THESE three quick tricks will keep improving your phone’s security.
You may be tempted to download a security subscription to protect your Android from hackers or thieves.
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But there are free, ready-to-use security tricks hidden on your phone – you just have to know where to look.
Here are three life-saving tips that will help you lock your phone, according to Computer World.
1. Safe Browsing
Chrome’s Safe Browsing Mode is enabled by default, but there is a newer and more effective version.
Called “Enhanced Safe Browsing,” it works “in the background to provide faster, proactive protection against dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions,” according to Google’s website.
Here’s how to access it:
- Open Chrome on your Android.
- Select the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the app.
- Select Settings > Privacy & Security > Safe Browsing. Tap the dot next to “Enhanced protection.”
An extra handy tip: go back to Chrome’s Settings menu and select ‘Security Check’.
This opens a handy one-tap tool for scanning browser settings and saved passwords, and notifies you of any potential breaches or vulnerabilities in your security.
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2. Smart lock
Android’s Smart Lock feature is designed to make security easier by pausing the extra protections when you get your hands on them.
This allows you to keep your phone unlocked automatically when you are in a trusted place, such as your home or office, or when you are connected to a frequently used Bluetooth device, such as your earbuds.
Here’s how, depending on your device type:
- For Android 12 and above: Android Settings > Security > Advanced Settings.
- For previous Android versions, open Android Settings > Security > Screen lock.
- For Samsung devices: Settings > Lock screen.
3. Lockdown mode
No not That kind of confinement.
The handy Android setting called “Lockdown Mode” gives you an easy way to temporarily lock your phone.
In this mode, only a pattern, PIN, or password can get a person past your lock screen and into your device.
It temporarily locks your phone from all biometric and Smart Lock security options.
The idea is this: if you ever found yourself in a situation where you were forced to unlock your phone with your fingerprint or face, you could activate the lock mode.
Your data will remain under lock and key until you give explicit permission.
No notifications will appear on your lock screen while the mode is on.
However, there are a few caveats.
First, you must have an upgrade to Android 9 or later.
Second, the mode must be enabled ahead time needed to be available in case of emergency.
To check if it’s activated, open your Android settings and search for the word “lock” and enable the toggle next to “Show lock option.”
Once enabled, you should see the words “Lockdown” or “Lockdown Mode” when you hold down your phone’s power button.
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s a handy backup in case your device ever ends up in the wrong hands.