Go to Settings
The actual location of the settings might differ from device to device. The following are according to stock android.
- Network preferences >
- Turn on Wi-Fi automatically: Off
- Notify for public networks: Off
-
Private DNS > Private DNS provider hostname: enter the hostname of DNS provider from this list > Save
Example: For Quad9, enter dns.quad9.net
- Bluetooth: Off
- Printing > Default Print Service: Off
- Nearby Share > Device visibility: Off
- Android Auto: Off
ℹ️ NOTE: Enable the above settings only when required. Remember to turn them off when no longer required.
- Use notification history: Off
- Off
- Privacy: Show sensitive content only when unlocked
- Shortest duration that suits you
Tap on gear icon next to Preferred engine
- Anonymous usage reports: Off
- Password, PIN or Pattern. Don't set to
None
orSwipe
.
After setting screen lock, tap on gear icon.
- Make pattern visible: Off (only available if Screen lock is set to
Pattern
) - Lock after screen timeout: Immediately
- Power button instantly locks: On
- SIM card lock >
- Lock SIM card: On > Enter default PIN > OK
- Change SIM PIN > Enter old and new SIM PIN > OK (Create a secure new SIM PIN)
ℹ️ NOTE 1: The default PIN code is usually
1234
or0000
. However, if these two don't work, you should look on SIM card's packaging or contact your SIM provider's customer support.ℹ️ NOTE 2: If you enter the PIN code wrong 3 times, you'll be asked to enter a PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code. This code can be obtained from the carrier, after they verify you are the rightful owner of the SIM. DO NOT try to guess the PUK code. If you enter it wrong 3 times, the SIM will be permanently locked and you might have to get a new SIM from your carrier.
- Encryption & credentials >
- Encrypt phone: Encrypted
- Trust agents >
- Smart Lock (Google): Off
- Review each permission and disable accordingly (choose which apps can have access to camera, microphone, gps, contacts etc. If any app doesn't need something, turn it off.)
- Off
- Show sensitive content only when unlocked
- Off
- Use Autofill with Google: Off
- Reset advertising ID > OK
- Opt out of Ads Personalization: On > OK
- Off
ℹ️ NOTE: Additionally some OEMs include few more settings for personalized ads & diagnostics.
Search in your phone settings forUser Experience Program
,Personalized ad recommendations
,Send diagnostic data
or something similar.
- Use location: Off (enable only when needed, like for navigation apps, and turn off when not required)
- Google Location Accuracy > Improve Location Accuracy: Off
- Wi-Fi scanning: Off
- Bluetooth scanning: Off
- Device Contacts: Off
- Search, Assistant & Voice >
- General >
- Autocomplete settings > Autocomplete with trending searches: Off
- Discover: Off
- Privacy & Security >
- Search customization: Off
- General >
- Add users from lock screen: Off
Go to About phone
> tap Build Number
7 times. This will unlock Developer options.
Now go to System
> Developer options > Wi-fi non persistent MAC randomization: On
- Some other settings are same as Google Account settings.
- Gboard settings are available here.