# iPhone privacy checkup ## Quick answer Build and save a review of photo access, cloud copies and recovery. Updated: 2026-10-31 Canonical: /tools/privacy-checkup ## What does this checkup do? The checkup turns three general choices into a list of actions about device access, cloud copies, sharing and recovery. It does not scan your phone, inspect an account or decide that a device is safe. You supply the context and verify each setting yourself. Read the linked guide for the action before making a change that could affect important files. ## How should you choose an access concern? Think about the person or situation you need to address. Casual browsing on an unlocked phone differs from access by somebody who knows the passcode. A shared account introduces another route through signed-in devices and services. Choose the closest general concern, then read the relevant actions. The result is a starting checklist rather than an exhaustive threat assessment. ## What if you do not know where photos are stored? Choose the unknown storage option. The review keeps synchronization and copy checks visible so that you can locate originals before changing storage. An optimized preview on a phone may not tell you where the full-resolution file is available. Check the relevant account and supported provider instructions. Do not use the checklist's completion counter as proof that an original has been backed up. ## What does saving retain? Save on this device writes the current choices and completed action IDs into this browser's local storage. It does not create a website account or synchronize the review to another phone. Save again after changes if you want the stored record updated. Clear saved review removes this website's record; browser privacy settings can also prevent local saving. ## What does the share link contain? A share link includes the selected general choices in its URL. It does not include the completed checkboxes, your photos or account credentials. Anybody with the link can read those choices, so review it before sending it elsewhere. You can instead download a text copy for your own records or use the browser's print function to save a PDF. ## When should you run the checkup again? Return after changing devices, changing accounts, moving pictures into another storage product or changing a sharing arrangement. Verify the new behavior with an ordinary sample. Keep a record of the copies and recovery route you checked. A completed review describes your actions at that time; later changes, provider updates and additional shared copies can require a fresh review. ## Review questions ### What do you want to review? - Casual browsing on my phone - Who can see shared pictures - Moving to a new phone or vault ### How is your library stored? - I'm not sure - I use iCloud Photos - I keep it on this device ### What other access should you check? - Someone may know my device passcode - Family or shared accounts - Shared albums or links ## Available actions ### Locate originals and existing copies List Photos, vaults, messages, shared destinations and signed-in devices. Do not delete anything while you are establishing where the originals reside. [Read the guide](/blog/how-to-hide-photos-iphone) ### Check the Hidden collection and its lock Use a harmless sample to verify visibility and authentication. Confirm what the device passcode permits. [Read the guide](/blog/password-protect-photos-iphone) ### Trace the iCloud synchronization path Confirm the Apple Account and Photos sync setting. Download needed originals before disconnecting a device. [Read the guide](/blog/stop-icloud-photos-syncing) ### Separate Family Sharing from shared photo access Confirm separate Apple Accounts and inspect Shared Albums or Shared Library participants independently of the storage subscription. [Read the guide](/blog/family-sharing-photo-privacy) ### Review recipients and public links Review each shared destination. Revoking access does not recall copies recipients have already saved. [Read the guide](/blog/turn-off-shared-with-you-photos) ### Test import, export and recovery Rehearse with non-sensitive images and a video. Verify a recovery route before making a vault or new phone your only copy. [Read the guide](/blog/move-photos-to-private-vault) ### Inspect location and the visible frame Review photo details and share options, then check a sample output. An address visible in the picture remains visible after metadata changes. [Read the guide](/blog/remove-photo-location-iphone) ## Questions ### Are photos or answers uploaded? No. These tools process the selected file or answers in your browser. They do not inspect your Apple Account or device settings. ### Does the tool certify my privacy? No. Results explain the supplied input and supported formats. Check external copies, accounts and settings separately. ### Is there a charge? These website tools are free to use. No account or payment is required. ## Explore - [Local photo metadata viewer](/tools/exif-viewer) ## Private photo and document storage For photos and documents you choose to store separately, explore [VaultForYou](https://www.vaultforyou.app/).