Your Android phone is not only a communication and entertainment device but also a treasure trove of sensitive data, including passwords, credit card information, and emails. Protecting this valuable information is crucial to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands through cyberattacks.
While many Android phones come equipped with built-in security features like biometrics, it is essential to customize your device settings to meet your privacy needs. Taking the time to ensure your Android phone is properly secured can save you from potential data breaches and unauthorized access.
Fortunately, modern versions of Android offer a range of protection tools that are built-in and readily available. While some important security settings may be configured during the initial setup, it is worth periodically reviewing and adjusting them to maintain a secure environment.
In this article, we will explore the essential built-in security features of Android that everyone should be familiar with. Although the screenshots provided depict stock Android 10, the functions may vary slightly on your specific device. By understanding and utilizing these security features, you can strengthen the protection of your Android phone and safeguard your sensitive data effectively.
Default Android Security Settings
1. Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect is a built-in security feature on Android devices that helps keep your device safe from harmful apps. It automatically scans apps before and after you download them, checks for any malicious behavior, and removes or disables harmful apps from your device. To ensure Google Play Protect is enabled on your device, follow these steps:
– Open the Play Store app on your Android phone.
– Tap on your profile picture located in the top-right corner of the screen.
– Select “Play Protect” from the drop-down menu.
– If Google Play Protect is enabled, you will see recent scans and any harmful apps found. If it’s not enabled, proceed to the next step.
– Tap on the gear icon in the top-right corner.
– Toggle the switch for “Scan apps with Play Protect” to enable it.
2. Find My Device
Find My Device is a useful feature that helps you locate your Android device if it gets lost or stolen. It allows you to track the location of your device, play a sound to help locate it, lock it remotely, and even erase its data if necessary. To ensure Find My Device is enabled on your device, follow these steps:
– Go to the Settings app on your Android phone.
– Scroll down and select “Google” or “Google Services & Preferences.”
– Tap on “Security” or “Security & Location.”
– Look for the option labeled “Find My Device” or “Find My Phone.”
– Toggle the switch to enable it.
3. Device Encryption
Device encryption is a crucial security feature that protects your data by encrypting it and making it unreadable without the correct decryption key. Depending on your phone manufacturer, there may be different encryption options available. For Samsung devices, there are a few encryption features you can utilize:
– Secure Folder: Secure Folder allows you to create a separate, protected area on your phone to store sensitive files and data. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring a separate authentication method to access the contents of the Secure Folder.
– Encrypt SD Card: This feature encrypts the data stored on your SD card, making it only readable by your device. It prevents unauthorized access to your data if your SD card is lost or stolen.
– Secure Wi-Fi: Secure Wi-Fi provides protection when connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your data secure from potential eavesdropping or interception.
To enable these features on your Samsung device, follow these steps:
– Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
– Scroll down and select “Biometrics and Security” or “Lock Screen and Security.”
– Look for the relevant feature you want to set up (Secure Folder, Secure Wi-Fi, or Encrypt SD Card).
– Follow the on-screen instructions to set up and customize each feature according to your preferences.
Basic Android Security Settings
4. App Permissions
App permissions control the access that apps have to various features and data on your Android device. It’s important to review and manage app permissions to protect your privacy and ensure apps only have access to the information they need. To manage app permissions on your Android device, follow these steps:
– Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
– Scroll down and select “Privacy” or “Apps & Notifications.”
– Look for the option labeled “App Permissions” or “Permission Manager.”
– You will see a list of different features or permissions such as camera, microphone, contacts, location, etc.
– Tap on each feature to view the apps that have permission to access it.
– Adjust the permissions for each app by toggling the switches on or off according to your preferences.
5. Lock Screen Controls
Enabling a lock screen on your Android device adds an essential layer of security by requiring a passcode, pattern, PIN, password, or biometric authentication to unlock your device. To set up or change your lock screen on your Android device, follow these steps:
– Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
– Scroll down and select “Lock Screen” or “Security & Lock Screen.”
– Depending on your device, you may need to enter your current lock screen credentials (if already set up).
– Choose the option labeled “Screen lock” or “Lock screen type.”
– Select the desired lock screen type, such as pattern, PIN, password, or biometric options like fingerprint or face unlock.
– Follow the on-screen prompts to set up and customize your chosen lock screen type.
6. Emergency Contacts:
Having emergency contacts set up on your Android device can be crucial in times of need. In case of an emergency, it allows you or others to quickly reach out to designated contacts for help. Here are the steps to set up emergency contacts on your Android device:
1. Open the Contacts app on your Android phone.
2. Find the contact you want to designate as an emergency contact.
3. Tap on the contact’s name to open their details.
4. Look for the option to add the contact to the Emergency Contacts or ICE (In Case of Emergency) field.
5. Tap on the option and select the appropriate emergency contact field.
6. You may have the option to add multiple emergency contacts.
7. Save the changes.
Once you have set up your emergency contacts, they can be accessed even when your phone is locked. This allows emergency responders or others to quickly find and call your designated contacts in case of an emergency.
Advanced Android Security Settings
Android devices offer advanced security settings that can further enhance the security of your device and personal information. Here are a few advanced security settings you can explore on your Android device:
7. Biometric Authentication:
Your Android phone may come with biometric authentication using facial recognition or fingerprint scan. To enable it, follow these steps:
– Go to the Settings app on your Android phone.
– Look for the “Biometrics and Security” or “Lock Screen and Security” option.
– Select either “Face Recognition” or “Fingerprints” depending on the biometric authentication options available on your device.
– Follow the on-screen instructions to set up and register your face or fingerprint as a biometric authentication method.
8. Lockdown Mode:
A Lockdown mode can temporarily disable biometric authentication and Smart Lock security options. That way, your Smart Lock settings or biometrics can’t be used to gain access to your phone without your permission. Here’s how to enable it:
– Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
– Navigate to the “Lock Screen” or “Security & Lock Screen” section.
– Look for the “Secure Lock Settings” option.
– Enter your current PIN or pattern to proceed.
– Find and enable the “Show Lockdown Option” toggle.
– Once enabled, you can activate Lockdown Mode by holding down the power button and selecting the “Lockdown” option from the power menu. This temporarily disables biometric authentication and Smart Lock security options, ensuring that your device requires your PIN or pattern to unlock.
9. Guest mode
Guest mode is a useful feature that allows you to create a separate user profile on your Android device specifically for guests. This ensures that when someone else is using your phone, they won’t be able to access your personal information or make any changes to the system settings.
To turn on Guest mode, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device. You can usually find it in the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.
2. Select Systems: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Systems” or “System” depending on your device.
3. Tap Advanced: Look for the “Advanced” option and tap on it. If you don’t see this option, skip to the next step.
4. Choose Multiple users: In the Advanced settings, you should see an option called “Multiple users” or “Users & accounts.” Tap on it to proceed.
5. Toggle the feature on: Look for the toggle switch next to “Guest” or “Guest mode” and turn it on. This will enable the Guest mode on your device.
6. Set up a Guest profile: Once Guest mode is enabled, you can switch to the Guest profile by tapping on the user icon in the top right corner of the screen or by swiping down the notification panel and tapping on the user icon there. This will take you to the Guest profile where your guests can use your phone without accessing your personal data.
10. Smart Lock
Smart Lock is a convenient feature that allows you to set up trusted places or devices to automatically unlock your Android phone. This eliminates the need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password every time you want to access your device in certain situations.
To set up Smart Lock, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Select Lock screen: In the Settings menu, look for the “Lock screen” or “Security” option and tap on it.
3. Choose Smart Lock: In the Lock screen settings, you should find an option called “Smart Lock” or “Smart Lock settings.” Tap on it to proceed.
4. Enter your current PIN: If prompted, enter your current PIN, pattern, or password to access the Smart Lock settings.
5. Choose an option: In the Smart Lock settings, you’ll see different options to choose from:
– On-body detection: This option keeps your phone unlocked as long as it detects that it’s on your person, such as in your pocket or hand.
– Trusted places: This option allows you to add specific locations, like your home or office, as trusted places where your phone will remain unlocked.
– Trusted devices: This option lets you pair your phone with trusted Bluetooth devices, such as your car’s audio system or a smartwatch, so that it stays unlocked when connected to them.
6. Follow the instructions: Depending on the option you choose, you may need to follow additional instructions to set up Smart Lock. For example, if you select “Trusted places,” you’ll need to add the locations you want to trust by using the map or entering the address.
Google Account Security Settings
Many security settings on your Android phone are actually controlled by Google. To ensure your device is adequately protected, it is important to review and adjust your Google account security settings.
11. Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an essential security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to your Google account. With 2FA enabled, in addition to entering your password, you’ll also need to provide a second authentication code to access your account. This code is usually sent to your phone via SMS, generated by an authentication app, or obtained through a physical security key.
To enable two-factor authentication for your Google account, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Select Google: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Google” or “Google settings.”
3. Choose Manage your Google Account: Look for the option that says “Manage your Google Account” and tap on it. This will open your Google account settings in a web browser.
4. Click Security: In your Google account settings, navigate to the “Security” tab or section.
5. Tap 2-Step Verification: Look for the option called “2-Step Verification” or “Two-factor authentication” and click on it.
6. Follow the instructions: You’ll be guided through the process of setting up two-factor authentication for your Google account. This may involve verifying your phone number, selecting a preferred method of receiving authentication codes, and setting up backup options in case you can’t access your primary method.
12 Google Security Checkup
Google Security Checkup is a valuable tool that allows you to assess and enhance the security of your Google account, which is closely linked to your Android device. By performing a Security Checkup, you can receive personalized recommendations on how to strengthen the security of your account and protect your sensitive information.
To access Google Security Checkup, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Select Google: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Google” or “Google settings.”
3. Choose Manage your Google Account: Look for the option that says “Manage your Google Account” and tap on it. This will open your Google account settings in a web browser.
4. Click Security: In your Google account settings, navigate to the “Security” tab or section.
5. Tap Security Checkup: Look for the option called “Security Checkup” and click on it.
6. Follow the instructions: Google will guide you through a series of steps to evaluate the security of your account. This may include reviewing recent account activity, checking for suspicious sign-ins, reviewing connected devices and apps, and updating recovery information.
13. Google Activity Controls
Google Activity Controls allow you to manage and control the types of data that Google can track and store while you’re using your Android phone. This includes web and app history, location history, and YouTube history. By adjusting these settings, you can have more control over the data that Google uses to personalize your experience and provide relevant recommendations.
To change Google Activity Controls, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Select Google: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on “Google” or “Google settings.”
3. Choose Manage your Google Account: Look for the option that says “Manage your Google Account” and tap on it. This will open your Google account settings in a web browser.
4. Click Data and privacy: In your Google account settings, navigate to the “Data and privacy” tab or section.
5. Scroll down to History settings: Look for the section that relates to your desired activity, such as “Web & App Activity,” “Location History,” or “YouTube History.”
6. Turn settings on or off: Tap on the respective activity setting and toggle it on or off according to your preference. You can also select “My Activity” to view and delete your history if desired.
By adjusting your Google Activity Controls, you can have more control over the data that Google collects and uses for personalized services while maintaining your privacy.
14. Safe Browsing
Safe Browsing is a feature provided by Google that helps protect your Android device from potentially harmful or malicious websites. When enabled, Safe Browsing displays warnings if you attempt to visit a suspicious site, helping you avoid potential security risks.
To turn on Safe Browsing, follow these steps:
1. Open the Chrome browser: Locate the Chrome app on your Android device’s home screen or app drawer and tap on it to open.
2. Tap the three-dot icon: In the upper right corner of the Chrome browser, you’ll see a three-dot icon. Tap on it to open the browser’s menu.
3. Choose Settings: From the menu, select “Settings.”
4. Select Privacy and security: In the Settings menu, look for the “Privacy and security” option and tap on it.
5. Click Safe Browsing: Within the Privacy and security settings, you should see an option called “Safe Browsing.” Tap on it to access the Safe Browsing settings.
6. Choose a protection level: You’ll have three options to choose from:
– Enhanced protection: This option provides the highest level of protection by sending more data to Google to identify potentially dangerous sites.
– Standard protection: This option provides moderate protection by sending limited data to Google.
– No protection: This option disables Safe Browsing entirely.
Select the protection level that aligns with your preferences and tap on it to enable.
15. Ads
Ads play a significant role in the Android ecosystem, providing revenue for developers and allowing users to access free apps and services. However, if you wish to control the personalized ads you see on your Android phone, you can manage your advertising ID. The advertising ID is a unique identifier assigned to your device, which apps and third parties use to show you targeted ads.
To reset or delete your advertising ID, follow these steps:
1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Google.
3. Look for the Ads option and tap on it.
4. Here, you will find the option to Reset advertising ID or Delete advertising ID.
16. Autofill
Autofill is a feature on Android that allows you to automatically fill in passwords, addresses, credit card information, and other data using the information saved to your Google account. It saves you time and effort by eliminating the need to manually enter this information every time you encounter a form or login page.
To view and customize Autofill settings, follow these steps:
1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Google.
3. Look for the Autofill option and tap on it.
4. Here, you will find the Autofill with Google option.
You can toggle Autofill off if you don’t want to use this feature at all, or you can customize the settings to your preferences. For example, you can choose to let Autofill enter verification codes from text messages, making the login process even more seamless.
17. Don’t Allow Unknown Install Sources Or USB Debugging
While there are certain advanced settings in Android that can be useful for tech-savvy users, they also come with potential security risks. Two such settings are “Unknown Install Sources” and “USB Debugging.”
- Unknown Install Sources:
This setting allows you to install apps from sources other than the official Google Play Store. While it can be convenient for sideloading apps, it also increases the risk of installing malicious or unverified apps. It’s recommended to keep this setting disabled unless you have a specific need to install an app from an unknown source. Enabling it temporarily and disabling it immediately after installing the desired app is a good practice to maintain security.
To disable Unknown Install Sources:
– Go to Settings.
– Select Security or Biometrics & Security (depending on your Android version).
– Look for the Unknown sources option and toggle it off.
2. USB Debugging:
USB Debugging allows your Android device to communicate with the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) on your computer. It is primarily used by developers for testing and debugging purposes. When enabled, it allows for advanced operations like pushing apps to your phone or executing commands through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
However, leaving USB Debugging enabled can pose a risk if someone gains physical access to your device. They could potentially run commands on your phone, access sensitive data, or even perform unauthorized actions. It’s crucial to disable USB Debugging when you’re not actively using it.
To disable USB Debugging:
– Go to Settings.
– Select Developer Options (if not visible, follow the steps mentioned in the “Developer Options” section to enable it).
– Look for the USB Debugging option and toggle it off.
