Privacy settings to check on your social media accounts today

Social media apps are designed to share. That is fine, until your phone number, location or photos reach people you do not know. Review your settings now and again.

Who can see your posts

Check whether your account is public or private, and who can see your photos, friends list and tagged posts. For old posts, look for an option to limit them to friends.

Who can contact you

Limit who can send you messages, friend requests or tag you. Turn on filters for unknown senders if the app has them.

What your profile shows

• Remove your phone number and exact address from public view.
• Check your email visibility.
• Think carefully before sharing your birthday, school, workplace or daily routine.

Location

Turn off location tags on posts and switch off location access for apps that do not need it. Posting where you are right now can tell others that your home is empty.

Apps and logins

Review the apps connected to your account and remove those you no longer use. Be careful with quizzes and games that ask for broad permissions.

Account security

1. Use a strong, unique password.
2. Switch on two-step verification.
3. Check the list of devices that are logged in and sign out of unknown ones.

Make it a habit

Settings change when apps update. Check them every few months, and ask yourself before you post: would I be comfortable if a stranger or an employer saw this?

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.