Tag Archive for: settings

12 Android settings that’ll strengthen your security

/in


You might not know it from all the panic-inducing headlines out there, but Android is actually packed with practical and powerful security options. Some are activated by default and protecting you whether you realize it or not, while others are more out of the way but equally deserving of your attention.

So stop wasting your time worrying about the Android malware monster du jour and which security company is using it to scare you into an unnecessary subscription, and take a moment instead to look through these far more impactful Android settings — ranging from core system-level elements to some more advanced and easily overlooked options.

Make your way through these 12 specific Android settings, then make your way over to my Android Intelligence newsletter to get three exclusive bonus tips on your favorite subject this second.

Ready? Ready. Let’s do this:

Android setting No. 1: App permissions

A rarely spoken reality of Android security is that your own negligence — either in failing to properly secure your device in some way or in leaving open too many windows that allow third-party apps access to your info — is far more likely to be problematic than any manner of malware or scary-sounding boogeyman.

So let’s address the first part of that right off the bat, shall we? Despite what some sensational stories might lead you to believe, Android apps are never able to access your personal data or any part of your phone unless you explicitly give ’em the go-ahead to do so. And while you can’t undo anything that’s already happened (unless you happen to own a time-traveling DeLorean — in which case, great Scott, drop me a line), you can go back and revisit all your app permissions to make sure everything’s in tip-top shape for the future.

Source…

Switch on these three iPhone settings NOW or risk hack attack

/in


IF YOU’RE worried about iPhone hackers then we’ve got a few tips to help allay your fears.

From making your logins more secure to shielding your passwords from snoopers, here are the security settings worth knowing about.

Your iPhone has a bunch of handy features to help protect it from hackers

2

Your iPhone has a bunch of handy features to help protect it from hackersCredit: Alamy

Face ID

Once the preserve of sci-fi movies, facial recognition is now a mainstream technology.

Basically, it’s a way of identifying or verifying who a person by scanning their face with a computer.

Its main use is to make sure a person is who they say there are – like Apple’s Face ID, which uses facial recognition to unlock your iPhone.

To set up Face ID:

  • Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. If asked, enter your passcode.
  • Tap Set Up Face ID. 
  • Make sure you’re holding your device in portrait orientation, position your face in front of your device, and tap Get Started.
  • Position your face inside the frame and gently move your head to complete the circle. If you’re unable to move your head, tap Accessibility Options.
  • When you’ve finished the first Face ID scan, tap Continue.
  • Gently move your head to complete the circle for a second time.
  • Tap Done.
WhatsApp update introduces HUGE change for millions of users on iPhone
Best cheap iPhone SE 3 deals - pre-orders live NOW for Apple's budget handset

Two-factor authentication

Setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the easiest ways to stop hackers in their tracks.

It protects your account by requiring an extra level of verification before logging in – on top of your password.

It means that if your password has been hacked (or guessed), your account will still be safe.

You can activate 2FA on your Apple ID – the account which contain user personal information and settings, and which you need for iCloud.

Most read in Phones & Gadgets

Once enabled, you’ll be required to enter a special code sent via text or email, which you enter to log in addition to your password.

  • Go to Settings > [your name] > Password & Security. 
  • Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.
  • Tap Continue.
  • Enter the phone number you want to receive verification codes on when you sign in. You can choose to receive the codes by text message or via an automated phone call.
  • Tap Next.
  • Enter the verification code to verify your phone number and turn on two-factor authentication.

iCloud keychain

Every…

Source…

Get more out of your Android phone by changing these settings

/in


pixel-6-pro-cnet-review-hoyle-37

Check out these five Android settings for you to play with for better phone performance


Andrew Hoyle/CNET

No matter which Android phone you have — for instance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Google Pixel 6 — your device comes with a set of predetermined settings. These settings include brightness, organization and light mode, but just because they’re the default, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them.

how-to-tech-tips-logo-badge.png

Brett Pearce/CNET

However, you need to know where these settings are and what they can do for you before you start configuring them. We’ll go through settings that may help you improve your battery life, clean up the clutter on your home screen, find a stolen or lost device and get better performance out of your Android smartphone.

Note: Not all Android devices are created equal, and certain settings may be missing or in a different place depending on the version of Android you’re running and the maker of your phone, so just be aware of that when you’re adjusting these settings.

motorola-one-hyper-fotos-8

An overly bright display will drain your battery incredibly fast. 


Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

Settings to improve battery life

Living with a phone that has poor battery life can be infuriating, but there are some steps you can take to maximize each charge right from the very beginning:

1. Turn off auto screen brightness/adaptive brightness and set the brightness level slider to under 50%.
The brighter your screen, the more battery power it uses. 

To get to the setting, pull down the shortcut menu from the top of the screen and adjust the slider, if it’s there. Some phones may have a toggle for…

Source…

5 Android settings to change immediately to get more out of your phone

/in


pixel-6-pro-cnet-review-hoyle-37

Change these settings on your new Android phone. 


Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Android comes with an abundance of settings that allow you to customize and improve your smartphone experience. By default, Android picks what it considers the best settings, but depending on the type of user you are — beginner, average or pro — tinkering with your Android preferences and settings is a good idea to get the most out of your device.

However, you need to know where these controls are and what they can do for you. In this guide, we’ll go through settings that may help you improve your battery life, clean up the clutter on your home screen, find a stolen or lost device and more.

So whether you have the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro or OnePlus 9 Pro, these are the settings you need to change immediately to get better performance out of your Android smartphone.

Note: Not all Android devices are created equal, and certain settings may be missing or in a different place depending on the version of Android you’re running and the maker of your phone, so just be aware of that when you’re adjusting these settings.

motorola-one-hyper-fotos-8

An overly bright display will drain your battery incredibly fast. 


Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

Settings to improve battery life

Living with a phone that has poor battery life can be infuriating, but there are some steps you can take to maximize each charge right from the very beginning:

1. Turn off auto screen brightness — it may be called adaptive brightness — and set the brightness level…

Source…