Settings directory
Settings paths by platform: the path that matches the interface you see.
Settings move. Home Product Support records the platform, version, path, consequences and last review date—then replaces old paths through a visible lifecycle record. Choose your platform below for the exact route to each setting, with the screens that change between software versions and what each change affects.
Browse by platform
12 complete records in this directoryAllow precise or approximate location for one iPhone app
Go to Settings › Privacy & Security › Location Services, choose the app, select the allowed timing and toggle Precise Location as needed. An app may still restrict a feature if it requires precise or background location.
Open record settings · reviewed answerAllow screen recording or screen sharing for one Mac app
Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Screen & System Audio Recording, enable the app, then quit and reopen it. Names vary across macOS releases, and managed Macs may prohibit the change.
Open record settings · reviewed answerChange a default app on Android
Open Settings › Apps › Default apps on Google-style Android, then choose the role and app. Samsung and other makers may label the path differently; clearing one app's defaults can make Android ask again.
Open record Android · SettingsHow to change default apps on Android
Open Settings › Apps › Default apps, choose the role—such as browser, phone or SMS—and select an eligible installed app. Menu names vary by manufacturer, but clearing all app data is not required.
Open record Windows · SettingsHow to change the default browser in Windows 11
Open Settings › Apps › Default apps, search for the browser, choose it, and set the supported web link and file types. Windows may offer a single Set default button; individual associations remain visible below it.
Open record iPhone & iPad · Settings pathHow to change the default browser on iPhone or iPad
On current iOS and iPadOS, open Settings, choose Apps, then Default Apps and Browser App. The alternate browser must be installed and support the default-browser role.
Open record macOS · SettingsHow to change the default web browser on Mac
Open System Settings › Desktop & Dock, scroll to Default web browser, and choose an installed browser. On older macOS releases, the control may appear in General instead.
Open record settings · reviewed answerSet up guest Wi-Fi without exposing home devices
Create a separate guest SSID with modern encryption, a unique password and client/local-network isolation where available. Test that guests can reach the internet but not router administration, shared storage, printers or private clients unless intentionally allowed.
Open record settings · reviewed answerStop apps from opening when Windows starts
Use Settings › Apps › Startup or Task Manager › Startup apps and disable only the item you recognize. This prevents automatic launch; it does not uninstall the application or stop all background services.
Open record settings · reviewed answerTurn off motion smoothing on a TV
Look for Motion, Clarity, TruMotion, Auto Motion Plus, MotionFlow or a similar picture setting and set interpolation/judder reduction off. The control can be stored separately for each input, app and picture mode.
Open record settings · reviewed answerTurn off Stolen Device Protection on iPhone
Open Settings, choose Face ID & Passcode, then Stolen Device Protection. Away from familiar locations, Apple may require biometric authentication and a security delay; there is no safe shortcut around that protection.
Open record iPhone & iPad · SettingsWhere to change app notifications on iPhone or iPad
Open Settings › Notifications, choose the app, then change Allow Notifications, delivery style, sounds, badges or previews. If alerts still stay quiet, check Focus and Scheduled Summary before reinstalling the app.
Open recordSettings paths that change between versions
Settings move between versions, which is why a path that worked last year may not exist on your phone or PC now. The questions people most often need are where an app's location permission lives, how to change the default browser, how to stop apps opening at start-up, how to turn off a TV's motion smoothing and how to disable Stolen Device Protection on an iPhone. The path always starts from the platform and version: on iPhone it is the Settings app, on Android the Settings app and then Apps, on Windows 11 the Settings app and Apps, and on a Mac System Settings. A TV's picture processing sits in the picture menu and is named by the brand, such as Motion Smoothing or TruMotion.
A few changes carry consequences worth knowing first. Turning off Stolen Device Protection removes a safeguard that needs Face ID or Touch ID for sensitive changes away from familiar places. Changing the default browser can reopen links in an unexpected app. Guest Wi-Fi should be set on the router so visitors cannot reach your other devices.
Why does my settings screen look different from the guide?
Each version moves things. Use the search field in Settings with the setting's name, then match what you find to the version on your device.
Is it safe to turn off Stolen Device Protection?
It removes a safeguard that protects your account if the phone is stolen, so turn it off only when you need to and consider turning it back on.