42 Smartphone Security Tips
- Secure Storage
Store your data in the cloud rather than on your device. For extra security, encrypt files before uploading them. This way, if your phone is lost, stolen, broken, or confiscated, your valuable data remains safe. - Clean Up Regularly
Delete unnecessary data from your contacts, call and SMS history, emails, messenger chats, notes, and browser history. The less information available, the less can fall into the wrong hands. - Photos and Videos
Transfer important photos and videos to a secure location. Keep them safe in case something happens to your phone. - Back Up Your Data
Create a backup of your remaining data using sync tools, dedicated apps, or manually. - Encryption
Encryption protects your data from attackers. On older Android versions, encryption may not be enabled by default—check your settings. Newer Android versions use file-based encryption by default. iPhones are always encrypted. - Password Lock
Enable screen lock with a strong password. Simple PINs or fingerprint unlocks are less secure. Four-digit PINs can be guessed, and someone could force you to use your fingerprint. - Quick Lock
Set your phone to lock after 1-2 minutes of inactivity, not 30 minutes. This reduces the window for unauthorized access. - App Passwords
Some systems (like Xiaomi’s MIUI) let you password-protect individual apps. Use this for extra security, and enable two-factor authentication for messengers. - SIM Card PIN
Set a PIN on your SIM card. If someone steals your phone and puts your SIM in another device, they can try to recover your account passwords via SMS. A SIM PIN makes this harder. - Unlink Your Number
Avoid linking your phone number to accounts unless absolutely necessary. Even if services claim it’s for your security, phone numbers are a potential vulnerability. Use strong password management and backups instead. - Manual Login
Don’t enable automatic logins for accounts like email or websites. Require password entry each time. - Two-Factor Authentication
Use an authenticator app as your second factor, not SMS. Don’t forget to save backup codes. Some authenticator apps (like andOTP) can be protected with a PIN or password. - Remove Unused Apps
Delete apps you no longer use or installed “just in case.” This reduces risks and frees up space. - Install Only What You Need
Only install apps you truly need. - App Permissions
Control app permissions. If a flashlight app asks for network, contacts, or GPS access, find a simpler one. Review and disable unnecessary permissions for installed apps. - Automatic Updates
Make sure automatic app updates are enabled in your settings. - Trusted Sources Only
On Android, disable installation from unknown sources unless absolutely necessary. Only use Google Play. - Google Play Protect
Ensure Google Play Protect is enabled to guard against malware. - Secure Messenger
Use a secure messenger with end-to-end encryption (like Signal) instead of SMS, regular calls, or unprotected email. - Tor Browser
Use Tor Browser (or Onion Browser on iOS) for anonymity when needed. - VPN
Use a VPN to protect your privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. - Be Careful with Wi-Fi
Don’t connect to suspicious or unknown free Wi-Fi networks. - Turn Off Wi-Fi When Not Needed
Don’t keep Wi-Fi on all the time. This saves battery and prevents automatic connections to known networks. - Clear Wi-Fi History
Your phone remembers Wi-Fi networks you’ve connected to. Delete networks you no longer visit to avoid revealing your movements if your phone is compromised. - Wi-Fi Network Name
If you share your phone’s Wi-Fi, avoid using personal information in the network name. - Device Name
The same goes for your device’s name—avoid using identifying details. - Wi-Fi Security
If you share Wi-Fi, always use WPA2-PSK with a strong password. - Lock Screen Notifications
Disable message previews on the lock screen. Otherwise, someone could read sensitive info even if your phone is locked. - Offline Navigation
Install a navigation app with offline maps. This helps you get around and increases your sense of control and safety. - Find My Device
Enable location services to help find your phone if it’s lost. - Developer Mode
Android’s developer mode offers advanced controls but increases vulnerability. If you don’t need it, turn it off. - Root and Jailbreak
Rooting (Android) or jailbreaking (iOS) gives you more control but increases risks. Don’t do it unless you know what you’re doing and really need it. - Don’t Leave Unattended
Never leave your phone out of your control, even briefly. For example, don’t leave it on a table at the airport or train station—keep it in your bag. - Don’t Lend Your Phone
Avoid giving your phone to others whenever possible. - Monitor Battery Health
Don’t let your battery fully drain. This can damage it. If you don’t use your phone for a long time, charge it occasionally. - Power Bank
Bring a charger or power bank when you’ll be out for several hours. Don’t rely on public charging stations. - Case and Screen Protector
Physically protect your phone with a good case and screen protector. - Airplane Mode
Use airplane mode when you want to “disappear from the radar” (e.g., in theaters, meetings, or if you suspect tracking). Remember to turn it off when you’re done. - Storage for Small Items
If you swap SIM or microSD cards often, keep unused cards in a secure place like a wallet pocket or a small container. - Trusted Contact
In risky situations, have a trusted person with access to your accounts. They can help if your phone is seized or stolen and you need to change passwords or set up two-factor authentication on a new device. - Field Phone
Sometimes it’s better to take a backup or “field” phone—a simple device you won’t mind losing. Sometimes, it’s best not to bring a phone at all. - Source of Stress
Finally, remember that constant smartphone use can increase stress. Take breaks from your digital companion for your well-being.