“Limit Ad Tracking” was the old name for this setting. On current iPadOS, you control ad tracking in two places: turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track in Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, and turn off Personalized Ads in Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising. With tracking requests off, apps are automatically told you don’t want to be tracked across other companies’ apps and websites.
Quick Answer
Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking > off. Then Apple Advertising > Personalized Ads > off.
Steps to Limit Ad Tracking
- Open Settings and tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap Tracking and turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track. Existing app permissions are also switched off.
- Go back and scroll to Apple Advertising.
- Turn off Personalized Ads.
- In Safari settings, keep Prevent Cross-Site Tracking on.
What Each Setting Does
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Allow Apps to Request to Track | Blocks apps from asking to track you across other companies’ apps and sites |
| Personalized Ads | Stops Apple using your data for targeted ads in its apps |
| Prevent Cross-Site Tracking (Safari) | Limits trackers following you between websites |
Troubleshooting
- Tracking switch greyed out: A child account, managed iPad or Screen Time restrictions may lock it.
- Still seeing ads: You’ll see the same number of ads; they’re just less targeted.
- More privacy: See locking apps for privacy and managing Location Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Limit Ad Tracking go?
It was replaced by the Tracking settings in newer versions of iOS and iPadOS.
Does this affect apps that work without tracking?
No. Apps keep working; they just can’t use tracking identifiers.
Should I reset my advertising identifier?
With tracking turned off, apps receive a blank identifier, so there’s usually nothing to reset.
Summary
- Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking: off.
- Apple Advertising > Personalized Ads: off.
- Keep Safari’s cross-site tracking protection on.
- Check Screen Time if switches are locked.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.