How (and why) to reset your advertising ID regularly¶
Your smartphone’s advertising ID is a unique tracker assigned to your device that allows companies to build a profile of your app usage, interests, and behaviour—even if you don’t log in anywhere. Here’s how to reset it on Android and iOS to disrupt tracking.
What is an advertising ID?¶
An advertising ID lets apps and ad networks link your activity across different services to target ads.
Android: Called the “Google Advertising ID” (GAID)
iOS: Called the “Identifier for Advertisers” (IDFA)
Example: If you search for “hiking boots” in Chrome, Instagram might show you boot ads later—even if you weren’t logged in.
Why reset it weekly?¶
Breaks tracking chains – Resetting creates a new random ID, making it harder to build a long-term profile.
Limits personalized ads – You’ll still see ads, but they’ll be less targeted.
Works even if you don’t opt out – Some apps ignore “Opt out of ads personalization” but still use the ID for analytics.
How to reset on Android¶
Open Settings → Google → Ads
Tap “Reset advertising ID”
(Optional) Enable “Opt out of ads personalization” to limit tracking further.
Note: Some Android skins (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) bury this setting. Try searching for “advertising ID” in Settings.
How to reset on iOS¶
Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking
Toggle off “Allow Apps to Request to Track” (blocks IDFA access entirely).
To reset, Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising and tap “Reset Advertising Identifier”
Limitations to know¶
Doesn’t stop all tracking – Fingerprinting, IP logging, and first-party data (e.g., Google/Facebook logged-in tracking) still work.
Some apps bypass it – Especially if you use the same Google/Apple account everywhere.
Resets aren’t instant – It can take hours for ad networks to update.
Extra steps for stronger privacy¶
Use a firewall app (e.g., TrackerControl for Android) to block hidden trackers.
Disable personalized ads in Google (adssettings.google.com).
On iOS, use Lockdown Mode (Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode) to cut off most tracking.
Automate it¶
Android: Use Tasker or MacroDroid to reset the ID weekly.
iOS: Shortcuts app can’t reset the IDFA, but you can set a reminder.
Combine with other anti-tracking tools
For best results¶
Reset advertising ID weekly
Use Firefox Focus for private browsing
Block ads/trackers with NextDNS or AdGuard
This won’t make you invisible, but it fragments your data enough to reduce profiling.
Testing¶
Want to test if it’s working? Try: