Android smart devices are the popular alternative to the Apple ecosystem, and millions of people worldwide use one of them as their daily driver. However, being open-source can open up these devices to a myriad of security concerns.

Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! This guide has three quick tips you can utilize to upgrade your security settings in minutes.

First, you’ll need to locate these settings:

Finding the Right Settings

Most likely, your device will allow you to do a search in the Settings. By typing keywords next to the magnifying glass symbol 🔎 (search bar), you can find almost any setting much quicker than digging through sub-menus for them.

Tip: Try searching for things like: “system”, “update”, “software”, “version”, “lock screen”, “passcode”, etc.

Step 1: Download Updates

Ensure your device has downloaded the latest system updates. This is the first and best layer of protection you have against malware.

Step 2: Screen Lock & Passcode

Having a screen lock, passcode, fingerprint lock, or facial ID will help keep your device physically secure in case it is lost or stolen.

Step 3: Antivirus & Security

Besides updates, the best thing you can do to keep your Android secure is to only download apps from within the Google Play Store.

The antivirus program, Google Play Protect, automatically scans your apps for any malware, including scanning anything on the Play Store as well. It is included for free with all modern Android devices.

To learn more about what Google Play Protect offers, and to dive deeper into Android security and maintenance, check out this article.