5 Tips for Protecting Your Data on Your New Android Phone

#1. Opt out of Google arbitration

If you have a Google phone then you need to know about Google's forced arbitration.


Why is opting out of Google’s forced arbitration important?

Google's arbitration clause prevents your right to sue in court or to participate in class action lawsuits. (Also, arbitration is generally considered more favorable to companies.)

According to Google:

“If you decide to keep your Google Device but opt out of these Arbitration Terms, you must do so by notifying Google within 30 days of activating your Google Device for the first time (unless a longer period is required by applicable law) by following the instructions at g.co/devicearbitration/optout.” 

 

To Opt Out of Google Arbitration

Fill out the Device Arbitration Opt-Out form here: 

https://partnerdash.google.com/apps/devicearbitrationoptout/optoutform


    #2. Review App Permissions (Allow or Do Not Allow an app access to your camera, microphone, location, etc.)

Not all apps need access to your camera, contacts, or location. Limit app permissions to help protect your privacy and personal data.

Note: This is extremely tedious as you have to go into each app and see what permissions each app has.  

Go to Settings > tap Apps > tap See all apps > go into each app (for example, Amazon Shopping) > under App info tap Permissions > Allow or Not allow location, camera, microphone, or any other settings.



     #3. Turn off Device admin apps

Device admin apps are apps with elevated privileges, meaning if they have permission from you, they can remotely wipe data, track your location, and enforce security policies.

This is extremely dangerous as these are capabilities that can be exploited by malicious apps.

To disable go to:

Settings > tap Security & privacy > tap More security & privacy > tap Device admin > Disable for apps you do NOT want to have elevated privileges.


#4. Turn off Permissions in Install Unknown Apps Setting

Any app in Install Unknown Apps setting can install other apps on your phone without your permission unless you turn off permission for them to do so.

Go to Settings > tap Apps > tap Special app access > tap Install unknown apps > if it shows ‘Enabled’ under the app name, tap on the app > tap on Allow from this source to disable permission.




#5. Turn off Google Location History

Google Location History is a setting that saves the places you went to with your phone. To turn off this setting or to delete your location history after a certain amount of time, go to:

Settings > tap your user name Google services and preferences > under Google services tap on your user name again > tap Manage your Google Account > tap Data & privacy > tap Timeline

a.      Turn on or Off.

b.      Under Auto-delete tap Choose an auto-delete option > set if you want to auto-delete activity after a certain amount of time or ‘don’t auto-delete activity’.


Bonus Tip! Customize Ad privacy

Settings > tap username Google services and preferences > under Google services tap All services > under Privacy & security tap Ads > tap Ad privacy > for each setting (Ad topics, App-suggested ads, Ad measurement) tap into each to turn off.




For more tips check out this video 10 Android Mistakes Everyone Makes When Buying A New Phone.


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