Android OS privacy settings: Relaxed level

What for: So that only you can unlock your device.

The safest way to unlock your screen is by using a password or a fingerprint scanner. A PIN code is easier to crack because it contains only numbers. A secret pattern is too easy to observe and remember. Finally, a facial recognition system can be deceived by a photo or 3D mask.

Use a strong password that meets the following criteria:

• Is at least 8 characters long;
• Contains lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters ($, @, etc.);
• Is not too simple, such as 12345678 or qwerty;
• Is not the same as any of your other passwords, including for your Google account;
• Is not an actual word or easy-to-guess phrase;
• 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 set a password:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Screen lock;
4. Select Password;
5. Enter a strong password and tap Next;
6. Enter your password again and tap Confirm.

Please keep in mind that even if you are planning to unlock by fingerprint, you should first set a strong password. Your device provides the capability to sign in with a password or PIN code in case the fingerprint scanner malfunctions. A simple combination will be easy to crack if your phone ends up in the wrong hands.

To configure sign in by fingerprint:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Fingerprint;
4. If necessary, enter your password;
5. Tap Next;
6. Follow the on-screen instructions;
7. You can add up to 4 additional fingerprints, for example, from the fingers of your other hand. This will allow you to unlock your device even if one of your hands is occupied;
8. Tap Done.

What for: To protect yourself against overly curious and malicious apps.

Your smartphone is protected by the Google Play Protect service by default. It scans all the apps that you download to your device regardless of its source. If an app is dangerous, conceals something from the user, or secretly collects private data, you will receive the appropriate notification. We recommend that you do not turn off this security tool. If you nonetheless have disabled it, you are advised to activate it:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Google Play Protect. The Google Play app opens;
4. Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen;
5. Turn on Scan apps with Play Protect.

You can manually scan apps at any time. To do so, in the Google Play Protect section, tap Scan. Please note that the built-in app scanning service provides only the basic level of security. For best protection against threats, use a full-fledged anti-virus application for Android.

What for: To find your device if it is lost or stolen.

This feature enables you to find your phone and lock it in case it is lost or stolen. It also lets you delete all data from your phone, call it, or contact the mobile service provider.

To enable the Find My Device feature:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Security section;
3. Select Find My Device and enable the feature;
4. If Location is turned off, you will see the message Turn on device location. Tap the warning text and activate location.

Please note that you will only be able to find your device if it is turned on, has an Internet connection, and is transmitting its location data.

Downside: Location services must always be enabled on your device. This means that your device will use up more battery, and your location information will be transmitted to Google.

What for: To prevent malware from taking control of your device.

Accessibility allows apps to directly interact with the interface and the system. For example, if you want to use a voice assistant, it must have the capability to see the contents of windows and to click buttons. However, malicious applications may also try to obtain Accessibility permission to spy on you or steal your money.

To check which apps have Accessibility access and to block this access:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to Accessibility;
3. Select the apps that you want to prevent from using Accessibility;
4. Revoke the permission and confirm your choice.

If this causes a specific app to stop running or supporting the features you need, you can restore its access at any time.

What for: So that developers collect less information about you.

Apps often request more permissions than they require for their operation. Normally, this is because developers want to collect as much data from you as possible and use that data for advertising. Some applications may blatantly abuse these permissions. For example, they may send text messages, make phone calls, or take photos and videos without your knowledge. You should only grant these permissions if you are sure that they are absolutely necessary.

Fortunately, in the latest versions of Android, an app can be installed and started even without being granted all the permissions they request. For example, if a messenger requests permission to access your camera but you do not intend to send any photos or videos to your friends, you can deny this permission.

To check the permissions of apps and revoke unnecessary access:

1. Open Settings;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Select Advanced;
4. Tap Permission manager;
5. Select the relevant permission. To see the entire list, tap Additional permissions;
6. Tap the app name and select Deny to revoke its access.

If you attempt to revoke a permission that an app requires to continue working properly, you will see a warning. Even in this case, you can still deny access if you are confident in your decision.

You can always grant an app any necessary permissions again if it fails to start or fails to support the features you need.

What for: For peace of mind.

Some apps may send you a large number of notifications that could be distracting and irritating. An endless flow of notifications could also cause you to easily miss something that is actually important.

You can disable certain types of notifications or completely block apps from sending them:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Tap See all apps;
4. In the list of apps, select the one that distracts you the most;
5. Tap Notifications;
6. If you want to completely block an app from sending notifications, deactivate the toggle for All notifications;
7. If you want to block only certain notifications, deactivate the toggles next to the relevant events.

If you are irritated by notifications but do not know which app is sending them, you can view all the recent notifications and disable the unnecessary ones:

1. Open the Settings menu;
2. Go to the Apps & notifications section;
3. Tap Notifications;
4. Under Recently sent, tap See all from last 7 days;
5. Turn off notifications from unknown apps by tapping the toggle on the right of their name.

You can configure notifications of specific apps directly from the notification itself. To do so, when you receive a notification:

1. Swipe the screen from top to bottom;
2. Tap and hold your finger on the notification that you want to configure;
3. When the gear icon appears, tap it:
4. If you want to completely turn off notifications of this app, tap Turn off notifications;
5. If you want to silent the notifications of this app, tap Silent.