Google's essential tips for how to keep your Android phone safe

You've probably heard the horror stories: the app that stole someone's credit card info, the lost or stolen phone that had hundreds of important photos on it. Our phones have become the hubs of our lives, and you want to know that it's safe. Safe from loss or theft, safe from your personal information being appropriated by unscrupulous companies and hackers.

But seriously, there’s no need to fret. Android isn’t that scary, and there’s plenty you can do before you go out in the wild with your Android phone to keep it secure from shady apps and shady people. 

Google’s lead security engineer for Android, Adrian Ludwig, put together this helpful walkthrough of simple things you can do to keep your Android device safe from malware, theft, and everything in between.

Tips for keeping your Android device safe

To keep your device is as safe and secure as possible, be sure to use common sense with your device—don’t leave your phone in public places unattended or give it to people you don’t trust—but also use these suggested Android features. Along the way you’ll see links to Google resources and additional information.
 
Note: Not all Android devices have settings in the same place, so if you don’t see the exact wording, look for something similar. You can also follow the links to your manufacturer’s support site to learn how to navigate your device’s settings.