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Are You Underestimating 9 Privacy Settings For Kids Devices To Change Immediately — Image source: 123rf.com

Today’s kids are growing up in a world where devices are as common as backpacks and lunchboxes. While technology offers amazing educational and entertainment tools, it also opens doors to privacy risks that most parents aren’t even aware of. Apps, games, smart speakers, and tablets often collect far more personal data than they should—sometimes without clear consent. If your child uses any connected device, taking a few minutes to adjust the default privacy settings can make a huge difference in protecting their information. Here are nine privacy settings for kids’ devices that every parent should change right now.

1. Turn Off Location Sharing

Many devices and apps come with location tracking enabled by default, which means your child’s movements can be logged and shared. While some location services are helpful (like finding a lost phone), others pose real risks when left open to games, social platforms, or unknown apps. Disabling this feature for non-essential apps protects your child’s real-time location from being accessed or shared with strangers. You can usually manage this under “Privacy” or “Location Services” in device settings. Be sure to double-check after installing new apps, as permissions may reset.

2. Disable Microphone Access for Unused Apps

Some apps ask for microphone access even if they have no clear reason to use it. This can leave your child’s device vulnerable to passive audio collection, including background conversations. Review all installed apps and toggle off microphone permissions unless it’s a voice-based feature your child regularly uses. This is especially important for games, camera apps, or lesser-known apps downloaded for fun. Reducing mic access limits data collection and helps prevent unintentional eavesdropping.

3. Block Access to the Camera When Not Needed

Apps that use augmented reality or selfies may request access to your device’s camera. While it may seem harmless, leaving the camera available gives certain apps a direct visual channel into your child’s surroundings. Go into settings and disable camera access for any app that doesn’t need it for core functions. You can always re-enable it temporarily if needed. This is one of the simplest privacy settings for kids’ devices that can prevent serious breaches.

4. Adjust App Store and Download Permissions

Kids can accidentally (or intentionally) download apps that bypass parental controls or pose security risks. Limiting access to downloads or requiring approval before installation gives you control over what enters the device. On Apple devices, this can be set under “Screen Time” restrictions; Android users can do this through the Google Family Link app. Always check the app’s privacy policy and reviews before approving. Even popular games can hide aggressive data collection in the fine print.

5. Turn Off Ad Personalization

Ad personalization uses your child’s activity to serve targeted ads, which may seem innocent but can lead to deep data profiling over time. Most platforms, including Apple, Google, and Amazon, allow you to turn off this feature in the privacy settings. Doing so reduces the amount of information shared with third-party advertisers and limits how your child is tracked online. It’s one of the easiest privacy settings for kids’ devices to overlook but also one of the most important. Less data sharing means less risk.

6. Restrict Social Media Privacy Settings

If your child is using social platforms, double-check the default privacy settings, which often lean toward public visibility. Set profiles to private, restrict who can send friend requests or messages, and disable tagging where possible. Also limit location tagging and face recognition features, which are often turned on by default. Encourage your child to think before sharing personal photos, videos, or location details. Regular conversations about online behavior reinforce the importance of these choices.

7. Disable Auto-Connect to Wi-Fi Networks

Many devices are set to automatically connect to open Wi-Fi networks, which can put your child’s data at risk on unprotected or malicious networks. Go into your child’s device settings and turn off the auto-connect feature. Teach them to ask you before joining a new network, especially in public places like coffee shops, airports, or parks. Using only secure, password-protected connections helps avoid potential hackers or data theft. A VPN may also be worth considering for added safety.

8. Block In-App Purchases

In-app purchases are a financial hazard, but they also often come bundled with permissions that open access to stored data or contacts. Setting a passcode or biometric ID requirement for purchases helps prevent accidental buys and keeps privacy intact. Some apps sneak in permissions through purchase prompts, so keeping this locked down reduces exposure. Both iOS and Android offer easy toggles to disable or restrict in-app purchasing. It’s one more way to keep control of your child’s device and data.

9. Review Permissions Every Month

Even if you set everything up once, updates or new downloads can override previous settings. Get into the habit of reviewing your child’s privacy settings monthly to make sure nothing has changed without your knowledge. Devices often add new features or request additional access during updates. A quick scan of camera, mic, location, and app permissions can catch anything new. Making it a routine ensures privacy settings for kids’ devices stay secure over time.

Small Tweaks, Big Peace of Mind

Keeping your kids safe online starts with the privacy settings most people forget to change. These small tweaks don’t take much time but offer big protection against hidden risks. From limiting data collection to stopping strangers from seeing where your child is or what they’re doing, each setting makes your family’s tech use smarter and safer. The digital world is always changing but staying informed gives you a real edge. Don’t wait for something to go wrong—lock down these settings today.

Have you found any surprising privacy settings on your child’s device? Share your experience or tips in the comments below!

11 Online Safety Risks Your Preschooler Faces

Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

1. Smart Speakers Designed for Kids

Popular voice assistants like Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition and Google Nest Mini can be fun for learning and entertainment. However, these kid gadgets are always listening for a wake word, which means they constantly scan for sounds—even if they’re not actively in use. Once activated, they can record and store voice data on servers. While companies offer parental controls and claim to protect children’s privacy, concerns remain over how long this data is kept and who can access it. It’s important to check privacy settings and routinely delete stored recordings if you choose to use them.

2. Interactive Dolls and Plush Toys

Some dolls and talking plush toys come equipped with microphones and Bluetooth technology, making them capable of holding conversations or responding to questions. These kid gadgets may store audio files or send recordings to cloud-based services for processing. One infamous example, “My Friend Cayla,” was banned in some countries for violating privacy laws after it was discovered to be transmitting conversations. While toy makers may argue these features are harmless, they often lack robust security or transparency. Always read the fine print and research the toy’s data practices before bringing it home.

3. Wearable Smartwatches for Kids

Smartwatches made for children offer GPS tracking, calling features, and emergency alerts—but many also include built-in microphones. These kid gadgets are often marketed as safety tools, but they can raise concerns about who else might be listening in. In some cases, vulnerabilities in device security have allowed hackers to tap into the audio features. Parents should choose models with strong encryption and avoid any device that doesn’t clearly explain its privacy policies. Keep firmware up to date and use the minimal settings necessary for your needs.

4. Kid-Friendly Tablets and Educational Devices

Tablets made for kids often come preloaded with apps that require voice interaction, especially for reading or language learning. While helpful for skill-building, these features also involve live microphones and sometimes internet connectivity. These kid gadgets may collect audio to improve functionality or personalize the user experience, but they also risk sending sensitive household conversations to third parties. Reviewing app permissions, disabling microphone access when not needed, and setting up strong parental controls can reduce the risk. Be selective about which apps are allowed to access audio features.

5. Talking Robots and AI Learning Buddies

Interactive robots designed for young learners often include voice recognition to answer questions, teach new skills, or offer conversation practice. These advanced kid gadgets may use cloud-based AI, meaning anything said to the robot could be processed offsite. While they seem like digital companions, they are also data collectors by design. Parents should be aware of what’s being stored, whether it’s encrypted, and how long it remains accessible. Choosing offline options when available can reduce unnecessary data exposure.

6. Smart Monitors and Baby Cams with Voice Features

Devices like baby monitors, room cameras, and smart nursery systems increasingly offer two-way audio. These kid gadgets allow parents to listen in and even talk to their child remotely—but in doing so, they are also streaming live audio across networks. If not properly secured, these feeds can be accessed by unauthorized users, posing a major safety and privacy risk. Always use encrypted Wi-Fi networks, change default passwords, and regularly update device firmware. Turning off features when not needed adds another layer of safety.

7. Gaming Consoles with Voice Chat and Assistants

Modern gaming consoles often support voice assistants or include built-in mics for chatting with friends online. For kids, this can feel like an extension of playtime, but it can also expose them to strangers, inappropriate language, or unwanted surveillance. Some consoles record snippets to improve functionality or for moderation purposes. These kid gadgets require parental supervision to manage privacy settings and limit who your child can communicate with. Encourage your child to use headphones with mute buttons and never share personal details through voice chat.

Tune In to What’s Listening

In a world full of smart devices, it’s easy to forget just how many of them are quietly listening in the background. From cuddly toys to high-tech wearables, kid gadgets are collecting more data than ever before—and not all of it is necessary or safe. By understanding how these devices work and setting firm boundaries, you can strike a better balance between tech convenience and family privacy. The key isn’t avoiding technology altogether, but using it wisely and with awareness. A little vigilance today can go a long way in protecting your child’s future digital footprint.

Which kid gadgets have you discovered are listening in your home? Share your experiences or questions in the comments!

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