Today almost everyone keeps their important information on their phone. From photos, videos, current location data, and documents to mobile banking, transaction details, etc., everything is on our phones.

Although this information seems safe, you should know that there are always mobile viruses and hackers you should worry about. They can compromise your data.

In 2022, Around 15 million data records were leaked globally through data breaches in the 3rd quarter. These are scary numbers. You could be the next. That’s why you must secure your phone and keep your data safe as soon as possible.

This article will help you to understand how to set your phone for better privacy and security. Go through each point precisely and safeguard your phone.

How To Set Your Phone For Better Privacy And Security?

Most smartphones these days come with various security and privacy features. Here are a few tips you can try on your phone for better privacy and security:

1. Passcode and biometric security

Nowadays, using a passcode is one of the most common yet most necessary ways that you can use to safeguard your phone. It will restrict others from using your device and accessing your private phone data. To further improve security, you can add fingerprint or face recognition on your device.

Today biometric security is common. People use fingerprints or face recognition on top of their passcode to keep people from using their devices.

Remember to use complex and combined letter formats as a passcode, and don’t share it with anyone. And don’t use the same passwords in all your accounts. You can use the password managers application if you have difficulty remembering the passwords.

If you normally forget the passwords, you can also use authenticator apps. These applications store and back up all your other account login credentials.

Steps to set up Biometric security on Android phone

Open setting application.
Tap on Passwords& security.
Choose the type of lock you want to use (Screen lock, Fingerprint unlock, Face unlock).
Follow the instructions on the screen.

Steps to set up Biometric security on iOS device

Launch the settings application.
Scroll down and click on Touch ID & Passcode.
Click Add a Fingerprint.
Follow the instruction and proceed. Your finger will be prompted to lift and rest several times on the home button. When you complete your initial scan, you will be prompted to adjust your grip to capture the edges of your fingerprints.

The iPhone will recognize your fingerprint after you set up Touch ID.

Know About: reverse phone lookup

2. Two-factor authentication

You can skyrocket your mobile security with two-factor authentication or two-step verification on your Android or iOS.

Several applications, websites, and other platforms on Android and iOS request that you manage requirements. It requires entering the one-time-use code alongside login credentials to log in from an unfamiliar device.

So, you must verify your login credentials and the one-time use code to access the platform you want to visit. Isn’t it a great way to protect devices securely? Obviously yes.

Steps to set two-factor authentication for your Google Account from your Android phone

Launch Google’s chrome application from your device.
Click on your profile.
Tap on the “Manage your Google Account” option.
Now, click on the “Security” menu.
Click on 2-step verification.
Tap on Get Started.
Enter your password.
Enter the phone number that you want to use.
Two options are available Text and call. Choose one.
You will get the code, enter it and go for the next step.
Lastly, click on Turn on.

Steps to set two-factor authentication for your Google Account from your iOS device

Go to the Google account from your iPhone. You can use Safari or Chrome.
Sign in using login credentials.
Scroll right to the left until you see the Security option. Click on the “Security” option.
Click on 2-Step Authentication.
Tap on Get Started.
Enter your password.
Enter the phone number that you want to use.
Two options are available Text and call. Choose one.
You will get the code, enter it and go for the next step.
Lastly, click on Turn on.

3. Secure your apps

A person who gets your phone and does not know the lock screen password can’t view the messages in the notification bar if you enable lock screen previews.

And if there is a lock on each application, nothing can be better. You can either use a strong combined password or any biometric authentication to keep your phone safe.

You should keep the notification pop-up available only when the phone is unlocked. And you can also use some security applications such as NordVPN. Further, you can use other third-party applications such as Applock, to ensure a high level of privacy.

4. Keep your phone updated.

The next step you can do to set your phone for privacy and security is to keep your software up to date. The updates to software include security fixes and vulnerability patches. You will have the latest solutions when you keep your phone’s operating system and application up to date.

Also, it’s best to update both your iPhone and android apps. So, whenever your Mobile operating system or applications release the update, download and install them. But you shouldn’t try the versions under testing.

Steps to update the applications on Android phones.

Android update processes vary depending on the version and model of your phone. However, in recent phone cases, you can update your phone application by following these steps:

Open the Google PlayStore application.
Click on your profile picture.
Tap on Manage apps & Device.
Click on Updates available. Here you can see the list of application which has their update available.
Click on Update all. You can also update them one by one.

Steps to update the applications on iPhone.

Open the AppStore.
Click on your profile image.
Look down until you see a list of applications installed.
Manually update those with the option by tapping “Update.”

Steps to update the software on iPhone

Go to the Settings.
Click on General.
Now click on Software Update.
Finally, click on download and Install.

Note: A high battery percentage and an internet connection are required.

Steps to update the Google Play and security on Android phones

Launch your phone’s Settings.
Click on Security.
Check for an update:
Check for security updates by clicking Google Security Checkup.
Click Google Play system updates to see if an update is available.
Now simply follow the instructions on the screen.

Steps to update the Software on Android

Android update processes vary depending on the version and model of your phone. In most cases, however, you can update your device by following these steps:

Open the Settings application on your Android phone.
Scroll down and press the System option.
Click System update.
Your phone will display your current system update status. If an update is available, follow the prompts to get the latest version.

5. Avoid public Wi-Fi

Of course, no one wants to waste their expensive cellular data plans when wireless hotspots are available. They find it easy to join the public wifi whether they are in the coffee shops or in the local bus station.

But whenever you connect your device to a public network, you are opening your device up to everyone else on that network. And usually, these networks are unsecured. So, amateur hackers use public Wifi and spy on others’ information. If they find your details, your social media information, VoIP conversations, and PayPal details can all get compromised.

That’s why it’s better to avoid using public Wi-Fi. More importantly, don’t use public Wi-fi to access credit card information or banking details. But if it is an emergency and you have to use free Wi-Fi, you can use a virtual private network (VPN).

A VPN encrypts your activities so no one on the public network can track them. So to be safe from cybercriminals, use VPN on open WI-Fi. Further, never trust incognito mode if you want to stay anonymous.

6. Limit App Access

Some app accesses the camera, microphone, calendar, and contacts when you permit them. To stop them from location tracking, tracking call functions, or access storage, limit the application permission.

You must navigate to the Permission manager if you wish to track app access or make any changes.

Steps to navigate the Permission manager in Android phone.

Open Settings application.
Tap on Privacy.
Select Permission manager.
Choose features and alter app permissions.

Conclusion

Mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular, but they’re also vulnerable to malware, viruses, and hackers. A good mobile security solution can protect your data from these threats and help you prevent data breaches. Ignoring security risks can lead to major losses and potentially catastrophic consequences.

You must set strong and unique passwords on each application, audit app permissions, avoid clicking on suspicious links, keep your system updated and avoid using open Wi-Fi.

Additionally, make sure to only download apps from trusted sources like the App Store or Google Play Store.

By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your data safe and secure. This blog will make it easier to understand how to set phones for better privacy and security.