Android is the most popular operating system in the world, with more than 3 billion active devices. However, its popularity has also made it a target for hackers and cybercriminals who want to steal your personal and company data.
How to Use the Security Settings Feature on Android
Therefore, it is important for you to know how to use the security settings features on Android to keep your device safe and protected.
Security Settings Features on Android
Android features various security settings that you can customize according to your needs and preferences. Some of the security setting features on Android include:
App Permissions
App permissions are a feature that lets you control the access of apps you download to your personal information, such as your microphone, camera, or location. You can grant or deny permissions for specific apps, or change their permissions at any time in your device settings.
To change app permissions, follow these steps:
- On your device, open the Settings app.
- Tap Security & Privacy > Privacy > Permission manager.
- Tap the permission type you want to change.
- You will see a list of apps that request this permission. Tap the app for which you want to change permissions, then choose your permission settings.
You can also disable permissions for apps you haven’t used in a while. Android will automatically disable permissions for apps you haven’t opened in a few months, so they won’t continue to have access to your data. You can reactivate the permissions at any time.
Google Play Protect
Google Play Protect is a feature that helps you download apps without worrying about whether they will damage your device or steal your data. will scan your apps carefully every day, and notify you if it detects any malicious apps. You can also check the security status of your app at any time in the Google Play Store.
To check the security status of your app, follow these steps:
- On your device, open Google Play Store.
- Tap the menu icon in the top left corner, then tap Play Protect.
- You’ll see a list of apps that have been scanned, and whether any problems were found.
- You can also enable or disable the Scan device for security threats, Enhance malicious app detection, or Send unknown apps feature for additional protection.
Google Safe Browsing
Is a feature that allows you to browse the web with confidence, protecting you from dangerous sites and files. Google Safe Browsing will warn you if you try to open a suspicious site or file, and direct you to a safe place so you don’t encounter malware or phishing scams.
To enable or disable, follow these steps:
- On your device, open the Chrome app.
- Tap the menu icon in the top right corner, then tap Settings.
- Tap Privacy and security > Safe Browsing.
- Select an option: Enhanced, Standard, or None.
Passwords and Biometrics
Passwords and biometrics are features that help you lock your device so that it cannot be accessed by others. You can use a pattern, PIN, password, or fingerprint to unlock your device. You can also use the Smart Lock feature to automatically unlock your device at a trusted location, device, or face.
To set your password and biometrics, follow these steps:
- On your device, open the Settings app.
- Tap Security > Screen password.
- Select the type of password you want to use, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- Tap Biometrics, then select the type of biometric you want to use, such as Fingerprint or Face.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add or remove your biometrics.
Conclusion
The security settings feature on Android is an important feature for you to use to keep your device safe and protected from cyber threats.
You can set app permissions, Google Play Protect, Google Safe Browsing, passwords and biometrics according to your needs and preferences. Thus, you can use your Android device comfortably and confidently.