Un-Share Diagnostic Information
You may have agreed to something in the excitement of setting up a new device. Let’s undo it.
What am I suggesting and why?
When you first set up a new device or service, they will often ask if you’d like to share diagnostic information with the manufacturer. Generally, this information is used to see how the devices are commonly used and claims to contain no personally identifying information.
We’re learning that’s not always true. Let’s un-share.
Cost: Free
Duration: 10 Minutes, depending on the number of devices you’ve got
Ease: Very Easy
You in? Let’s go.
I’m going to go through a number of devices here, so find the ones you own and focus on those!
For Desktops and Laptops
MacOS (Apple Computers) — Ventura (the newest update)
- Open the Apple menu at the top left of the menu bar.
- Select System Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Select Analytics & Improvements.
- Turn off all the toggles (you may need to enter your computer password).
MacOS (Apple Computers) — Anything before Ventura
- Open the Apple menu at the top left of the menu bar.
- Select System Preferences.
- Select Security & Privacy.
- Go to the Privacy tab.
- Select Diagnostics & Usage.
- Uncheck all boxes (you may need to enter your computer password).
Windows
- Click on Start.
- Select Settings.
- Select Privacy.
- Select Diagnostics & Feedback.
- Choose the Basic option.
- If you scroll further down, you’ll see some toggles. Turn off the toggles next to Diagnostics & feedback and View diagnostic data.
- Click the Delete button under Delete diagnostic data.
- If you scroll even further, you should see a section Feedback frequency. Select Never from the dropdown menu.
Mobile Devices
iPhone / iPad / iOS
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Near the bottom, tap Analytics & Improvements.
- Turn off all toggles.
Android (All Android Devices)
- Open Settings.
- Tap Google.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon (also called the kebab menu, I just found out) in the top right corner.
- Tap Usage & diagnostics.
- Turn off Usage & diagnostics toggle.
Samsung Android Devices
Samsung also collects diagnostic data separately from Google, so if you have a Samsung Android, you should do the above for All Android Devices) and this one.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Turn off Send diagnostic data toggle.
- A popup may appear asking what information you’d like to share with Samsung. Uncheck all options and tap OK.
Don’t see your device?
If I haven’t covered your particular device, like your Kindle, or if you’re seeing slightly different menu options for the ones listed above, you can still turn these settings off.
One option, search the web. I suggest searching the terms “Turn off diagnostic data [name of device],” and you should find instructions.
In general — check the device settings, look for a privacy/security setting, and you’ll likely find the diagnostic information in there.
How can you prevent this?
When you set up a new device for the first time — be it a computer, a phone, or any other electronic that connects to the internet — it’s likely going to ask you almost first thing if it can collect diagnostic data about your device usage. Always say no.
Dig Deeper
We’ve been led to believe that this diagnostic information couldn’t be linked back to us personally, in fact, every single disclaimer on these when you first set up your device makes that very claim. We’re finding, however, that this isn’t always true (and honestly, at this point, it seems to rarely be true).
What data is typically included in these diagnostic analytics?
If you head into the fine print, you’ll find they’re likely collecting data about your hardware and software, the performance of the device (like battery), and most importantly to us, data about how you use your devices and applications. It could also include your location, information about your Wi-Fi signal or mobile connection, and may be linked to other data the company collects about you on other devices (like connecting your iPhone diagnostics to your Mac diagnostics).
Since it’s unclear which companies collect which information and what personal information might inadvertently be included in those diagnostic reports, I suggest turning them all off across the board.
Learn More
- “Apple Device Analytics Contain Identifying iCloud User Data, Claim Security Researchers” MacRumors
- “Should You Share Your Data With Tech Companies?” Consumer Reports
