Android OS has been, is and will forever be the most customizable, flexible and versatile mobile operating system. Its open source nature is what makes it have the qualities I mentioned. speaking of open source nature, Android supplies its user with the ability to tinker with various aspects of the OS such as applying a custom-made theme, installing third-party launchers and apps. Moreover, it also easily allows its users to root their device and a lot of importantly download any type of files or apps from unknown or unofficial sources (official source for apps being the Google Play Store). However, even though all of these qualities that I pointed out above not only makes it a great OS for its users out there but at the same these qualities come at a cost of safety risks. due to the open source nature, the OS falls prey to a lot of malware, spyware and web attacks.

Ok, now, the pointed out risks aside as those emerge from using the unofficial sources to install apps and download files and more. Today, I would like to focus on basic safety ideas built ideal into the OS and two very beneficial apps that must help you safe your smartphone against unauthorized access and usage (this could also help to minimise the risks that I pointed out earlier to a good extent).

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All said, let’s get started with 12 basic ideas to help keep your Android safe against unauthorized access.

12 basic safety ideas for Android

1. install Lookout safety & Antivirus application

I know this isn’t a built-in feature, but this could very help you to safe your smartphone in addition to the features already baked into the OS. Moreover, I would recommend that whenever you purchase a brand new smartphone, the first thing you have to do is install Lookout safety and AntiVirus app. Furthermore, this app is really effective and in-turn would help keep your brand new phone away from any safety compromises and loopholes as its safety definitions are frequently updated over the air. I have been using this app for 5 years now and the things that make me recommend this app over others are that in my experience, it is very very battery efficient and memory friendly. So far no issues in any way with this app. Refer the screenshots below and also the Google Play store link for the app is given below.

Lookout safety and AntiVirus.
Simple user interface.
[googleplay url=””/]
2. Disable ‘Unknown sources’ for apps

Install apps only from trusted sources such as the Google Play Store. Doing so not only helps keep your device safe but also keeps you away from shady apps.

Disable ‘Unknown sources’ for apps.
3. Don’t ever forget to set a phone lock out of the box

I know this one is a very basic and basic tip, but this is the point of the article, for this reason the title ‘simple tips’. always lock your phone with a fingerprint, password, pattern or pin. However, using a fingerprint lock method is the most sensible as your fingerprints are your special identity that nobody could ever replicate. Moreover, to tighten the security, fingerprint lock method is always used by the phone in conjunction with password, pin or pattern.

Security lock options. always enable them out of the box.
Fingerprint identify is special to each and every one of us.
4. set up a password lock (Primary lock method for devices without fingerprint scanner, secondary for devices with a fingerprint scanner)

A password is a lot more safe compared to other locking methods such as a pattern or PIN because guesswork really doesn’t work here at all. In my sincere opinion, I believe passwords are even a lot more safe than fingerprints (again I would like to repeat this is my opinion, yours may vary).

Passwords are a lot more safe compared to a PIN or pattern.
5. set automatic lock timeout and enable safe lock settings

Set automatic lock and minimize the timeout to stop unauthorized access and usage. To make sure nobody messes up with the WiFi, Bluetooth or location settings, enable safe lock settings

Reduce the automatic lock timeout, enable ‘lock instantly with power key’ to immediately lock your phone on pressing the power button. Moreover, enable automobile factory reset (if you prefer, refer the screenshot to learn more) and make sure to lock network and safety functions while the phone is locked (WiFi, Bluetooth, location and a lot more notification toggles) to help secure your phone if it is lost or stolen.
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6. install Norton app Lock

Norton app Lock supplies you with the ability to lock individual apps with your fingerprint or PIN. Finally, an app lock that works flawlessly. Refer the screenshot and download the app by means of the Google Play store link.

Norton app Lock.
[googleplay url=””/]
7. enable Encryption or safe Startup

In buy to additionally secure yournull