There are many settings in the Android system that can help you protect your data and privacy. Some of these settings specifically help you protect your privacy when using your phone in front of others, such as relatives, friends, or colleagues. For example, you can hide messages from WhatsApp so they don’t appear on the screen, lock important data and files, and even pin an app to the screen so that no other app can be opened while using that app. If you want more privacy for your data, here are 5 settings in Android that help protect your privacy from others.
1. Enable the Pin Windows feature:
One of the best ways to protect your privacy from others is by enabling the Pin Windows feature. This feature allows you to open an app and pin it to the screen, preventing anyone from opening any other app except for that one without entering the phone’s password. Here’s how to enable it:
– Go to Settings on your phone.
– Click on Biometrics and Security, then select Other Security Settings.
– Scroll down to find Pin Windows and enable it.
To use this feature, open the recent apps menu by long-pressing the home button or the back button, depending on your phone. Scroll to the app you want to pin, click on the app icon at the top, and select Pin App.
For example, if you pin the Google Chrome browser, you can give your phone to someone without worrying about them opening any other apps on your phone.
2. Disable notifications on the screen:
Sometimes, you may receive personal notifications that you don’t want others to see. In this case, it’s best to disable notifications on the screen. You can do this by going to Settings, then Apps and Notifications, selecting the app you want to disable notifications for, and then turning off notifications.
3. Enable Guest Mode and use Incognito Browsing:
Guest Mode restricts the use of the phone to specific apps and data. You can activate Guest Mode to protect your privacy when giving your phone to someone else. Additionally, you can use Incognito or Private Browsing modes in internet browsers to prevent recording browsing information, such as history and passwords.
4. Disable Wireless Networks when not in use:
Wireless networks are great for connecting to the internet or transferring files between devices, but they can pose a security and privacy risk. It’s important to disable wireless networks when not needed, especially in public places. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in places like restaurants, cafes, or hotels.
5. Hide sensitive information or lock it:
There may be important or personal apps on your phone containing sensitive information that you don’t want others to access. You can hide apps from Settings or use features like Secure Folder on Samsung phones. If you can’t use these methods, there are plenty of apps available in the app store that allow you to hide and protect apps with a password easily.
