Secure Your Phone Properly: The Essential Settings in 15 Minutes

Why Your Phone Matters So Much

Emails, photos, banking apps, and two‑factor codes all live on your smartphone. Whoever gains access—whether intentionally or unknowingly—gets almost everything. A few simple settings can make it far harder for attackers and thieves.

1. Screen Lock

• Use a PIN of at least six digits or a password, and add fingerprint or face‑recognition if available.
• Set the automatic lock to a short interval, like 30 seconds to one minute.
• Hide message previews on the lock screen—otherwise anyone can read your login codes.

2. Updates

Install system and app updates promptly and enable automatic updates. If your device stops receiving security patches from the manufacturer, it’s time to consider a newer model.

3. Apps and Permissions

• Install apps only from your phone’s official store.
• In settings, review which apps are allowed to use location, camera, microphone, contacts, and photos, and revoke anything unnecessary.
• Delete apps you no longer use.

4. Location & Remote Wipe

Activate your manufacturer’s location service. This lets you find a lost phone, lock it, or wipe it from afar.

5. Backup

Turn on automatic backups for photos, contacts, and chats. That way, if you lose or damage your phone, you won’t lose everything.

6. Protect Your SIM

Set up a SIM‑PIN. Ask your mobile provider for a customer password so no one can order a replacement SIM for your number without it—otherwise scammers could receive your SMS codes.

7. Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth & Charging

• Turn Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth off when you don’t need them, and delete old saved networks.
• Charge on the go with your own power adapter instead of public USB stations.
• In public Wi‑Fi, use a VPN—our OpenVPN Connect app with the Kill Switch keeps your connection safe.

8. Messages with Links

Most phone attacks start with an SMS or chat. Before opening anything, check links with our Link‑Check and QR codes with the QR‑Code‑Check.

Lost Phone?

Lock or locate it immediately via the location service, have the SIM blocked, and change your most important passwords. Our First‑Aid page walks you through every step.