Most people in developed countries own a modern smartphone. Smartphones are computers with various sensors and components integrated into a slab of metal and plastic. We carry these devices everywhere, oblivious to the extent of how much the devices can collect behavioral data about us. Every action on the internet leaves a trace behind. This data can be collected systematically to create predictions about people and share the information to advertisers.

This thesis researches the different types and ways that data can be collected from smartphones. Using the research and public information as basis, a guideline was created for the everyday smartphone user to have a toolset for taking back some of their lost privacy.

People are becoming increasingly aware of the privacy risks that come with social media and other internet services, but for many of us it is still difficult to know how to prevent data collection and online privacy exploitation. This thesis aims to provide guidance for better smartphone privacy in layman's terms.