⚠ WARNING: Would I recommend Temu? No. Are you going to use it anyway? If so — here’s the damage control. But read this first: security researchers and a 2023 class action lawsuit describe this app as functioning like spyware. The safest move is to not install it at all.
Temu is a Chinese-owned e-commerce platform. Security researchers and legal filings have described the Temu app as requesting near-total device access — camera, microphone, contacts, location, storage, and more — far beyond what any shopping app could reasonably justify. In 2023, a class action lawsuit alleged Temu’s app functions as dangerous spyware.
Recommendation: Do not install Temu on a device that contains sensitive personal or financial information.
If you do use Temu, use it on a secondary or “burner” device. That’s not hyperbole. That’s damage control.
DO / DON’T
DO:
- If you must use Temu, use it on a secondary device that doesn’t contain your banking, medical, or personal data
- Review all permissions the app requests — deny everything not strictly required for shopping
- Delete your account and data when finished
DON’T:
- Grant Temu access to your contacts, microphone, or camera
- Link your main credit card — use a virtual card or prepaid card instead
- Allow Temu to run in the background
- Install Temu on a device shared with children
App Permissions (Device Level)
After installing (if you choose to), review permissions immediately — don’t wait:
iPhone: Settings → Temu → review each permission category — deny Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Location (set to “Never” or “While Using” at most)
Android: Settings → Apps → Temu → Permissions — revoke all non-essential permissions
Account Security
Path: Account > Settings > Account Security
- Use a strong, unique password not shared with any other service
- Enable any available 2-Factor Authentication
- Do NOT register using “Sign in with Google/Facebook” — this links your social profiles to Temu’s data collection
Privacy Settings
Path: Account > Settings > Privacy
- Personalized Ads: Turn OFF
- Review all listed permissions and disable anything not required for order fulfillment
- Disable any data sharing with third parties
Downloading Your Data
Path: Temu app > Account > Settings > Privacy > Download Your Data
Request a copy of all data Temu has collected about you. Review it. The scope of what they collect is worth seeing before you decide whether to continue using the platform.
Deleting Your Account
Path: Account > Settings > Account Security > Delete Account
Follow the prompts to submit a deletion request. Verify via the data download that your information has been removed. Uninstall the app after deletion.
If you’ve already installed Temu: go to your device settings right now and revoke every permission except what’s required for basic shopping. Camera, microphone, and contacts have no legitimate use for a shopping app. Remove them.