Big Tech
Lock Down Your Facebook and Instagram
Facebook and Instagram share one of the largest tracking networks online. These changes cut what Meta collects on and off its apps.
Disconnect Off-Meta Activity
Meta records what you do on other apps and websites through its trackers, then ties it to your profile.
1
Open Accounts CenterSettings & privacy → Settings → Accounts Center (or visit accountscenter.facebook.com).
2
Find off-Meta activityUnder Your information and permissions, open Your activity off Meta technologies.
3
Disconnect and clearClear the existing history and turn off future off-Meta activity.
Cut Down Ad Targeting
1
Open Ad preferencesAccounts Center → Ad preferences.
2
Turn off partner dataActivity information from ad partners → set to Not allowed.
3
Reduce ad topicsManage ad topics and sensitive categories; limit each where the option exists.
Tighten Who Sees You
- Set your default post audience to Friends.
- Turn off the setting that lets search engines link to your profile.
- Make your friends list and contact info private.
- On Instagram, switch to a private account.
Lock the Account
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Remove old connected apps and websites.
- Review active login sessions and end any you do not recognize.
Common Questions
Does turning off off-Meta activity stop all tracking?
It stops Meta tying outside activity to you and clears the history, but the only way to block the trackers themselves is at the network or browser level.
Will I still see ads?
Yes, just less targeted ones. You cannot remove ads, only reduce how personalized they are.
Do Facebook and Instagram share settings?
Largely yes, through Accounts Center. Set it once and it applies to both linked accounts.
WANT THIS DONE FOR YOU?
Harbor Privacy blocks tracking and ad domains at the DNS level for every device on your home network, automatically. Get started here.