Android settings worth changing on a new phone
When you get a new Android phone, it comes with some default settings that are decent enough. But with a few tweaks, you can boost your privacy, enhance security, and even extend your battery life. Here’s what you should consider changing right away.
Key Takeaways
- Adjust app permissions to limit access to your location, camera, and microphone.
- Delete your advertising ID to reduce cross-app tracking.
- Hide sensitive content on your lock screen to protect your privacy.
- Set up a strong screen lock and enable biometric options for convenience.
- Turn on Find My Device to locate or secure your phone remotely.
- Enable adaptive brightness and review battery usage to optimize performance.
- Don’t forget to set up backups and battery protection features.
How can I improve my phone’s privacy settings?
Privacy is a big concern for many smartphone users, and Android offers several ways to protect your data.
1. Manage app permissions
Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager. Here, you’ll see a list of permissions like Location, Camera, and Microphone. For each, review the apps that have access. For instance, apps like maps or ride-hailing services might need your location, but they don’t need it all the time. Change their access to “Allow only while using the app”. This way, they can’t track you in the background.
2. Remove your advertising ID
Head to Settings > Google > Ads. Here, you’ll find an option to Delete advertising ID. This step helps cut down on cross-app tracking, making it harder for advertisers to follow you across different apps.
3. Control lock screen notifications
Navigate to Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen. From there, select hide sensitive content. This ensures that messages, codes, or any other sensitive information won’t be visible when your phone is locked.
What should I do to secure my phone?
Security is vital, and there are several steps you can take to protect your device and data.
1. Set up a strong screen lock
Go to Settings > Security. Here, you can set up a PIN, password, or pattern. For the best security, use a PIN or password. Once you’ve set this up, consider adding a biometric option like fingerprint or face unlock for quicker access.
2. Enable Find My Device
Still in the Security settings, find the option for Find My Device. Turn it on. This feature allows you to locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely if it’s lost or stolen.
3. Check for updates
It’s a good idea to check for updates as soon as you set up your new phone. Often, phones sit in boxes for a while, and by the time you buy them, there’s an update available. Go to Settings > System > System update to see if any updates are waiting.
How can I optimize my phone’s battery life and performance?
Battery life is a common concern, and there are several settings you can tweak to make your phone last longer.
1. Use adaptive brightness
Turn on adaptive brightness in the display settings. This feature adjusts the screen brightness based on your environment, which can save battery. Also, consider setting a shorter screen timeout, like 30 seconds, to reduce power usage.
2. Review battery usage
After a few days of using your phone, go to Settings > Battery to see which apps are consuming the most power. If you notice any apps that are high on the list but don’t need to run in the background, restrict their background activity. For more detailed tips, check out our battery guide.
3. Be cautious with Adaptive Battery
While Adaptive Battery can save power, it might also delay notifications from some apps. If you find that you’re missing messages, you might want to whitelist those apps or adjust the settings to balance battery savings and app performance.
What are some settings people often forget?
There are a few settings that are easy to overlook but can make a big difference.
1. Set up backups
Go to Settings > Google > Backup. Turn on the backup feature. This ensures that your data is saved and can be restored if your phone is lost or damaged. For more on backups, see our guide on backing up properly.
2. Enable battery protection
If your phone has a charge or battery protection option, make sure to turn it on. This feature helps preserve your battery’s long-term health by preventing overcharging and regulating charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I install a third-party security app?
Generally, no. Android’s built-in Play Protect, combined with good habits like downloading apps from official sources and being cautious with links, is enough for most people. For more on this, check out our article on signs your phone is compromised.
Do I need to change my DNS settings or use a VPN?
Not for most people. A VPN can be useful on untrusted public Wi-Fi, but it’s not a day-one essential. The settings mentioned above are more important for everyday security and privacy.
Will these settings differ by phone brand?
While the menu names might vary slightly between brands like Samsung, Pixel, and others, every Android phone has these options. If you can’t find a specific setting, try using the search function in the Settings app.
How often should I review these settings?
It’s a good idea to review your settings periodically, especially after major updates or if you notice any unusual behavior. This ensures that your phone remains secure and optimized.
Can I revert changes if I don’t like them?
Yes, most settings can be easily changed back if you decide you don’t like them. Just go back to the same menu and adjust the options as needed.