Our everyday devices help us keep in contact with loved ones, they help us to work efficiently, and they are there in case of an emergency. However, certain apps can cause a breach in your privacy and take up much-needed gigabytes (not to mention battery power).

Certain apps running in the background are collecting unused data in the hopes of selling that data to larger companies. Double-check that these kinds of apps are no longer on your phone.

Here are some app types you can ditch to save you from data leaks and make room for more storage on your phone:

If you believe your information has been compromised, file a complaint at IC3. And listen to an interview with FBI Charlotte Divisoin Public Affairs Specialist Shelley Lynch where she talks about phone security here.

• QR Code Apps

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  You no longer need to have a specific app in order to use a QR code. With contactless options, a lot of restaurants and other service industry establishments have opted to use QR code menus instead of a physical menu option. But all you have to do is open your phone and use the camera app to capture the QR code.

• Scanner Apps

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  Do you know the app that you use to jot down your grocery list? Well, it can scan too. With an iPhone, you are able to scan documents with just your pre-installed "Notes" app. In the "Notes" app, choose the camera icon and tap the "scan documents" feature. A camera-like window will appear for you to snap your documents quickly be emailed or saved onto your computer.

• Flashlight Apps

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  As you know, most smartphones come with a "flashlight" option for when you're in need of some extra light in a dark space (or an impromptu candlelight dinner) but that's not even the alarming reason as to why you don't need to keep this extra app on your phone. Cases show that the use of third-party flashlight apps can assist in data leaks. Per USA Today, "many of these apps request permission to track your location, and they could even be hiding malware." So, ditch this app and use the pre-installed one.
• Pre-Installed Apps

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  Pre-installed apps can take a ton of space on your phone without even realizing it. As IOS has advanced, pre-installed apps are able to be removed by the user without a second thought. Check your phone:  when was the last time you used your "Measure" app?

• Third-Party Screen Recorders

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  Saving your favorite TikTok on a shady third-party screen recorder is a thing of the past as you can easily screen record with the built-in screen recorder from Apple. By using third-party screen recording apps you are opening yourself up to potential data leaks by companies having access to exactly how you use your screen, even when you aren't using it. According to Check Point Research per ZDNet, screen recording apps have proven to be one of the types of apps that leak data that can expose your "email records, chat messages, location information, user IDs, passwords, and images."

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