Privacy and security
Local Network access
Most people call this which apps can see other devices on your Wi-Fi.
Apps must ask before scanning the network you are connected to, because the list of devices in your home says a lot about you.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 16 and later
- Settings
- Privacy & Security
- Local Network
What it does
Without this permission an app cannot discover printers, speakers, televisions or other phones on the same network. Legitimate uses exist, but so does device fingerprinting.
What changes
When it is on
The app can find and talk to devices on your network.
When it is off
Casting, printing and local device discovery in that app stop working.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Casting to a television or speaker needs it.
- Printing and smart home control need it.
Good reasons to turn it off
- An app with no local device feature is probably profiling your network.
- It is one of the least understood permissions and worth reviewing.
Battery
No real change
Privacy
Helps
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: Denied until an app asks.
What your iPhone needs
- Needs iOS 14 or later
Questions people actually ask
- Why does an app want to find devices on my network?
- Sometimes to cast or print. Sometimes to fingerprint your home. If the app has no such feature, refuse.
If it is not working
- If casting suddenly stops working, check this permission first.
- The prompt appears the first time the app tries to scan, which may be long after installation.