Bluesky Privacy & Security Guide 2026
Bluesky offers strong built-in controls for professionals but the AT Protocol's open architecture means every post is technically public-readable forever.
Use App passwords for every third-party client instead of your account password. Bluesky’s open API means third-party clients are the norm rather than the exception, and an app password can be revoked on its own. Then turn search-engine indexing off, set Who can reply to you to Followed users, and consider a domain handle so the identity is portable off the instance.
Key steps to lock down Bluesky in 2026
- Profile → Settings → Privacy.
- Set profile to Private (limited followers approval).
- Turn off search engine indexing.
- Set Who can reply to you to Followed users.
- Use App passwords for third-party clients instead of your main password.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Pick a self-hosted handle (your own domain) for better identity portability.
Quick checklist
- Profile visibility: Private or friends-only
- Search engine indexing: Off
- Location sharing: Off
- Two-factor authentication: Enabled (authenticator app, not SMS)
- Data partner sharing / personalized ads: Off
- Linked apps + sessions: Audited and revoked where unfamiliar
Why these settings still aren't enough
Even with every Bluesky setting locked down, your data still leaks through three channels these settings can't reach: historical exposures already in breach corpora, third-party scrapers that mirrored your old public data, and people-search aggregators that re-list your details every time you remove them. That's where continuous external monitoring becomes essential.
How Warden extends your Bluesky privacy
Warden by GalaxyWarden monitors Bluesky usernames and AT Protocol posts.
Run a free Warden scan to see exactly what is exposed about you across every platform — not just Bluesky.
