{"id":203259,"date":"2025-12-25T12:43:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T12:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/203259\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T12:43:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T12:43:14","slug":"the-10-most-important-items-on-my-android-security-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/203259\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 most important items on my Android security checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Security<\/p>\n

Edgar Cervantes \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Like a car, regular preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your Android phone<\/a> running in tip-top shape. Sure, you won\u2019t need to change the oil or spark plugs in your Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy, but you do need to keep on top of several security, privacy, and management items.<\/p>\n

Established Android users may be well aware of this, but it\u2019s easy to get lost if you\u2019re an inexperienced user. As there are many items to address, I keep an Android security checklist on hand to keep these maintenance tasks focused and regular.<\/p>\n

My list is constantly evolving, but considering that now is the ideal time to start building a more secure digital life, I\u2019d like to share my current checklist items with you. Here\u2019s how I keep my devices and Google accounts safe and secure.<\/p>\n

What is the single most important Android privacy and security checklist item?<\/p>\n

35 votes<\/p>\n

Checking for Android and Play system updates.<\/p>\n

31%<\/p>\n

Managing apps: Remove unwanted apps and review defaults.<\/p>\n

6%<\/p>\n

Reviewing app permissions.<\/p>\n

9%<\/p>\n

Reviewing your phone’s ad blocking system.<\/p>\n

17%<\/p>\n

Scanning for unknown location trackers.<\/p>\n

20%<\/p>\n

Reviewing Find Hub and Theft Protection settings.<\/p>\n

9%<\/p>\n

Checking if backups are backing up.<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Reviewing Google account activity.<\/p>\n

3%<\/p>\n

Password management: Renewing old passwords, adding new passwords to manager.<\/p>\n

6%<\/p>\n

Reviewing and managing Google Play subscriptions.<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Something else (explain in the comments).<\/p>\n

0%<\/p>\n

Check for Android security updates (system and Play services)<\/p>\n

\"android<\/p>\n

Rita El Khoury \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Modern Android phones usually install available updates automatically, but it\u2019s a good idea to check manually for any pending patches. Android system updates can include a multitude of new features, but more importantly, they also plug security holes and quash bugs. For this reason, it\u2019s crucial to keep your Android phone on the latest available software version.<\/p>\n

Every fortnight or so, I run a manual check for software updates. To do this yourself, open your Settings app, select System, then Software. Alternatively, search for \u201csystem update\u201d using the Settings app\u2019s search bar. This is the easiest route, as Android OEMs often hide this option in various locations.<\/p>\n

Importantly, I also check if I\u2019m running the latest Google Play system version. As we\u2019ve outlined in this handy Play system update guide<\/a>, this stream of Android updates focuses on issuing new Google-related features to your device, many of which are extremely useful and integral to the Android experience. However, your phone tends to overlook these updates, making manual checks essential.<\/p>\n

To check for Play system updates, open your Settings app, head to Security & privacy, then select System & updates.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t want to miss the best from Android Authority?<\/p>\n

\"google\"google<\/a><\/p>\n

Sweep up unwanted apps and review my defaults<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Adamya Sharma \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

I test a plethora of apps every month, and these software crumbs tend to gather in the nooks of my phone. This is particularly problematic considering that my daily driver only has 128GB of internal storage. So, every month or so, I make a concerted effort to run through my app drawer and uninstall apps that I no longer use or need. This is good practice for every Android phone user.<\/p>\n

To do this, open Settings > Apps and run through the list of apps you don\u2019t want. Tap on each, select Uninstall, and continue to the next app.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re in the apps menu, it\u2019s also worth reviewing your default apps. When you\u2019re taking a call or opening a picture, it\u2019ll call on these apps first. Newly installed apps can take over this privilege if you aren\u2019t paying attention. I like to review these lists every month or so to check if any apps have usurped my preferred choice.<\/p>\n

Bonus item:\u00a0When I first get a phone, I also \u201cdebloat\u201d it as much as possible, removing preinstalled apps and services I don\u2019t particularly want or need. I don\u2019t use Facebook, so I make a point of removing Meta\u2019s various services that run in the background from my phone. Other apps, like the default messaging or media app, also go.<\/p>\n

I rely on two apps to debloat my phone: Canta<\/a> and Shizuku<\/a>. Canta is effectively a crowdsourced uninstaller that highlights apps that can be removed without issue, and Shizuku allows Canta permissions to uninstall system apps.<\/p>\n

Fair warning: this process requires a higher level of expertise. While Canta does provide guidance about which apps are safe to uninstall, you can easily rip an essential app from your device. Even I\u2019ve had to factory reset devices that I\u2019ve crippled through ambition \u2014 but the positives are worth it for those who value maximizing their phone\u2019s performance, battery life, and privacy.<\/p>\n

Reevaluate the powers of installed apps, and rein them in<\/p>\n

\"android<\/p>\n

Rita El Khoury \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

To function correctly, apps will request access to specific functionalities or information on your phone. Permissions give users control over this access.<\/p>\n

For example, I don\u2019t use Waze\u2019s drive scheduling feature, so I remove its Calendar permission privileges. My grocery shopping app doesn\u2019t need access to my camera, nor does Instagram need access to my microphone \u2014 I refuse them access to both.<\/p>\n

While Android has made permission management much simpler in recent versions, automatically pulling permissions from apps that haven\u2019t been used in a while, it\u2019s a great idea to keep on top of this yourself.<\/p>\n

To check your app permissions settings, open the Settings app, then head to Security & Privacy > Permission manager. Here, I review each permission, removing any apps that don\u2019t require access to that specific feature or functionality.<\/p>\n

Plug any holes in my ad-blocking system<\/p>\n

\"blokada<\/p>\n

Andy Walker \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Android offers no native system-wide ad-blocking solution, but this doesn\u2019t mean you have to tolerate annoyances and disruptions on your device.<\/p>\n

Running a system-wide ad-blocking solution on Android is a great idea for both power users and novices. For the latter, it ensures that scam ads pretending to be system dialogs are a thing of the past. It\u2019s a matter of security nowadays, not just convenience.<\/p>\n

There are many options available, including Android\u2019s Private DNS functionality paired with a privacy-minded DNS service, but I prefer using a third-party app called Blokada. It has fallen out of favor among the larger Android community in recent years. Still, I\u2019ve found it a reliable solution, and it gives me plenty of control over which domains are accessible.<\/p>\n

Unlike a DNS service, though, Blokada requires regular maintenance. Every few days, I check the domains it blocked recently and carefully add any items that it allowed to the custom blocklist if required. This ensures that all undesirable content \u2014 ads, trackers, and any other apps phoning home \u2014 is blocked on my device.<\/p>\n

Run a manual unknown tracker scan<\/p>\n

\"chipolo<\/p>\n

Rita El Khoury \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Android devices can alert users if they detect unknown location trackers<\/a> in their vicinity. This security feature ensures that no one can discreetly slip a tracker into your bag and follow you home. However, as automation can often grind to a halt, I like to run a manual check from time to time to verify this myself.<\/p>\n

To do this, open the Settings app, then head to Safety and Emergency > Unknown tracker alerts > Scan now. Your phone will take a few seconds to scan your surroundings and will alert you if a tracker is discovered.<\/p>\n

Notably, it\u2019s also a good idea to check the Allow alerts toggle. This will perform an automatic scan periodically.<\/p>\n

Review my Find Hub and Theft Protection settings<\/p>\n

\"Android<\/p>\n

Nick Fernandez \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

While we\u2019re here, let\u2019s talk about loss and theft. There may come a time when your phone, unfortunately, sprouts arms and legs and walks (or sprints) away from you. To improve your chances of finding it or remotely wiping your personal data from it, it\u2019s essential that the device is added to your Find Hub device list and that your Theft Protection settings are active.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s talk about Find Hub<\/a> first. This is Google\u2019s device locator service, which allows users to locate and, if necessary, remotely clear devices of any personal data. It\u2019s now part of the Android setup process, but you may still need to download and set up the app if you don\u2019t have a brand new device. Either way, I open\u00a0Find Hub monthly to check if all my active devices are still listed and can be reached using the app.<\/p>\n

Theft Protection<\/a> settings require a few more steps. On most Android phones, you can find them by heading to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock or Lost device protection. Ensure that you review all of these settings regularly, especially Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock.<\/p>\n

The first feature utilizes your phone\u2019s motion sensors to detect snatch-and-grab attempts and automatically locks your device in response. The second feature locks your device if it loses its network connection. The third feature enables you to lock your phone using your phone number remotely. All three are very useful in the event of phone theft.<\/p>\n

Are backups still backing up?<\/p>\n

\"Back<\/p>\n

Mishaal Rahman \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

I learned about backups the hard way as a kid. My home was broken into, and my server, containing memories of my school years, was snatched. I don\u2019t want ever to be caught without a backup of my data again. It\u2019s one of the reasons that I believe checking your Android phone\u2019s backup status<\/a> is among the most important Android security checklist items.<\/p>\n

This feature is automated and mostly reliable nowadays, but it doesn\u2019t hurt to investigate whether it\u2019s still functioning well from time to time.<\/p>\n

To do this, go to Settings > Accounts & backup> Back up data. As a Samsung user, I have automatic redundancy as I can save data to both Samsung Cloud and Google Drive. It\u2019s good practice to check when the latest backup was made and if there are any errors.<\/p>\n

Review my passwords<\/p>\n

\"bitwarden<\/p>\n

Andy Walker \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

A newer school of thought suggests that regular password updates shouldn\u2019t be part of one\u2019s Android security checklist, especially if the passwords are already strong. I want to think that no one will crack my core passwords, but then I close my eyes and panic just a little. As a personal practice for my critical passwords only, I change them every year or so.<\/p>\n

Arguably, a more crucial password-related checklist item is adding any new passwords to my password manager. I use Bitwarden<\/a> to keep all my ones and zeros safe, and it\u2019s been an absolute boon for my security hygiene the past few years.<\/p>\n

More often than not, the app and its browser add-ons will recognize new login credentials and prompt me to save them, but occasionally, one gets away. Reviewing these and manually adding them to Bitwarden ensures that I only ever need to remember the service\u2019s master password.<\/p>\n

Investigate my recent Google account activity<\/p>\n

\"google<\/p>\n

Andy Walker \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Not everything on my Android security checklist is tied to my device itself. I\u2019m logged in with my Google account in so many different places beyond my phone itself. It\u2019s therefore essential that I check on my Google account activity every few weeks or so.<\/p>\n

This ensures that I\u2019m aware of any new apps and services that have gained access to it and were added by me. I also ensure that I remove any products, devices, and apps that I no longer use from my account.<\/p>\n

To remove third-party connections to my Google account, I log in to my account on a browser, head to the Third-party apps and services page, select the product I want to remove, and then tap Delete all connections that you have with [app name].<\/p>\n

While I\u2019m here, I also head back to the Security and sign-in page, tap Manage all devices, and remove any that I no longer use.<\/p>\n

Finally, to check all the security activity on my account, I head back to the Security and sign-in page and tap Review security activity.<\/p>\n

Monitoring all three of these pages will ensure you\u2019re aware of all your Google account activity.<\/p>\n

Cull those sneaky subscriptions<\/p>\n

\"Mockup<\/p>\n

Mishaal Rahman \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Mockup of Google Play Store’s new subscriptions UI<\/p>\n

Finally, one significant way you can tighten up not only your privacy but also your wallet is by checking up on your Google Play Store subscriptions. This is especially important if you tend to subscribe to apps for trial periods regularly. I recently refreshed my subscriptions and canceled those I no longer needed to save some money.<\/p>\n

To do this, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, and then select Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions. Cancel any that you no longer need.<\/p>\n

There you have it. These are the Android security checklist items that I regularly monitor and review. What\u2019s on your checklist? Let me know in the comments below.<\/p>\n

Thank you for being part of our community. Read our\u00a0Comment Policy<\/a> before posting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Edgar Cervantes \/ Android Authority Like a car, regular preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your Android phone…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":203260,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[2090,85,46,321,125],"class_list":{"0":"post-203259","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mobile","8":"tag-android","9":"tag-il","10":"tag-israel","11":"tag-mobile","12":"tag-technology"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=203259"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203259\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/203260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=203259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=203259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=203259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}