less information fraudsters can find about you, the weaker their scams become.
Many impersonators use public details like your hometown, workplace or family connections to build fake profiles that seem trustworthy. Even information like your email address or phone number can be exploited if it's floating around the internet.
A personal data removal service can help reduce that risk by scrubbing your personal details from people search sites and data brokers. While no solution is perfect, minimizing your digital footprint makes you a much harder target for impersonation and social-engineering scams. These services actively monitor and systematically remove your information from hundreds of sites, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your privacy online isn't just about what you share on social media; it's also about controlling what's out there already. Limiting that data means scammers can't easily cross-reference your information with data from breaches or the dark web.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: CyberGuy.com.
Staying safe on social media isn't about deleting your accounts; it's about taking control of your information. Turning off location sharing keeps your whereabouts private. Switching to a private account gives you more say over who sees your posts. Being cautious with friend requests and DMs helps you avoid scams. And double-checking your photos before posting prevents oversharing. With just a few quick settings and habits, you can enjoy social media with peace of mind.
Have you ever spotted a scam or fake account online? Tell us what happened by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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