- Review Security and Privacy: Dashboard, alerts, and permissions with granular control.
- Keep Play Protect active and manage sample submissions wisely.
- Crop data from Google: activity, ads, usage, and diagnostics.
- Strengthen connections with private DNS/VPN and take care of installation habits.
Absolute privacy doesn't exist, but you can close unnecessary doors and reduce tracking. The key is to make smart decisions about what to disable and what to leave active , understanding the impact each setting has on your apps and the system's operation.
Where to Start: Security and Privacy on Android
Open Settings and go to Security and Privacy. On some phones this section appears divided, but the idea is the same: you'll see a panel with the device's general status , recommendations, and shortcuts to fix problems.
At the top, you might see a message like "All good" if there are no alerts, or "Device at risk" if there's a vulnerability that needs addressing. When you see a warning, tap it to go directly to the fix (for example, setting up a screen lock or enabling app analysis).
Privacy Dashboard and Permissions Manager
Within Security and Privacy > Privacy, you'll find the Privacy Dashboard. Here you can see who has used which permissions in the last 24 hours. Use it as a quick audit to detect abuses (for example, if an app requests your location or microphone too often).
In Privacy > Permission Manager, you have fine-grained control. You can decide whether an app has access always, only while in use, must request it each time, or has no access at all . Remove permissions that don't add any value and keep only what's essential for the functions you actually need.
Permissions that should be reviewed closely (Android 14 and current layers): adjust them granularly for each app.
- Physical activity: movement data for health and sports apps.
- Files: Read/Write device storage.
- Calendar: view and create events.
- Camera: Use the sensor for photos and video within apps.
- Contacts: reading and using your address book.
- Nearby devices: detection and connection to nearby devices.
- Photos and video: Access your stored media.
- Microphone: audio recording (attendees, notes, voice messages).
- Music and audio: access to audio files.
- Notifications: reading/managing notifications.
- Call log: access to call history.
- Connected Health: Health data center (read/write by apps).
- Body sensors: access to biometric and related sensors.
- SMS: reading messages (OTP codes and similar).
- Telephone: make and manage calls.
- Location: GPS, configurable as precise or approximate.
- Additional permissions: manufacturer-specific or less common options.
Fine-grained control of photos, location, and health data
When requesting permission for Photos and videos, Android 14 lets you grant full access, deny it, or choose specific items. To post an image without exposing your entire gallery, select only those photos . If you've already granted full permission, change it to "Always ask" and select it next time.
With location services, you decide per app whether to use precise or approximate location. Reserve precise location for navigation or services that truly need it ; for most, an approximate area will suffice.
In Privacy > Connected Health, you centralize health data permissions. Review which apps read or write to this hub and remove any unnecessary access, especially if you install new fitness apps.
Device lock, PIN and passwords
The first line of defense is the screen lock (PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face). Activate it in Security and privacy > Device unlock ; without this lock, the other measures lose much of their effectiveness.
Activate Enhanced PIN Privacy in Screen Lock settings. By disabling typing animations, you make it harder for someone to guess your PIN through prying eyes or accidental recordings.
In Privacy settings, you can disable "Show passwords" so that the last character you type isn't visible. It's a simple detail that reduces exposure in case of screen recording or over-the-shoulder glances.
Camera and microphone: quick cuts when needed
Under Security and Privacy > Privacy, you have two switches: Camera Access and Microphone Access. Temporarily turn them off to prevent any app from using these sensors , even if it has granted permissions; perfect for meetings or sensitive environments.
Additionally, when an app uses the camera or microphone, you'll see indicators at the top. If you notice any unexpected activity, review the permissions and restrict access until you understand why it's requesting them.
Google Play Protect: What it is, how to set it up, and why you should keep it.
Play Protect checks for harmful behavior in your apps and devices. It analyzes apps from Google Play before you download them and scans your phone for potentially harmful software (malware) from any source.
If it detects a risk, it can warn you, disable the app, or automatically remove it. It also issues privacy alerts when it detects apps that abuse permissions or violate unwanted software policies.
It's enabled by default and it's recommended to leave it that way. To manage it: open Google Play Store > profile icon > Play Protect > Settings and enable "Scan apps with Play Protect".
In that same menu, you can enable "Improve detection of harmful apps" to automatically send samples of unknown apps to Google. Disabling this reduces the amount of data shared, but also the ability to detect new threats ; consider keeping it enabled for security reasons.
How the analysis works and what data Google may receive to protect you
Play Protect checks apps upon installation and performs regular scans. If it detects a suspicious app, it will notify you to uninstall it, disable it, or delete it if it's confirmed to be harmful.
To protect you from malware and dangerous URLs, Google may collect information about your network connections, potentially harmful URLs, operating system, and installed apps (from the Play Store or other sources). If an app or URL is unsafe, Google may warn you, block its installation , and in some cases, remove it.
You can disable some protections in your device settings; however, Google may still receive some information from apps installed through the Play Store . Strike a balance: prioritize security without losing sight of your privacy.
Permissions that are reset on rarely used apps
To protect your privacy, Play Protect can reset permissions for apps that haven't been used in a while (Android 6.0 to 10). After about 3 months of inactivity, permissions granted to non-essential apps are automatically revoked.
To manage this: Google Play Store > profile icon > Play Protect > Settings > Unused app permissions. There you can see which permissions have been reset and prevent them from being removed for a specific app , if you really need it.
If you choose "Remove permissions if the app is not in use" for an app, remember that Play Protect will not automatically grant them again , although it also won't restore permissions you haven't touched.
Play Protect Certification and the "Device is not certified" error
Play Protect certification and app analysis are different things. If you see the "Device is not certified" error, don't try to fix Play Protect ; follow the steps to correct the certification.
To verify certification: Open the Google Play Store > tap your profile icon > Settings > About and check “ Play Protect Certification ”. If you see an error, tap “Fix device problem” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Find My Device: Privacy vs. Loss Protection
Find My Device lets you locate, ring, lock, or erase your phone if it's lost or stolen. Turning it off reduces the amount of location data sent to Google, but you lose that safety net . Generally, it's worth keeping it active, or using apps like Prey to strengthen that feature.
If you still wish to disable it, go to Security and Privacy > Device Finder and toggle the switch. Consider this a conscious decision: more privacy, fewer recovery options in case of an incident.
Notifications on the lock screen
To avoid prying eyes, configure what's displayed when your phone is locked: Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications. You can hide the content, show everything, or limit conversations and chats. If you often leave your phone in plain sight, this is a key setting.
Minimize the data you send to Google
In Security and privacy > Privacy > Your account activity controls, you can turn off web and app activity, location history, YouTube history, and ad personalization. This will reduce your Google account footprint without losing essential phone features.
In Privacy > Ads, you can manage your advertising ID: reset it or limit personalization. In Security and privacy > More security and privacy, disable "Personalize using app data" if you prefer that Android not combine data shared by other apps.
In that same section, you'll find "Usage and diagnostics." Disabling it stops sending usage, battery, and stability metrics to Google, reducing system telemetry.
Google services worth checking out
In Settings > Google, you'll see a panel with account and system services. Not all of them are critical; go in and decide what's valuable to you and what you'd rather disable for privacy reasons.
- COVID-19 Exposure Notifications: Deprecated for Most Today
- Google App Settings: Controls Search, Assistant, Fit, and linked third-party apps.
- Ads: Limit or disable personalized advertising.
- Autofill – useful for SMS codes; Activate it only if it's worth it to you.
- Configure and restore: Restores and work profiles.
- Parental Controls: Family Link for minors.
- Device and Sharing: Integration with Chromebook, Google Cast, etc.
- Emergencies: Driving mode to reduce distractions.
- Find My Device: Essential for loss or theft.
- Back up: apps, calls, contacts, settings, photos, and SMS.
- Game Panel: Disable it if you are not using it.
- Personalize with shared data: Turn this off if you prioritize privacy.
In Google's app settings > Connected apps, review which third-party apps have access to your account, what data they see, and unlink any you no longer use. Regularly cleaning up your apps prevents unnecessary access to your information.
Search, Assistant, and Voice: Trim what you don't need
In Google > Google app settings > Search, Assistant & voice, you can mute many data features. Under General, disable recent pages, personalized results, and trending autocomplete if you don't want them.
In Notifications, stop reminders, proactive alerts, weather, or traffic updates if they bother you. Turn on SafeSearch if you want to filter explicit content , and adjust Personal Results and Personalization to your liking.
In Google Assistant, you can set up routines, reminders, and personal information (addresses, contacts, fonts, etc.). In Voice, you can disable OK Google detection to prevent background listening , adjust languages, and filter out offensive words.
Networks, Private DNS and VPN
A private DNS helps you avoid ISP blocks, reduce DNS tracking, and improve the security of your queries. Configure it in Network Settings by choosing a provider with good privacy policies (for example, one that supports DNS-over-TLS).
If you use public Wi-Fi or want to hide your IP address, consider a reliable VPN and learn how to automatically turn Wi-Fi on and off . A VPN encrypts your traffic and mitigates risks on open networks ; avoid opaque or free providers with questionable reputations.
Some manufacturers add secure Wi-Fi, native app locking, or extra security panels. Explore your skin's privacy settings to unlock specific features and limit the sending of statistics to the manufacturer whenever possible.
Passwords, backups, and your account security check
Android and your Google account can alert you if your passwords appear in known breaches. Go to Settings > Autofill > Passwords and run the check ; change any compromised credentials and enable two-step verification.
In Settings > Google > Manage Google Account > Security, you'll find a centralized analysis of connected devices, logins, and recommendations. Complete the check to close vulnerabilities beyond your mobile device and regularly review your activity.
Loss or theft: what to do to improve Android security
If you lose your phone, access Find My Device from another device or your browser. You'll be able to locate it on a map, make it ring, lock it, or erase its contents . Keeping this feature enabled is a very effective way to avoid unpleasant surprises.
It's a good idea to add medical information and emergency contacts that are visible even when the phone is unlocked. This information can be vital in case of an accident or if someone finds your phone ; configure it in your security settings.
Android security best practices that make a difference
Avoid installing apps from unknown sources and keep your system updated. Be wary of permissions that don't match an app's main function and check descriptions and ratings before installing.
If you're looking for more privacy while browsing, consider privacy-focused options and adjust your browser settings accordingly. You might also consider search engines that don't track you as much if the features of the major search engines aren't essential for you.
Pay attention to privacy on social media: think about what you share and with whom, adjust your visibility , and limit public information. What you post can easily become accessible to third parties.
With these adjustments and habits, you'll have a much more robust phone: a well-configured lock screen, fine-tuned permissions, less telemetry, and active Play Protect and Find My Device put you in a very sensible balance between security and convenience. Share this guide to improve privacy and security on Android.