Third-party app settings
Introduction to third-party apps
In the Apple ecosystem, there are two kinds of apps available:
First-party apps: Developed by Apple, such as Messages, Calendar, Safari, or FaceTime.
Third-party apps: Developed by companies and organizations other than Apple, such as Instagram, YouTube, Threads, or Google.
Third-party apps are available on the App Store or alternative app stores. Their account settings and controls may vary from apps developed by Apple, and some of those controls may only be accessible inside the app or through the third-party app developer’s website. This distinction is important, because third-party apps generally require extra steps to manage sharing and privacy settings.
Apple settings for third-party apps
Some settings for third-party apps can be managed in the Settings app. These settings include what Apple device functionality the app can access and use. Some examples include access to Location, Contacts, Photos, or the ability to send notifications.
To manage these settings, go to Settings 
, scroll down, then tap the app you want to manage.
Third-party settings only available in-app
Some third-party app settings cannot be managed through Apple, and instead can only be managed directly in-app. To manage how third-party apps are sharing information with others, open the app and navigate to account settings. These settings may be listed under another name such as “Preferences,” and some settings may be listed in different sections of account settings. Important areas to review are any safety, security, privacy, data sharing, and discoverability settings. For some apps, searching their support articles or FAQs will be necessary to find all the available settings to manage.
Note: In some cases, certain settings, such as deleting your account or requesting a copy of your data, may only be available to manage through the third-party app developer’s website. If you want to change account settings you must sign in to the third-party app’s website and update the settings from there.
Blocking, muting, and unfriending
Managing relationships within the Apple ecosystem does not extend to individuals and communications in a third-party app. For example, blocking someone in Messages, Phone, or FaceTime don’t result in them being blocked in Instagram. Those relationships must be managed from within the third-party app itself. Check the third-party app’s support site for more information on temporarily or permanently blocking, muting, or unfriending a user.