Almost everyone owns an Android. They’re affordable and freely available, but they’re not as secure as their iOS counterparts. There are many ways they could be intercepted, so we ran through what you can do to keep them safe. These will also make sure your privacy is at its best. Let’s make your android more secure!
A Lock
The most obvious way to make your phone more secure is by placing a lock. It doesn’t have to be an Android for you to make use of this point. Some locks are more secure than others. Using a passcode with a bunch of random numbers and letters would be very hard to crack.
Speaking of locks, you might have a Samsung device. One of the best features that they offer is their smart-locks. It detects when your phone is in your hand, unlocking it. But once off you, it automatically keeps itself safe. If you’re someone who tends to forget to lock their phone, this is golden.
More flagship devices come with superb biometric sensors. Unfortunately, someone could guess your passcode. They can’t steal your fingerprint, so your phone would be secure. They come with face-unlocks too, which makes it impossible for anyone to break-in.
Hide Your Sensitive Information
Android phones come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why depending on the manufacturer you’re working with, you may get different options to hide sensitive information. For example, Samsung lets you create a vault that private mode opens. You’ll be able to enter it with a passcode.
Huawei’s private mode in phones like the P30 Lite takes you to a different home screen. Instead of unlocking with your index finger, you can do so with your middle-finger. It would look different from your regular set up. Your information would be stored there.
A Virtual Private Network
Compared to Apple devices, Android is not as secure. This is the harsh truth, as they are open-sourced. They are also the most common device type, so hackers find them easier to access. Thankfully, Virtual Private Networks exist. They hide your IP address. Unfortunately, with your IP address, hackers can DDOS and even DOX you. The programs also make your connection encrypted, so people can’t see what you are doing with your internet.
The thing is, some VPNs do more harm than good. You should probably work with one that’s paid. If it’s free, keep in mind that it has to make money somehow. That’s why it may be selling your information, putting your privacy on the line. Its encryptions may also not be secure, which would take you back to where you started.
The Google Play Store
Speaking of Virtual Private Networks, you’ll have to download them from the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, the tech giant is not the most thorough with the developers they work with. That’s why there’s a range of malicious apps in place. This could be the VPN you’re looking at. It’s always recommended that you go through what others have said in the reviews before taking the leap.
Something that Android lets you do that iOS doesn’t, is download applications out of the Store. This would be from a developer’s site. As you can imagine, this can be risky. It’s recommended that you generally don’t do this, but go through reviews if you must. You might not be able to download something like Spotify otherwise.
Update Android
Not only is the operating system open-sourced, but it can be loaded with skins too. If they’re heavy, the length of time it takes carriers and manufacturers to update them may vary. That’s why you’re recommended to go for something light, like Nord’s OxygenOS. You could go the extra mile and pick up a Stock Android unit. It would be completely naked.
Why is updating your phone important? Because Google deals with any security patches you may have. You can enable auto-updates on your handset. This would keep its security on high at all times.
Rooting
As an Android user, you might be tempted to root your device. You’ll get full control of it, becoming a “superuser”. Although this comes with a range of benefits, you may download things that could wreak havoc on its system. What’s more, rooting compromises your phone’s security model. Malware specifically looks for such compromises, making its way through the cracks. Moreover, rooting voids any warranty or coverage you may have. Many things could go wrong – you could drop your phone into a pool, or have a faulty battery.
Find My Device
You probably didn’t know this, but your phone has a tracking feature. To find it, go to your handset’s Settings, Google, Security, and then Find My Device. If it is ever missing, you can visit Android.com/find and log into your Google account. In the blink of an eye, your phone would be tracked. Just make sure that you have enabled Location on it – this would let the program easily find it.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, Android phones aren’t as secure as their Apple counterparts. You may download all sorts of software outside of the Google Play Store. They could be malicious, which puts you in harm’s way. You also may find harmful applications on the store itself. Remember that Google isn’t the most thorough with who they allow on board.
Make sure that your phone is regularly receiving updates. It updates for a reason – they not only optimize your performance but also handle any security patches. This might be easier said than done, though. Depending on the brand and how old your phone is, you might not regularly receive them.
One of the most important things to do is ensure that you don’t root your handset. You are compromising its security model, which malware actively look for. Speaking of malware, using a VPN is great. Your connection is secure, so no one would be able to intercept. Your IP is hidden too.
If you want to make your android more secure from harmful programs and hackers, keep these tips in mind.
Belayet Hossain is a Senior Tech Expert and Certified AI Marketing Strategist. Holding an MSc in CSE (Russia) and over a decade of experience since 2011, he combines traditional systems engineering with modern AI insights. Specializing in Vibe Coding and Intelligent Marketing, Belayet provides forward-thinking analysis on software, digital trends, and SEO, helping readers navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Connect with Belayet Hossain on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or read my complete biography.