Whenever I acquire a new Android device, I typically start with the usual tasks: installing my preferred applications, logging into my accounts, eliminating unnecessary pre-installed apps, and customizing the device’s appearance. However, I don’t stop there. I dedicate some time to inspecting key security settings to ensure everything is in order.
Android phones come equipped with various built-in security features, many of which are activated by default. Nonetheless, certain crucial security settings require manual attention to confirm they operate correctly.
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Device Locator
In all honesty, I have minimal faith in recovering my device if I ever misplace it in a crowded area. However, if I happen to forget it in a taxi or at a friend’s place, the Device Locator feature can be a lifesaver. That’s why it ranks high on my list of security features when setting up a new phone. When I mention “setting up,” I mean verifying that the feature is functioning as intended rather than simply turning it on.
The Device Locator feature is automatically activated once you log in with your Google account. Its greatest advantage is that it doesn’t solely depend on your phone’s internet or GPS. Even if your device is offline, it can utilize Google’s network of Android users to pinpoint its location. In the worst-case scenario, you can track your device on a map, make it ring, remotely lock it, or erase its contents. While it doesn’t require manual activation, it’s wise to confirm its functionality while your device is in hand.
My Galaxy S26 also features Samsung’s tracking service called Find My Mobile. Similar to the Device Locator, it is enabled by default, but I like to activate additional options, especially the Send last location feature, which transmits the device’s last known position when the battery is running low.
Protection Against Theft
Theft protection is another vital feature that I hope I will never need. It automatically activates if someone attempts to snatch your phone. Using various sensors, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AI, your phone can detect such an event. Like the Device Locator, the Theft Detection Lock is pre-enabled, but I prefer to activate a few related options.
The first option is Identity Check, which complicates unauthorized access to your Google account associated with the device. This feature requires biometric verification for actions such as using the “Forgot password” function or adjusting account recovery settings.
I also enable Offline Device Lock, which secures the phone if it loses internet connectivity for a certain time. This is particularly useful since a thief would likely enable airplane mode to prevent tracking through the Device Locator.
Finally, I use the Failed Authentication Lock, which secures the screen and sensitive applications after several unsuccessful authentication attempts. This feature buys you extra time to locate or erase your phone using the Device Locator. Though these options are optional, I favor having them active. They can be found in Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection.
Enhanced Security
Enhanced Security is a new feature introduced in Android 16, and it is disabled by default, which is understandable given its restrictive nature. Nevertheless, I believe the increased security is worth any inconvenience.
This feature doesn’t focus on one specific function; rather, it encompasses various protections to bolster security. For example, it includes Inactivity Reboot, which automatically restarts the phone after being locked for three consecutive days, making unauthorized access through complex methods more challenging. Additionally, it blocks 2G networks, which are typically less secure compared to higher-tier networks. You can activate Enhanced Security through Settings > Security and privacy > Enhanced Security by turning on Device Protection.
Enhanced Security also improves safety across Google’s applications, enabling secure browsing in Chrome, spam detection in Google Phone, and blocking unsafe links in Google Messages. Furthermore, this feature activates live threat detection, part of the Android Safe Browsing service, which can recognize and eliminate phishing links across supported third-party apps. Therefore, the protection extends beyond just Google’s own services.
The only downside for me is that Enhanced Security disallows sideloading. Since I rely on a few apps unavailable in the Play Store, I need to temporarily disable this feature whenever I want to install or update them. It’s inconvenient, but the enhanced security it provides makes it a worthwhile trade-off.
Establish a SIM Lock and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Though a SIM lock isn’t technically an Android feature, I believe it is just as crucial as the security measures mentioned earlier. It offers additional protection for your phone number by necessitating a PIN when inserting the SIM card into a different phone or after restarting the device. While it may seem outdated, I prefer to prevent anyone who steals my phone from transferring my SIM to another device and receiving my calls or one-time passwords. To configure a SIM lock, navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > More security settings > SIM card lock.
I also ensure that I use two-factor authentication on all my key accounts, particularly my Google account. If someone gains access to it, they could potentially monitor or remotely erase my phone. I opt for Google Authenticator since it is generally more secure; however, any form of two-factor authentication is preferable to none. Use authentication prompts or SMS verification if you prefer that method to keep your significant accounts secure.
This is my security checklist for setting up a new Android device. If you have other security settings that you always verify or modify, feel free to discuss them in the comments below.
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