How to Run a Security Checkup on Android

Perform a comprehensive security audit on your Android device to identify vulnerabilities, monitor app permissions, and secure your account settings.

  1. Run Google Play Protect scan. Open the Google Play Store app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Play Protect and tap Scan to manually trigger a deep sweep for malicious software or unauthorized app behavior.
  2. Check account security status. Navigate to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account. Select the Security tab and review the Your devices section to remove any unauthorized hardware logged into your account.
  3. Review app permissions. Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager. Systematically review categories like Camera, Microphone, and Location to see which apps have access, and revoke permissions for any applications that do not require them.
  4. Verify system software version. Navigate to Settings > System > Software update. Tap Check for update to ensure your device is running the latest security patch provided by your manufacturer.
  5. Audit lock screen settings. Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock. Ensure that your screen lock is set to PIN, Pattern, or Password rather than Swipe or None, and confirm that Fingerprint Unlock is enabled for an additional layer of biometric security.

Related

  • How to Securely Erase Your Android Phone Before Disposal
  • How to initiate your first Android backup
  • How to Fix Missing Apps After Android Data Transfer
  • How to Fix RCS Messaging Activation Issues on Android
  • Verifying Your Android Device Setup
  • How to check and install Android security updates