Secure your Android OS device
On this page:
- Overview
- Set or change a screen lock pattern, PIN, or password
- Fingerprint
- Enable encryption
- Wipe data from your device
Overview
To secure the data on your mobile device, you should always use a pattern, PIN, passcode, or password to lock it. If the device is lost or stolen, this precaution can prevent others from accessing your email, calendar, contacts, and other data. See Protect data on your mobile device.
Set or change a screen lock pattern, PIN, or password
- Open , and then nagivate to or .
- To set a new screen lock pattern, PIN, or password, tap or . To change existing settings, tap or . If your device already has a pattern, PIN, or password, you may be prompted to enter it.
- Select one of the following options:
- : This leaves your device unprotected.
- This requires a swipe to unlock your device. This also leaves your device unprotected.
- : Your unlock pattern must connect at least four dots on the screen.
- : Your PIN must be at least four and no more than 16 digits long.
- : Your password must be at least four and no more than 16 characters long, and must contain at least one letter.
- Follow the onscreen directions to enter and confirm your pattern, PIN, or password.
By default, when you set a screen lock pattern, PIN, or password, a security lock timer is also set. Use the "When display is off" field to manage this setting.
Fingerprint
Some Android devices have an option for fingerprint authentication. To do this, the device must also have a pattern, PIN, or password set up (see previous section).
- Open , and then navigate to or .
- Tap . If your device already has a pattern, PIN, or password, you may be prompted to enter it.
- To add fingerprints, click , and then follow the on-screen prompts. (You can follow these steps to add multiple fingerprints.) To remove a fingerprint, click the trash can beside the listed fingerprint.
Enable encryption
Schedule an hour or more for the encryption process. If you interrupt it, you will lose some or all of your data. Additionally, before beginning the process, you should:
- Set a screen lock pattern, PIN, or password (see instructions in the previous section).
- Charge the battery.
- Plug in your device.
To enable encryption on an Android 4.x device:
- From the "Home" or "All Apps" screen, tap .
- Under "Personal", tap , , , or . Click , , , or .
- Tap
- If you see a checkbox for , tap to select it.
- If you see a checkbox for , tap to select it.
. Additionally:
- Tap Note:
.
- Enter your lock screen PIN or password, and then tap .
- Tap again.
The encryption process will begin and display its progress. The process can take an hour or more; during that time, your device may restart several times.
When encryption is complete, you'll be prompted to enter your PIN or password. Additionally, you'll need to enter your PIN or password each time you power on your device.
Wipe data from your device
To remove all personal data from your device, see Clear all data from your Android OS device.
At Indiana University, if you have configured your device to connect to Exchange, you can use Outlook on the web to wipe your data remotely if your device is lost or stolen; see Manage your Exchange ActiveSync device in Outlook on the web.
For more about Android security, see Android OS Help.
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Last modified on 2022-04-04 09:19:27.