Unlocking Hidden Security: 5 Overlooked Android Features You Should Activate Now

Android remains the leading operating system in worldwide smartphone sales, and Google has been enhancing health and safety features for all its devices. From applications like Personal Safety to functionalities that alert users about unknown trackers, a variety of safety settings are available. However, many of these features are not activated by default, as they often require user configuration.

Whether you’ve just acquired a new Android phone or have been using one for a while, you might have missed some significant safety features. Setting these up promptly can enhance your well-being.

Here are five essential safety settings you should configure on your Android smartphone today.

Safety Check is an important feature designed to keep your loved ones informed of your status and take action if needed. It prompts you to check in after a predetermined time; if you fail to do so, your emergency contacts will receive your last known location.

This feature proves useful during scenarios like commuting alone at night or traveling to unknown areas. Knowing the time frame calms the nerves for everyone involved.

To get started, download the Personal Safety app from the Play Store. Once it’s installed, open the app, navigate to the Features tab, and select the Set up option in the Safety Check section. After completing the setup, you can initiate a Safety Check by specifying your activity, its duration, and the contacts to notify. You can extend the Safety Check time if needed.

As the timer nears the end, the app will remind you to confirm your safety. Additionally, you have the option to alert contacts if your battery drops below 15%. A home screen widget for quick access to this feature would be beneficial.

If you find yourself in a precarious situation, Emergency SOS can be indispensable. This feature has evolved over the years and is now integrated into the Personal Safety app for Android 13 and later. To activate it, open the Safety app and click Set up under the Emergency SOS section, then follow the instructions to customize the alerts.

When you quickly press the power button five times or more, it notifies your emergency contacts and local services, and you can also program it to record a video clip that gets uploaded to the cloud for your contacts.

Heads Up is a feature that can be easily overlooked, but once you start using it, you’ll find it invaluable. If you often find yourself distracted by your phone while walking, this feature nudges you to stay aware of your surroundings. It isn’t a substitute for being alert while walking, but it serves as a helpful reminder.

To activate Heads Up, go to the Settings app, select Digital Wellbeing, and look for Heads Up. During setup, ensure Physical Activity and Notifications are enabled, and add Location for outdoor recognition. For stronger alerts, consider enabling sound and vibration feedback.

My main concern is that Heads Up doesn’t always work reliably, as it sometimes fails to send notifications. I have experienced similar issues on different phones, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Despite the inconsistency, I still find it valuable to use.

Car Crash Detection is exclusively available on Pixel devices from the 4a model onwards. It requires minimal setup, as you simply need to enable it within the Safety app. Fortunately, I haven’t had to utilize this feature, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there in case of worst-case scenarios.

The app provides a demo to give you an idea of what it does if activated. Similar to Safety Check, you confirm your well-being when an alarm sounds, and you can even do this via voice command.

While physical safety is crucial, Android also provides tools for your mental well-being. Among the options in the Digital Wellbeing app, screen time reminders have been the most effective for encouraging me to take breaks from my phone.

To activate this feature, open the Digital Wellbeing app and find the option under Ways to disconnect. Enable the Use reminders toggle, which applies to all current and future apps unless specified otherwise.

You will start receiving temporary pop-up bubbles near the top of the app if you are actively using it for 15 to 20 minutes. I find them helpful, as they often remind me to assess why I picked up my phone in the first place or to simply stop using the app.

Do you have a safety feature on your Android phone that you find indispensable? Feel free to share it in the comments below.