Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Like a car, regular preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your Android phone running in tip-top shape. Sure, you won’t need to change the oil or spark plugs in your Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy, but you do need to keep on top of several security, privacy, and management items.
Established Android users may be well aware of this, but it’s easy to get lost if you’re an inexperienced user. As there are many items to address, I keep an Android security checklist on hand to keep these maintenance tasks focused and regular.
My list is constantly evolving, but considering that now is the ideal time to start building a more secure digital life, I’d like to share my current checklist items with you. Here’s how I keep my devices and Google accounts safe and secure.
What is the single most important Android privacy and security checklist item? 44 votes Checking for Android and Play system updates. 30 % Managing apps: Remove unwanted apps and review defaults. 7 % Reviewing app permissions. 11 % Reviewing your phone's ad blocking system. 18 % Scanning for unknown location trackers. 20 % Reviewing Find Hub and Theft Protection settings. 7 % Checking if backups are backing up. 0 % Reviewing Google account activity. 2 % Password management: Renewing old passwords, adding new passwords to manager. 5 % Reviewing and managing Google Play subscriptions. 0 % Something else (explain in the comments). 0 %
Check for Android security updates (system and Play services)
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Modern Android phones usually install available updates automatically, but it’s a good idea to check manually for any pending patches. Android system updates can include a multitude of new features, but more importantly, they also plug security holes and quash bugs. For this reason, it’s crucial to keep your Android phone on the latest available software version.
Every fortnight or so, I run a manual check for software updates. To do this yourself, open your Settings app, select System, then Software. Alternatively, search for “system update” using the Settings app’s search bar. This is the easiest route, as Android OEMs often hide this option in various locations.
Importantly, I also check if I’m running the latest Google Play system version. As we’ve outlined in this handy Play system update guide, this stream of Android updates focuses on issuing new Google-related features to your device, many of which are extremely useful and integral to the Android experience. However, your phone tends to overlook these updates, making manual checks essential.
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