Phonewell

Ad-free and private

Fewer ads in apps and browsers, fewer spam calls, and less of you on the lock screen.

5 settingsAbout 9 minutes in all

In this order

  1. Stop ads in almost every app

    One setting points your phone at AdGuard's free filtering service, which blocks most ads and trackers in apps and browsers. There is nothing to install and no account.

    Private DNS ad blocking, about 2 minutes, on Samsung, Pixel and Xiaomi
  2. See fewer ads built from your activity

    Apps use an advertising ID to build a profile of what you do. Removing it means the ads you see are less tailored to you.

    Personalised ads off, about 2 minutes, on Samsung, Pixel and Xiaomi
  3. Stop spam calls before you answer

    Your Phone app can check incoming numbers against known spam and warn you, or quietly block the worst ones.

    Spam call filter, about 2 minutes, on Samsung and Pixel
  4. Keep your messages private on the lock screen

    Anyone who picks up your phone can read message previews. Hiding the content shows that something arrived, not what it says.

    Hide notification content, about 1 minute, on Samsung and Pixel
  5. See which apps used your camera, mic or location

    Your phone keeps a record of which apps used your camera, microphone and location. A quick look shows whether any app is overstepping.

    Privacy dashboard, about 2 minutes, on Samsung and Pixel

Not every step exists on every phone. Each guide shows only the brands we have steps for, and Phonewell skips what your model doesn't have.

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