Smartphone Security Checklist
Your phone likely contains more sensitive data than any other device you own: banking apps, email, photos, location history, and authenticator apps. Here's how to lock it down.
📱iPhone Security Checklist
Essential Settings
- Enable Face ID or Touch ID
Settings → Face ID & Passcode
- Use 6-digit passcode (or alphanumeric)
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Change Passcode
- Enable Find My iPhone
Settings → [Your Name] → Find My
- Turn on Stolen Device Protection
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Stolen Device Protection
- Enable automatic updates
Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates
- Set auto-lock to 30 seconds or 1 minute
Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock
Privacy Settings
- Review app location permissions
Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
- Review camera/microphone access
Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera/Microphone
- Enable Mail Privacy Protection
Settings → Mail → Privacy Protection
- Disable ad tracking
Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Turn off "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
🤖Android Security Checklist
Essential Settings
- Enable fingerprint or face unlock
Settings → Security → Screen lock
- Use 6-digit PIN or password
Settings → Security → Screen lock
- Enable Find My Device
Settings → Security → Find My Device
- Turn on automatic updates
Settings → System → Software update
- Enable Google Play Protect
Play Store → Menu → Play Protect
- Disable "Install unknown apps"
Settings → Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps
Privacy Settings
- Review app permissions
Settings → Privacy → Permission manager
- Disable ad personalization
Settings → Privacy → Ads
- Review connected apps
Settings → Google → Manage your Google Account → Security
SIM Card Protection
SIM-swapping attacks let criminals take over your phone number, intercept your texts, and bypass SMS-based 2FA.
- Set a SIM PIN (different from your screen lock PIN)
- Add a PIN/password to your carrier account
- Use authenticator apps instead of SMS for 2FA when possible
Safe Mobile Habits
Don't click links in unexpected texts
SMS phishing (smishing) has a much higher success rate than email phishing.
Only install apps from official stores
App Store and Google Play have security review processes.
Use a VPN on public WiFi
Or stick to cellular data for sensitive activities.
Lock sensitive apps
Many banking apps have additional biometric locks—enable them.
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