Guide to securing your Android

Many security and privacy settings are managed through your Google account rather than your phone. This includes changing your password, setting up two-factor verification, and other security steps. You can also increase your privacy by adjusting your location, web and app activity history, and family group settings.

If you have an iPhone, use the iPhone Guide instead.

Learn more about access logs.

1. Open your phone’s Settings app
2. Tap Accounts. If you don’t see “Accounts,” tap Accounts and backup.
   
3. Tap the account you want to remove, then tap Remove account.
4. If this is the only Google account on the phone, you’ll need to enter your phone’s pattern, PIN, or password for security.

In the future, you can also create a separate user or temporary guest, instead of adding an account if you share the phone.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Lock screen. You may need to tap Security first.
3. Choose one of the screen lock options, which might include a passcode, a pattern, or a fingerprint or other biometric (something unique to you).Caution
4. Set up screen lock.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Location.
3. You can turn location on or off. On some devices you can also adjust location accuracy.Caution
   

Apps have their own settings. To adjust these, you’ll need to check the permissions for each app through your device’s Settings, then tapping Apps.

Note: Emergency services and mobile providers will always be able to see your location when your device is on. Any person you remove won’t be notified, but they may notice they can’t see your location the next time they look.

You may also want to turn off “Find my phone” (or other device) on each device if you are concerned that someone else with access to your account will search for your location through your phone, or if your account is set as a “child” account in Family Link.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Google.
3. Tap Security, then tap Find My Device.
4. Turn the feature off. Caution

Depending on the manufacturer of your device, these options may vary. Check your settings to make sure:

• No guest accounts can be created when your device is locked.
• No unwanted people are listed as administrators for your device.
• Apps from unknown sources are not allowed.

By default, your Google account calendar, contacts, emails, documents, and more will sync to your Google cloud account. This means that information will be available on other devices that are signed into your account, or through the web. Other apps may also store data from the app to the cloud and be available to any other devices where you use the app.

• Set up encryption on your phone. Note that someone might still force or coerce you to give them access to the content of your phone.
• If it isn’t safe to remove someone’s access to your account, consider setting up a new account they aren’t aware of.
• Uninstall unneeded apps, and be cautious when downloading new apps.
• Use an anti-virus app on your phone, and be sure to install updates to apps and your phone’s operating system.
• Avoid public WiFi, or use a virtual private network (VPN).