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Basic Android Security and Privacy Tips

2023-11-21 22:28:34

Very basic tips to "lockdown" your Android device. Obviously, the best recommendation would be to not use a phone at all, but realistically, in this day in age, that's not possible.

• Ensure your Android device is on a supported version, and is always up to date.
• Use a passphrase (not a PIN).
• Enable Lockdown mode and learn how to use it.
• Note: Not all Android device will have this.
• Change your notification type to Hide sensitive notification content in your Android settings.
• Use DNS66 to block your Android device from accessing malicious hosts.
• Remove unused apps and factory installed bloatware using Android App settings on your device.
• Some apps can't be uninstalled. In this case, you can force stop, disable them, then clean all app data and cache. This can all be found in the Android App Settings.
• Alternatively, use Bromide instead of Chrome.
• Disable Chrome in your App settings if you do install Bromide.
• Set Screen timeout to the lowest possible setting.
• It's surprising considering how much this basic setting is overlooked.
• Install an alternative Google Play Store, such as Aurora Store, which supports anonymous downloads/login.
• Install F-Droid for FOSS and Open Source apps, as well as alternatives to closed source apps.
• Review all privacy and security settings in your Google Account settings.
• Setup your phone using a brand new Gmail account used only for your Android device. Ensure it's used only for the purpose of phone syncing, etc.
• This may not be possible or feasible for everyone.
• Ensure SD card encryption and Android Filesystem encryption is turned on.
• Depending on your Android version, and device, this is might be on by default.

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