Protecting your Android with a passcode

#922 | 2:34 |

Tutorials

Wednesday July 20, 2011

In this tutorial, we show you how to

secure your Android phone with a passcode

. There are a number of

security options

available to you including using a

password, a PIN

or a unique pattern to lock your phone. All of these methods work to

protect your privacy

, so the one you choose should depend on your personal preference and the sensitivity of your data.

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Show Notes

- A passcode lock is one way that you can safeguard your Android phone. Remember, if you've saved passwords for email or financial accounts, then anyone who gets into your phone can use these.

- To set a passcode, first go to your Android Settings. Next, tap Location & security and select Set up screen lock.

- You'll have three security options here: Pattern, PIN or Password. You can also select None, but we don't recommend that.

- When setting a pattern lock, you'll see a 3x3 grid of dots. Connect at least four of these dots and repeat the pattern to make a pattern that will lock your phone. You can also choose not to show the visible pattern in case you're worried about people spying on you.

- Now, when your screen times out or you hit the power button, you'll need to draw your unique pattern in order to unlock your phone.

- If you want, you can change your security method to a PIN or password. Both must be at least four characters long, though PIN codes only allow you to use numbers, not letters.

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