Securing Android and iOS Mobile Devices
Password Protect Your Phone
For better security, use a combination of Fingerprint, PIN, Password, or Face Recognition. Make your passwords and PINs as long and complex as possible for enhanced protection.
Update Your Device
Always install operating system and app updates as soon as they’re available. These updates contain important security patches that protect your device from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
To check for system updates:
- Android: Go to Settings > About > System Update
- iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Lock Your Phone
To lock your phone:
- Android: Go to Settings > Lock Screen and Security
- iOS: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode
Note: Pattern lock screens are less secure than other lock methods. Use alternatives like PINs, fingerprints, or face recognition whenever possible.
Other Helpful Security Tips
- Disable Wi-Fi: Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use to prevent automatic connections to unsecured networks. Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible.
- Disable Bluetooth: Turn off Bluetooth when not in use to reduce the risk of Bluetooth hacking.
- Download Apps from Trusted Sources: Only download apps from reliable sources such as Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) to minimize the risk of malware.
Find, Lock, or Erase Information on Your Mobile Device
iCloud (iOS):
Use Find My iPhone to locate your iOS device, Apple Watch, AirPods, or Mac. To find your device:
- Make sure Find My iPhone is set up on your device.
- Ensure the device is online or near one of your paired iOS devices (for AirPods).
- Family Sharing allows you to locate family members' devices as well.
When you locate a device:
- A green dot means the device is online, and you can see its current location.
- A gray dot means it’s offline, and you’ll see its last known location.
If Find My iPhone can’t locate your device, it will show the last known location for up to 24 hours. You can opt to receive a notification when the device comes online.
Android Device:
With Find My Device enabled, you can remotely find, lock, or erase your Android phone, tablet, or Wear OS watch. To use this feature, your device must:
- Be turned on and signed in to your Google Account.
- Be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data and have location services enabled.
To locate your device, go to android.com/find and sign in to your Google Account. You can then:
- Play Sound: Ring your device even if it’s on silent or vibrate.
- Lock: Lock your device with your PIN, pattern, or password and add a recovery message on the lock screen.
- Erase: Permanently delete all data on the device (except SD cards). After erasure, Find My Device will no longer work on that device.
Final Notes
Regular updates, secure passwords, and cautious app downloading can significantly improve your mobile device’s security. Always keep your device locked, disable unnecessary services when not in use, and utilize tracking and remote wipe features to protect your data in case your device is lost or stolen.