Your Android phone controls a large part of your digital life and it's time to get it up and running. With a few well-tuned options you can gain a lot of security and privacy. without sacrificing important everyday functions. In this guide, we'll tell you, step by step, what to turn off, what to maintain, and what to thoroughly check.
There is no such thing as absolute privacy, but you can close unnecessary doors and reduce tracking. The key is to decide wisely what to deactivate and what to leave active., understanding the impact each setting has on your apps and system performance.
Where to Start: Security and Privacy on Android
Open Settings and go to Security & Privacy. On some phones, this section appears divided, but the idea is the same: You will see a panel with the general status of the device, recommendations and shortcuts to correct problems.
A message like "Everything OK" may appear at the top if there are no alerts, or "The device is at risk" if there are any weaknesses that need to be addressed. When you see a warning, tap to go directly to the fix. (for example, setting a screen lock or enabling app analytics).
Privacy Dashboard and Permissions Manager
Under Security & 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 abuse (for example, if an app requests location or microphone requests too many times).
In Privacy > Permission Manager you have fine control. You can decide whether an app always accesses, only while in use, must ask every time, or not at all.Remove permissions that don't add anything and leave only the essentials for the functions you do need.
Permissions worth reviewing closely (Android 14 and later versions): 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 asking for permission for Photos and Video, Android 14 allows you to grant full access, deny access, or choose specific items. To post an image without exposing your entire gallery, select only those photos.If you've already given full permission, change it to "Always ask" and select it next time.
With location, you decide per app whether to use the precise position or only an approximate one. Reserve the exact location for navigation or services that really need it; for most people, an approximate area will suffice.
Under Privacy > Connected Health, you centralize health data permissions. Check which apps read or write to this hub and remove 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). Turn it on in Security & Privacy > Device unlock; without this blockade, the rest of the measures lose much of their effectiveness.
Turn on Enhanced PIN Privacy in Screen Lock Settings. Turning off typing animations makes it harder for someone to guess your PIN. by prying eyes or accidental recordings.
In Privacy, you can disable Show Passwords so that the last character is not visible when typing. It's a simple detail that reduces exposure when recording a screen. or glances over the shoulder.
Camera and microphone: quick cuts when needed
Under Security & 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 you have granted permissions; perfect for meetings or sensitive environments.
Additionally, when an app is using the camera or microphone, you'll see indicators at the top. If you detect unexpected activity, review permissions and cut off access. until we understand why you are requesting it.
Google Play Protect: What it is, how to set it up, and why you should keep it.
Play Protect checks for harmful behavior on your apps and devices. Analyze Google Play apps before downloading them and scan your phone. to detect potentially harmful software (malware) of any origin.
If it finds a risk, it can warn you, disable the app, or delete it automatically. It also launches 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 activate “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 sending reduces shared data, but also the ability to detect new threats.; consider keeping it active for safety.
How the analysis works and what data Google may receive to protect you
Play Protect checks apps upon installation and performs periodic scans. If it detects a suspicious app, it will notify you to uninstall, disable or delete it. if it is confirmed as harmful.
To protect you from malware and dangerous URLs, Google may receive information about your network connections, potentially harmful URLs, operating system, and installed apps (from Play or other sources). If an app or URL is not safe, it may warn you or block its installation. and, in some cases, eliminate it.
You can disable some protections in device settings; however, Google may continue to receive certain information from apps installed through PlayMaintain 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 for a while (Android 6.0 to 10). After approximately 3 months of inactivity, the granted permissions are automatically revoked. in non-essential apps.
To manage it: 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 used” for an app, remember that Play Protect will not grant them again on its own., although it will not restore any others that you have not touched.
Play Protect Certification and the "Device is not certified" error
Play Protect certification and app analysis are different things. If you see the error "The device is not certified", do not try to fix Play Protect.; follow the steps to correct the certification.
To verify certification: Open Google Play Store > profile icon > Settings > About and check “Play Protect Certification". If the error appears, tap “Fix device problem” and follow the instructions. onscreen.
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 location data being sent to Google, but you lose that safety net.. In general, it pays to keep it active, or use apps like Prey to strengthen that function.
If you still want to disable it, go to Security & Privacy > Device Finder and toggle the switch. Take it as a conscious decision: more privacy, fewer recovery options in case of incident.
Notifications on the lock screen
To avoid prying eyes, configure what is displayed when your phone is locked: Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen. You can hide content, show all, or limit conversations. and chats. If you tend to leave your phone in plain sight, this is a key adjustment.
Minimize the data you send to Google
Under Security & Privacy > Privacy > Account Activity Controls, you can turn off web and app activity, location history, YouTube history, and ad personalization. You will reduce your footprint on your Google account without losing essential phone functions.
Under Privacy > Ads, you can manage your advertising ID: reset it or limit personalization. Under Security & Privacy > More security & privacy, turn off “Personalize using app data.” if you prefer that Android not combine data shared by other apps.
In that same section you will find “Usage and diagnosis”. By disabling it you stop sending metrics about usage, battery and stability to Google, cutting telemetry from the system.
Google services worth checking out
In Settings > Google you'll see a panel with account and system services. Not everyone is critical; go in and decide what brings you value. and what you prefer to disable for privacy.
- 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 Apps Settings > Connected Apps, review which third-party apps have access to your account, what data they see, and unlink any you no longer use. Periodic cleaning 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 fronts. In General, disable recent pages, personal results, and trending autocomplete. if you don't want them.
In Notifications, turn off reminders, proactive alerts, weather, or commuting if they bother you. Turn on Safe Search if you are interested in filtering explicit content. and adjust Personal Results and Personalization to your liking.
In Google Assistant, set up routines, reminders, and “You” data (addresses, contacts, sources, etc.). In Voice you can disable OK Google detection to avoid background listening., adjust languages ​​and filter out bad words.
Networks, Private DNS and VPN
A private DNS helps you avoid carrier blocks, reduce DNS tracking, and improve query security. Set it up in Network Settings by choosing a provider with good privacy policies. (for example, with DNS-over-TLS support).
If you use public WiFi or want to hide your IP, consider a reliable VPN and Learn how to turn WiFi on and off automatically. A VPN encrypts traffic and mitigates risks on open networks.Avoid opaque or free providers of dubious reputation.
Some manufacturers add secure Wi-Fi, native app locks, or extra security panels. Explore the privacy section of your layer to take advantage of specific features. and limits 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 holes beyond the mobile and periodically review the activity.
Loss or theft: what to do to improve Android security
If you lose your phone, go to Find My Device from another computer or browser. You can locate it on the map, make it ring, block it or erase its contents.Keeping this feature enabled is a very effective anti-scare policy.
It's a good idea to add medical information and emergency contacts that are visible without unlocking. This information can be vital in accidents or if someone finds your phone.; configure it from the 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 fit with an app's primary function. and check descriptions and reviews before installing.
If you're looking for more privacy while browsing, consider privacy-focused options and adjust your browser accordingly. You can also consider search engines that don't track you as much. if the functions of the big ones are not essential to you.
Pay attention to privacy on social networks: Think about what you share and with whom, adjust the visibility and limit public data. What you publish can easily be made accessible to third parties.
With these settings and habits you will have a much more robust mobile: Well-configured lock, fine-tuned permissions, less telemetry, and Play Protect and Find My Device active They place you in a very sensible balance between safety and comfort. Share the guide to improve privacy and security on Android.