Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Xbox privacy is controlled by several separate settings, not one master switch. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, you can manage social visibility, communications and multiplayer, app access, family restrictions, and optional diagnostic collection from Settings. The same account controls can also be changed online after you sign in.
Start by deciding what you want to limit, then change only that category. A social setting does not automatically change diagnostic collection, and turning off optional console data does not prevent every game or app publisher from receiving information needed to provide its service.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What Xbox privacy and data-sharing settings actually control
Xbox groups privacy decisions by purpose. The labels can move slightly as console software changes, but the underlying distinction remains useful on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
| Setting area | What it controls | Whose behavior it affects | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social visibility | Who can send friend requests, follow an account, or find social activity through Xbox features. | The signed-in account, or a family member selected by an organizer. | Account-level Xbox social features. |
| Communication and multiplayer | Whether other players can communicate with the account and whether multiplayer features are available, subject to the selected audience and family restrictions. | The selected account. | Xbox communication and online play. |
| App and game privacy | Permissions and privacy choices presented by Xbox apps and games. | The account using the app or game. | An app or service context; it is not a universal switch for every publisher. |
| Diagnostic data collection | Whether optional diagnostic information is sent to Microsoft in addition to data Microsoft classifies as required. | A signed-in account, a family member managed by an organizer, or the console when nobody is signed in. | Account or console behavior, depending on the path used. |
Microsoft’s Xbox data collection summary, published in October 2026, divides information collected through its products and services into Required and Optional categories. That classification is about Microsoft’s own collection controls. It does not replace an individual game’s privacy notice or an app’s permission choices.
#1 Best Overall
- [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
- [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
- [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
- [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
- [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
Before changing a setting, identify the goal and the account
Two mistakes cause most unwanted changes: editing the wrong category and editing the wrong account. Use this quick check before opening Settings:
- Want fewer friend requests or followers? Open the social category, especially Friends, followers & clubs.
- Want to limit voice, text, or multiplayer contact? Open the communication and multiplayer controls rather than data collection.
- Want to review what an app can do? Use the app or game privacy controls associated with that service.
- Want to reduce optional diagnostic sharing with Microsoft? Use Data collection, not a social-visibility setting.
- Managing a child? Confirm that you are the family organizer and select the child’s account before saving anything.
Do not assume that choosing “Everyone” or “Allow” is a neutral setting. Those choices can increase exposure to requests, messages, activity, or multiplayer contact. Choose the least-open option that still supports the way the account is used.
How do I change Xbox privacy settings?
For an account using the console, the following path is the current Xbox Wire example for social controls. Your console may show slightly different wording after a software update.
Recommended Free Tools
- Press the Xbox button and open Profile & system > Settings.
- Open Account > Privacy & online safety.
- Select Xbox privacy.
- Choose View details & customize.
- Open the category that matches your goal. For social requests and follows, choose Friends, followers & clubs.
- Review each audience or permission option and select the narrowest choice that meets your needs.
- Back out only after checking that the account shown at the top is the one you intended to edit.
The same area contains separate controls for communication, multiplayer, and other online-safety decisions. Change those individually; changing the friends-and-followers category will not automatically alter voice chat, text communication, or online play.
Change who can send requests or follow you
Use Friends, followers & clubs when the problem is unwanted social contact or visibility. The setting governs the Xbox social relationship, not every message a third-party game may offer inside its own service. If a game has a separate account or chat system, review that service’s controls as well.
Rank #2
- 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
- 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
- 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
- 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
- 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
Change communication and multiplayer access
Open the communication and multiplayer categories under View details & customize. Read the description beside each choice before saving. A restriction can affect party chat, messages, or the ability to join multiplayer sessions, so change one control at a time if you are troubleshooting a specific feature.
Review app-related privacy choices
App privacy is a different decision from diagnostic collection. A game may need to exchange information with its publisher to deliver or improve the game. Turning off optional Xbox diagnostic data should therefore not be described as a way to block all information sent to every publisher.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCan I change Xbox privacy settings online?
Yes. Xbox Wire documents an online route for privacy controls after you sign in. This is useful when you are away from the console or when a family organizer needs to manage another account.
- Sign in to the Microsoft account associated with the Xbox profile.
- Open the Xbox privacy and online-safety settings page from the account’s Microsoft or Xbox settings.
- If you manage a family group, select the family member whose settings you intend to change.
- Open the relevant privacy category and adjust only the controls needed for the task.
- Select Submit before leaving the page. Xbox Wire specifically instructs users to submit the form to save online changes.
If the page displays a different set of categories from the console, compare the account name and read the descriptions rather than assuming one view is overriding the other. Menu wording can change with service updates.
How do I adjust Xbox data sharing?
Optional diagnostic collection is managed separately from social privacy. Microsoft says its Xbox data model distinguishes required information from optional information. Required data supports core operation; the controls described below concern the optional diagnostic choice.
Rank #3
- [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
- [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
- [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
- [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
- [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
Change optional data for the signed-in account
- Open Settings on the Xbox console.
- Go to Online safety & family > Privacy & online safety > Data collection.
- Review the optional-data choice shown for the signed-in account.
- Select the option that matches your preference and leave the page only after the new choice is displayed as selected.
This route is account-focused. It should be used when you want to change the preference for the person currently signed in, rather than establish a console-wide behavior for an unsigned-in session.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Change optional data for a family member
- Open Settings > Online safety & family.
- Select Family settings > Manage family members.
- Choose the family member whose settings you are authorized to manage.
- Open Privacy & online safety > Data collection.
- Review and save the optional-data choice for that member.
The family-member path matters because a change made while your own profile is selected does not automatically change a child’s profile.
Set the console behavior when nobody is signed in
- Open Settings > System > Console info.
- Find Allow optional data collection.
- Review the current choice and change it if you want to control optional collection during sessions with no signed-in user.
This is a console-level context, unlike the account and family-member paths. A household can therefore have one preference for a person’s account and another behavior for an unsigned-in console session.
What the 8 MB figure means
Microsoft’s October 2026 Xbox data summary states that an Xbox console sends approximately 8 MB of data per day on average. Microsoft says the exact volume varies by user. Treat that as Microsoft’s stated average per console, not a guarantee for a particular household, connection, game, or day. It is also not a measurement of how much information every game publisher receives.
Why optional diagnostics do not stop all game or app sharing
Microsoft says that when someone uses an online game or app through an Xbox console, information may be shared with that game or app’s publisher to support, deliver, or improve the service. A diagnostic-data preference therefore cannot be presented as a universal block on publisher sharing, app permissions, or account-level privacy. For a specific title, read the publisher’s privacy information and inspect any in-game account or communication controls.
Rank #4
- Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
- Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
- All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
- Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
- Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
How can I change my child’s Xbox privacy settings?
Microsoft Family Safety supports family groups across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices. A parent or other family organizer should manage a child’s Xbox choices through the family controls rather than asking the child to bypass restrictions.
- Sign in with the organizer account that manages the family group.
- Open the Xbox privacy and online-safety controls through Microsoft Family Safety or the family settings area.
- Select the child’s account as the target before editing anything.
- Review the age-appropriate defaults shown for that child.
- Customize only the categories that need a different setting, such as communication, multiplayer, social visibility, or data collection.
- Save the changes and verify that the child remains selected when you finish.
Age-appropriate defaults are a starting point, not a requirement to open every feature. If a child cannot change a restriction, that is expected when the family organizer has set it. The organizer must make the change or decide to keep the restriction.
Check which family member you are editing
Family interfaces can show several profiles in one place. Before selecting a value, check the displayed name and account picture. A change applied to the organizer’s profile will not automatically apply to the child, and a child’s setting cannot be used to loosen a restriction imposed by the organizer.
Use separate controls for separate concerns
If the goal is to prevent unknown players from contacting a child, adjust social or communication controls. If the goal is to reduce optional diagnostic collection, open Data collection. Combining unrelated changes makes it harder to tell which setting solved the original problem.
Account, app, and console scope: the distinction that prevents surprises
Xbox privacy decisions can look similar while applying in different places. Use this scope guide when deciding where to work:
| Scope | Example | What a change does not guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Friends, followers, clubs, communication, or multiplayer choices for a profile. | It does not automatically change another profile in the household. |
| Family-member account | An organizer changes a child’s privacy or data-collection choice. | It does not grant the child authority to remove organizer restrictions. |
| App or game | A title’s own account, chat, or privacy controls. | It is not controlled entirely by Xbox’s optional diagnostic switch. |
| Console when nobody is signed in | Allow optional data collection under System > Console info. | It does not rewrite each user’s account preferences. |
When a privacy or data change does not seem to work
Use this order so you do not widen permissions simply to test a feature.
- Confirm the profile. Check who is signed in on the console or which family member is selected online.
- Confirm the category. Friend requests, communication, multiplayer, app permissions, and data collection are separate controls.
- Save the online form. If you changed settings in a browser, select Submit before closing the page.
- Check the unsigned-in case. If the behavior occurs before anyone signs in, review Settings > System > Console info > Allow optional data collection.
- Look for a game-specific control. A publisher’s account, chat, or privacy setting may govern what happens inside that game.
- Recheck after the console or service refreshes. The reviewed Microsoft guidance does not establish a universal propagation time, so do not rely on a promised number of minutes.
- Use current Xbox Support if the issue persists. Menu labels and service behavior can change, and support can identify a software- or account-specific problem.
Do not set every option to “Allow” or “Everyone” as a diagnostic shortcut. That can expose more activity or communication than intended and may not resolve a problem caused by the wrong account or a game’s own service.
Practical choices for common household situations
You want fewer unsolicited social contacts
Open the social category and review Friends, followers & clubs. Keep communication and multiplayer settings unchanged unless those are also part of the problem.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11You want a child to play with known friends
Use the organizer account, select the child, and review communication and multiplayer choices alongside social visibility. Choose the audience that supports the child’s actual group rather than opening all contact options.
You want to reduce optional Microsoft diagnostics
Use Data collection for the relevant signed-in account, or the family-member path for a child. If the console is sometimes used without anyone signed in, review the separate console-level choice as well.
You are concerned about a particular game’s data use
Keep the Xbox diagnostic decision separate from the game’s publisher policy. Review the game’s own account, privacy, and communication controls; Microsoft notes that information may be shared with a publisher when its online game or app is used.
Microsoft’s privacy tools beyond the console
Microsoft identifies both the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard and Xbox privacy settings as places to access, delete, and manage data. These tools complement the console controls; they do not turn the separate categories into one switch. Use the dashboard when you need to review account data, and use Xbox settings when you need to change social, communication, family, app, or diagnostic behavior.
Microsoft’s Xbox team wrote in an Xbox Wire article dated September 15, 2020: “Trust among our users is crucial, and moving ahead, we’ll continue to listen and support your preferences on your data collection and privacy.” That statement describes the company’s stated approach, while the controls above are the practical places where a user makes the choices.
Quick Recap
A concise review checklist
- Identify whether the goal is social visibility, communication or multiplayer, app privacy, or optional diagnostics.
- Check whether the change belongs to your account, a child’s account, or the console when nobody is signed in.
- Use the console path that matches the category and verify the selected profile.
- When using the online settings page, select Submit.
- Do not treat optional diagnostic controls as a block on every game publisher or app.
- Choose deliberately instead of defaulting to the most open audience.
- If the result is unexpected, recheck the account and category before contacting support.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
