10 Android privacy settings Samsung users must change

Your phone knows a lot about you. It tracks where you go, who you talk to and what you search for. That convenience feels great until something goes wrong.

Maybe you lose your phone. Maybe you tap the wrong link. Or maybe someone glances at your lock screen and sees more than they should.

Many people assume their Android phone is already secure. In some ways, it is. Samsung and Google include strong protections. Still, the best privacy settings are not fully locked down until you change them yourself.

The good news is this does not take long. A few smart adjustments can make a big difference.

Oh, and if you’re using an iPhone, check out Avoid iPhone privacy disasters with these 10 smart tips to lock down your device.

Why Android privacy settings matter more now

Android and Samsung continue to add new privacy protections every year. Newer Galaxy devices now include features like theft detection locks, stronger app controls and better account security tools.

At the same time, scams are getting more convincing. Attackers rely on small gaps in your settings. That is why tightening your privacy controls matters more than ever.

These steps were tested on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra running One UI 8 with Android 16. Menu names and locations may vary slightly depending on your device, software version and carrier.

Let’s walk through the settings that are worth your time.

Tip #1: Update your Android phone first

This is the easiest step to ignore. It is also one of the most important. Software updates fix security holes that attackers look for. If your phone is not up to date, you are more exposed than you think.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Software update
• Tap Download and install 
• Install any available updates

Then check:

• Tap Settings
• Tap About phone
• Click Software information

Look at your Android version and security patch level. Newer updates mean stronger protection.

Tip #2: Use a strong lock screen and fingerprint

Your lock screen is your first line of defense. If it is weak, everything else becomes easier to break.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Tap Lock screen
• Enter your current PIN if prompted to do so, then tap Continue
• Choose a strong PIN or password by tapping either PIN or Password. Avoid simple patterns or easy numbers.

Then set up your fingerprint:

• Tap Fingerprints
• Add Tap fingerprint
• Tap Continue
• Tap Register
• Follow the prompts to scan your fingerprint
• Tap Done in the bottom right of the screen

You can add more than one fingerprint if you want a backup.

A strong PIN combined with fingerprint unlock gives you both security and convenience. Even if someone tries to force biometric access, your PIN still protects your device.

Tip #3: Turn on 2-step verification for your accounts

Your phone is only part of the picture. Your Samsung account holds a lot of your data. If someone gets into it, they can access backups, settings and more. Turn on 2-step verification to add an extra layer of protection.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap your name (Samsung account) at the top
• Tap Security and privacy
• Tap Two-step verification
• Verify your identity by tapping Send email and following the instructions
• Once verified, turn on Two-step verification and complete setup

This adds a second step when signing in. Even if your password is stolen, your account stays protected.

Tip #4: Check app permissions in Privacy Dashboard

Some apps ask for more access than they need. Others keep permissions long after you stop using them. Android makes it easy to see what is going on.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Tap More privacy settings
• Tap Permission usage (or similar wording)

Review which apps used your camera, microphone or location. If something looks off, remove the permission. This is one of the fastest ways to spot hidden risks.

Tip #5: Turn off camera and microphone access when needed

Sometimes you want complete control. Not just app by app, but system-wide. Android lets you shut off camera and microphone access entirely.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to  Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Click Privacy controls or Controls and alerts 
• Turn off camera or microphone access when you do not need them.

Tip #6: Hide lock screen notification content

Your phone can be locked and still reveal private information. A message preview can expose a bank alert, a code or a personal conversation.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Notifications
• Turn on Hide content while locked
• Click Hide when locked

That way, you stay informed without exposing details.

Tip #7: Turn on Find My Device and theft protection

Losing your phone is stressful. Being unprepared makes it worse. Samsung and Google both include tools to help you locate, lock or erase your phone remotely.

Turn on Google Find My Device:

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Google
• Tap All services
• Tap Find Hub (under Personal & device safety)
• Turn on Allow device to be located

Check for theft protection features 

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Tap Lost device protection
• Tap Theft protection
• Turn on Theft detection lock
• Review Identity check and enable it if you want added protection

That way, you can track, lock or erase your phone if it’s lost or stolen.

Tip #8: Use Secure Folder for sensitive data

Some things should not sit in plain view. Think banking apps, personal photos or important documents. Samsung’s Secure Folder creates a locked space on your phone.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Tap More security settings
• Tap Secure Folder
• Sign in to your Samsung account if prompted
• Choose a PIN, pattern or password
• Add sensitive apps and files to this space

It adds a separate, protected area for private content on your phone.

One useful note for readers: if they do not see Secure Folder right away, Samsung says it may be accessible from the Apps screen, or from the same Settings path above if the icon has been hidden.

Tip #9: Turn on Auto Blocker and app protection

Samsung includes a powerful feature called Auto Blocker. Many people never turn it on. This setting helps block unknown apps, suspicious downloads and risky connections.

Settings may vary depending on your Android version and Samsung model.

• Go to Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Click Auto Blocker
• Turn it on. Then review additional protection options if available.

Also check:

• Go to Settings
• Tap Security and privacy
• Click App security
• Run a scan to detect harmful apps.

Tip #10: Use passkeys, strong passwords and a VPN

Your privacy does not stop at your phone. It extends to your accounts and internet connection. Start by using strong passwords and a password manager. Even better, switch to passkeys where supported.

Then consider using a VPN.

This helps hide your IP address and protects your data on public Wi-Fi.

These tools work together to reduce your exposure online.

Ways to stay safe on Android

Even with the right settings, good habits matter.

1) Slow down when something feels urgent

Scammers rely on panic. Take a moment before you act.

2) Avoid unknown links and downloads

If you did not expect it, do not tap.

3) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software, such as TotalAV, can detect threats, block malicious apps and warn you about suspicious activity. Our #1 pick for antivirus is TotalAV ($19 for 5 licenses). Read more here.

4) Use a data removal service

Data removal services like Incogni help reduce how much of your personal information is exposed online over time.

Is your personal information exposed online?

Run a free scan to see if your personal info is compromised. Results arrive by email in about an hour.

5) Review your settings regularly

Privacy is not one and done. Check in every few months.

Related Links: 

• It is easier than ever to disable Location Sharing on Android phones
• Android fixes 129 security flaws in major phone update
• Android malware hidden in a fake antivirus app

Kurt’s key takeaways

Your Android phone can be very secure. But it depends on how you set it up. Most of these changes take just a few minutes. Once they are in place, your phone becomes much harder to exploit. Think of it this way. You are not making your phone complicated. You are making it smarter about protecting you.

If someone picked up your phone right now, how much of your life could they see before you stopped them? Let us know in the comments below.

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