Android users, these 10 features can keep you safe from hackers, virus and more

Your Android phone or tablet can be 'safe' or 'not-so-safe' depending on how you use it. Google has built-in several security tools in Android operating system. How robust they are in securing your phone from hackers and viruses depends on how well you can leverage them. Here's a ready-to-use guide about all these features

               

​Google Play Protect: Provides protection against dangerous apps

Google Play Protect checks Android apps and devices for harmful behaviour. It runs a safety check on apps from the Google Play Store before users download them. The feature is usually enabled by default in most Android devices, however, you can head to Settings → Security → Google Play Protect to check if it is on or not. The tool also allows users to manually scan installed apps for malware.

         

​Find My Device: Helps you find and manage lost devices

Find My Device (formerly known as Android Device Manager) helps users find lost or misplaced Android devices and wipe data remotely from them, if required. It works with both Android smartphones and tablets. However, users need to set it up properly for the feature to work properly.

To set up Find my Device, head to Settings → Security → Find My Device. Turn on the toggle on the Find My Device page.

             

​Lock screen options: Protects the phone from unauthorised access with biometrics, PIN and password

The smartphone lock screen is the first line of defence against unauthorised access. It usually includes face, fingerprint, PIN and password lock options. Apart from that, the lock screen settings also offer other options like lock screen delay timer, after which the screen will automatically get locked.

​Permission manager: Allows users to remove ‘dangerous/unnecessary’ app permissions

Apps require certain permissions to function properly. However, it is important for them to seek permission from users to access sensitive information like contacts, photos, mic, location, etc.

Android devices come with a built-in Permission manager which allows users to view permissions by category and manage them. Tapping on a particular permission type will bring up all the apps that currently have access to that category.

​Google Security Checkup: Keeps Google account secure

Google Security Checkup isn’t exactly an Android security feature. However, it does ensure that your Google account is safe, including Android devices.

To do this, simply visit Settings → Google → Manage Google Account → Security tap → click on Security Issues Detected option and tap the Secure Account button. This will show you all the ways to secure your Google account.

         

​Check for compromised passwords using Chrome

Google Chrome is the default web browser for Android which comes with multiple safety and security features including a password manager. This can check leaked/hacked passwords and asks users to update or change them.

Emergency information: Help others find your medical details and point of contact in case of emergency

Android operating system also comes with an emergency information option which allows users to add emergency contact as well as their medical information. This option can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. As this information can be seen on the screen even when the phone is locked.

​App pinning: Helps you lock your sensitive information

One of Android’s most underrated and hidden security features is the App pinning or Pin Window option. The feature was introduced in 2014 with the Android Lolipop update. The App pinning option allows users to lock one app or process on the phone and then it asks users to unlock their phone again to access anything else on the phone.

The feature comes in handy while handing over your phone to friends and family. Also, the feature is known by several names -- App pinning, screen pinning, pin window, etc.

​Smart lock: Ensures that the device is never left unlocked by mistake

Smart lock is another crucial security feature that Android offers. The feature is dependent upon three factors -- on-body detection, trusted places and trusted devices. The feature automatically locks and unlocks the phone based on the parameters set by users. For instance, if you choose on-body detection, then after you’ve unlocked the device it remains unlocked until you are in motion or until you keep the device somewhere. Similarly, in the case of trusted devices or places, the device once unlocked in a trusted location or while connected with a trusted device like a smartwatch or Bluetooth device will remain unlocked until you leave that place or disconnect the device.

​Better App Permission options: Give users more control over app permissions

Google introduced a better app permission option to give users more control over their apps. It allows users to tell apps to only use particular permission when the app is in use. This ensures that apps are not collecting data from the device in the background.