How To Guide
How to Manage Privacy Settings on Smart Devices
Smart devices like Alexa, Google Home, smart TVs, and security cameras collect significant data. Managing their privacy settings protects your household.
Overview
Smart home devices are always listening for wake words, may store recordings in the cloud, and share data with third parties. You can significantly reduce data collection while keeping functionality.
Step 1: Smart Speaker Privacy
Manage what Alexa and Google Assistant record and store.
1
Amazon Echo / Alexa
- Open Alexa app → Settings → Alexa Privacy
- Review Voice History — delete old recordings
- Enable 'Automatically delete recordings' (3 or 18 months)
- Disable 'Help improve Alexa' to stop human review of recordings
- Disable 'Use messages to improve transcriptions'
- Press the microphone mute button when not in use
2
Google Home / Nest
- Open Google Home app → Settings → Privacy
- Go to myactivity.google.com to review and delete recordings
- Set auto-delete for 3 months or 18 months
- Disable 'Voice & Audio Activity' to stop recording storage
- Disable 'Web & App Activity' for reduced tracking
- Use the physical mute switch on the device
3
Apple HomePod
- Home app → Home Settings → your profile
- Disable 'Improve Siri & Dictation' to stop audio sharing
- Siri requests are associated with a random identifier, not your Apple ID
- HomePod processes some requests on-device
- Use 'Hey Siri, delete what I just said' for quick deletion
Step 2: Smart Camera & TV Privacy
Control surveillance and data collection from cameras and TVs.
1
Security Cameras (Ring, Nest, etc.)
- Review who has access to camera feeds in the app
- Disable public sharing of footage
- Set up activity zones to limit recording areas
- Review and delete stored clips regularly
- Use two-factor authentication on camera accounts
- Change default passwords immediately after setup
2
Smart TV Privacy
- Disable ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) — tracks what you watch
- Samsung: Settings → General → Privacy → disable 'Viewing Information Services'
- LG: Settings → General → LivePlus → OFF
- Disable voice assistant on TV if not using it
- Don't sign into unnecessary accounts on your TV
- Review and disable personalised advertising
Step 3: Network-Level Privacy
Protect all smart devices through your network.
1
Isolate Smart Devices
- Set up a separate Wi-Fi network (guest network) for IoT devices
- This prevents smart devices from accessing your computers and phones
- Most routers support guest networks — check router settings
- Use a strong, unique password for the IoT network
- Keep your main network for computers and phones only
2
Router-Level Protection
- Disable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router
- This prevents devices from opening ports without your knowledge
- Review connected devices list in router settings regularly
- Remove devices you no longer use
- Keep router firmware updated for security patches
Need Professional Help?
Our engineers provide expert assistance with setup, troubleshooting, and ongoing support for businesses and individuals across Cornwall.