Protect your data against theft

To ensure that unauthorized individuals won’t have easy access to your data and information, use a strong PIN with six or more digits, a pattern with complicated sequence, or a password that you don’t use on other websites or applications.

Even if you use biometrics, you’ll still want a strong password in case an unauthorized individual tries to override your biometric protections. Learn how to set screen lock on an Android device.

Biometric authentication, like fingerprint or facial recognition, provides both security and convenience. Devices with biometric recognition makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to access your phone and, at the same time, does not impede user experience. Users are strongly encouraged to set up biometrics for authentication. For the specific setup steps, please refer to your device manufacturer for additional information and assistance.

This can be useful in times when you share a device with someone you don’t fully trust, or you’re in a public place. You can pin a screen to lock your device to only one app and it remains in view until you unpin with your PIN, or pattern, or password.

When you pin a screen, you can use the device but only for a selected app. Learn how to pin and unpin screens.

Many apps provide additional security when you:

• Add a PIN or password.
• Use biometrics (fingerprint, face recognition).
• Use two-step verification to unlock your device.

For apps with sensitive or important information, like finance, payment, or social apps, search for additional security options to add under the security or privacy settings.

For websites that support them, passkeys are a secure way to sign in without a password. Learn how to sign-in to your applications and websites with passkeys.

If your Android device is stolen or you’re not sure if it’s been taken, you can find, secure, or erase its data remotely. If you've added a Google Account to your device, Find My Device is automatically turned on.

• You can lock the screen and log yourself out of your Google Accounts on the device.
• You can view the location of your device using the Find My Device app or webpage. If you're unable to retrieve it, you can mark it as lost.
• You can erase your device data and factory reset your device.

Before your device is lost or stolen, make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account and ensure that your Location setting is on and Find My Device is enabled. Learn how to use Find My Device.

If you lost your device to theft, you may also lose important data that you cannot replace. To protect against this, you should enable device backup to ensure your data is preserved and you can factory reset your device without losing your data. Learn how to back up and restore data on your Android device.

Your phone has a unique serial number, and a unique IMEI number assigned by a mobile network operator. This can be helpful for your mobile network operator to find your phone or pause services in case it is missing. If you report a stolen phone, Law enforcement may also ask for your serial number and IMEI number. Learn how to find your phone’s IMEI number.

To find your IMEI number:

1. Go to Settings .
2. Select About Phone.

If your device is lost or stolen, an unauthorized individual can use your SIM card within your device to control your phone number. To prevent your SIM from being used without your authorization, protect your device SIM with a PIN.

You’ll be asked for your SIM PIN whenever you turn on your device or the SIM is inserted into a different device.

To set up a SIM PIN:

1. On your Android device, tap Settings Security & Privacy More Security Settings.
2. Tap SIM Lock Lock SIM.

Tip: Some carriers have a default PIN, which is available to the public. For stronger protection, it’s recommended to change it.

Information from notifications in the lock screen might give unauthorized individuals information they can use to access your data. To prevent this, you can control what notification content is shown on the lock screen. Learn how to control notification on Android

To hide notification on lock screen:

1. On your device, tap Settings Security & Privacy More Security Settings.
2. Tap Notifications on lock screen.