Millions of Android owners urged to change settings – don’t ignore warning

BELIEVE it or not, Android is packed with tools to keep your device and data safe.

Over the years Google has slowly introduced more controls so you can decide what you do and don’t giveaway.

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These should help you stay safe against the ever-present threat from hackers.

With that in mind, here are the ones worth checking out.

App permissions

Apps can request a whole host of things from your phone, ranging from access to your camera, to using Bluetooth.

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This is not necessarily as alarming as it sounds.

For example, if you’re taking a photo through Instagram to share with friends, the app will need this permission to use your camera.

That said, some apps do make questionable requests which may make no sense.

You can view which apps have permission to each type on your device.

First, go to Settings.

Find Privacy, then Permission manager.

Choose a permission type, then you’ll see every app which uses it.

Lockdown mode

Android has its own Lockdown mode – not to be confused with Apple‘s hardcore Lockdown mode on iPhone.

The Android take on it blocks all biometric and voice security features, like face or fingerprint unlocking.

The only way is the traditional passcode or a pattern lock.

It’s meant for whenever you fear someone could use your face or fingerprint to unlock your devices sneakily as you sleep or by force.

To activate it, just press the power button as if you’re switching your phone off.

And you should see lockdown mode listed.

Apparently it’s not on automatically on Samsung devices – so you’ll have to go into settings and search lockdown mode instead.

Guest mode

If you feel a bit funny about someone potentially looking at your private stuff while handing your phone over, there is a tool that may help.

It’s been around for a while and it’s simply called guest mode.

When it’s switched on, the person can access apps as normal but certain things like text messages and photos will be locked.

Go to Settings and look for System.

Select Multiple users, then Add guest.

Decide what they can and can’t access.

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Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

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