Google privacy settings on Android: Relaxed level

What for: So that attackers cannot crack it.

A Google account lets you synchronize music, photos, contacts, and other data across devices. However, if it is hacked, criminals will gain access to all of that data. Another danger is that if someone has access to your Google account, they can remotely lock out any connected devices and erase all data from them.

Make sure that your account is protected by a strong password that complies with the following requirements:

• Is at least 8 characters long;
• Contains lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters ($, @, etc.);
• Is not an actual word or easy-to-guess phrase;
• Is not the same as your passwords for any other accounts;
• Does not consist of information that strangers could easily find out (your name, date of birth, pet's name, and so forth — or those of your friends or relatives).

To change the password:

1. Open Settings on your device;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Tap Manage your Google account;
4. Scroll to the right until you get to the Personal info tab;
5. Select Password;
6. In the identity confirmation window, tap Next;
7. Confirm your identity by unlocking the screen;
8. Enter a new strong password twice and tap Change password.

What for: So you definitely don’t get hacked.

You can increase the security of your Google account by enabling two-step verification. Every time you try to log in from a new device, the system will ask for a one-time code. A notification will be sent to all gadgets that are already logged in to that account. Thus, even if someone tries to hack your account, you will still be able to prevent them from logging in.

You can verify a login:

• Using a trusted device. When you try to log in to an account from an unknown device, a message will appear on the phone with your Google account asking you to verify the login. You’ll find a list of devices that have attempted to log in but are awaiting verification on the Settings page;
• Using a one-time code received by text or a phone call.
• Using your phone's built-in security key. Please note that embedded electronic keys are supported only by devices with Android 7.0 or later. For them to work, the phone must be located next to your PC, and Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices.

To enable two-step verification using a trusted device:

1. Open Settings on your device;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Tap Manage your Google account;
4. Scroll to the right until you get to the Security tab;
5. Tap 2-Step Verification;
6. Tap Get started;
7. Enter your Google account password and tap Next;
8. Tap Try it now;
9. If you can’t find your device in the list, tap Don’t see your device? link and follow instructions; Tap Yes;
10. Google will suggest selecting a backup authentication method for in case your trusted device is unavailable. To choose to receive the code in a text or a phone call:
11. Enter the phone number you want to use to receive the codes;
12. Choose how you want to receive the code (Text message or Phone Call) and tap Send;
13. Enter the code that you received by text or voice message and tap Next;
14. To select backup codes as an additional verification method:
15. Tap Use another backup option;
16. The backup codes will appear on the screen. Take a screenshot, save them to a PDF file, or print them out;
17. Tap Next;
18. Tap Turn on.

If you do not want to use a trusted device, choose another method of receiving the code — by text or a phone call:

1. In the Manage your Google Account menu, scroll right to the Security tab;
2. Tap 2-Step Verification;
3. Tap Get started;
4. Enter your Google account password and tap Next;
5. Tap Show more options;
6. Enter the phone number that you want to use to receive SMS messages or phone calls with codes;
7. Choose how you want to receive the code (Text message or voice call) and tap Send;
8. Enter the code and tap Next;
9. Tap Enable.

To enable two-step verification using a security key, in the same section:

1. Tap 2-Step Verification;
2. Tap Show more options;
3. Enter your Google account password and tap Next;
4. Tap More options;
5. Go to the Security key section with the name of your device and tap Done;

After you have enabled two-step verification, you can add several more login methods:

• Using backup codes that work even if your phone is not available.
• With the Google Authenticator app.

Use a trusted device, an incoming phone call, a special app, a security key, or backup codes for secure additional verification; an attacker can use malware or a communication protocol vulnerability to intercept a text message with a one-time code.

What for: So that strangers do not know too much about you.

Certain data — including your date of birth, gender, and phone number — from your account is visible to other users by default. To prevent strangers from viewing this information, deny access to it:

1. Open Settings on your device;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Tap Manage your Google account;
4. Scroll to the right until you get to the Personal info tab;
5. Scroll down the page and tap Go to About me;
6. Select the fields containing information that you want to deny access to, and specify that only you can see it.

You may not limit access to certain data, such as photos and names.

What for: To keep strangers from learning where you are.

Certain Google services can show your location to other users. By default, the feature is disabled. However, you can activate it by, for example, sending your current location to one of your contacts. We recommend reviewing who is allowed to access your location data and denying strangers access to it:

1. Open Settings on your device;
2. Go to the Google section;
3. Tap Manage your Google account;
4. Scroll to the right until you get to the People & sharing tab;
5. Tap Manage location sharing in the Location sharing section;
6. In the What others can see section, tap the cross to the left of the name of the user you want to prevent from accessing your location data.