How to stop your phone from listening to you?

As someone who works in digital privacy, here are practical steps to reduce your phone's listening:1. Microphone Permissions- Android: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Microphone- iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone- Disable microphone access for apps that don't need it (games, utilities, etc.)2. Voice Assistant Controls- Google Assistant: Settings > Google > Account Services > Search & Assistant > Google Assistant > Voice Match > Turn off- Siri: Settings > Siri & Search > Turn off "Listen for 'Hey Siri'"- Bixby: Settings > Advanced Features > Bixby > Turn off voice wake-up3. App-Specific Settings- Facebook/Instagram: Settings > Privacy > Microphone (turn off)- TikTok: Settings & Privacy > Privacy > Microphone- Disable personalized ads in each app's settings4. System-Level Changes- Use a privacy-focused ROM like GrapheneOS (Android)- Disable "Improve Recognition" in voice typing settings- Turn off "Audio Data Sharing" in system settings5. Physical Solutions- Use microphone blockers (physical port covers)- Mute during sensitive conversations- Keep phone in another room during private discussions6. Browser Listening- Disable microphone access in browser settings- Use privacy extensions that block audio access- Clear cookies regularly to reset permissionsWhat's Myth vs. Reality:- Reality: Apps do listen when you use voice features- Myth: Constant 24/7 recording of all conversations (battery/data would be massive)- Reality: Keyword scanning for ad targeting does happen- Myth: Every word is sent to servers and stored foreverPro Tips:- Regularly audit app permissions monthly- Use signal-blocking phone cases for extreme privacy- Consider a "dumb phone" for maximum privacy- Read privacy policies before installing new appsComplete prevention is difficult without severely limiting functionality, but these steps significantly reduce unwanted listening.

I went down this privacy rabbit hole last year after getting creepily accurate ads. Here's what actually made a difference in my daily experience:The changes that stopped the "coincidences":1. The Big Three I turned off:- Facebook/Instagram microphone access - this was the biggest culprit- Google's "audio activity" in my Google account settings- Hey Siri - I only activate manually now2. App-by-app cleanup:I went through every app on my phone and asked: "Does this app REALLY need to hear me?"- Kept: Phone, Messages, Camera- Removed: Games, shopping apps, social media (except when actively using)3. Browser protections:- DuckDuckGo browser for most browsing- Firefox with privacy extensions for everything else- Disabled auto-play videos everywhere possible4. Behavioral changes:- I don't talk about specific products I might want near my phone- Phone face down during sensitive conversations- Leave phone charging in another room during private talksWhat I learned:- The creepy ad coincidences reduced by about 90% after these changes- Battery life improved slightly (less background processing)- Some convenience was lost - I have to manually activate voice features now- Complete privacy is impossible without going completely offlineThe reality check: Our phones are designed to listen to some degree for features we actually want (voice commands, voice typing, etc.). The goal isn't total silence, but removing the unnecessary listening from apps that don't need it for their core function.The peace of mind was worth the minor inconveniences. I still get targeted ads, but they're based on my search history and browsing now, not private conversations I've had in my home.