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Android Hardening Guide

Here is the android hardening guide.

Mobile Security · Android

Mobile Device Hardening

Android Hardening Guide

A step-by-step configuration reference for reducing your device’s digital exposure. Each setting reflects best practices for principals, family members, and anyone in a high-visibility role.

Note: Settings vary by Android version and manufacturer. If a setting isn’t where indicated, search its name in the Settings search bar.

Connections 01
Settings › Wi-Fi › Advanced
Manage networks
Remove unused or unrecognized
Review
Hotspot 2.0
Turn Off
Allow WEP networks
Turn Off
NFC and Contactless Payments
Secure NFC
Turn On
NFC when not in use
Turn Off
Mobile Networks
Data roaming
Turn Off
Allow 2G service
Turn Off
Mobile Hotspot and Tethering
Mobile hotspot
Turn Off
Bluetooth tethering
Turn Off
More Connection Settings
Nearby device scanning
Turn Off
Private DNS
Set to: 1.1.1.1 or dns.quad9.net
Set Value
Best Practice

Avoid public Wi-Fi. If unavoidable, ensure a trusted VPN is active before connecting.

Connected Devices 02
Settings › Connected Devices › Notifications
Continue on other devices
Turn Off
Camera share
Turn Off
Security & Privacy 03
Settings › Security and Privacy
Auto Blocker
Blocks unauthorized apps, USB commands & malware
Turn On
Lock network and security
Prevents Wi-Fi being disabled while locked
Turn On
Show lockdown mode option
Disables biometrics & notifications when activated
Turn On
More Security Settings
Block USB connections while locked
Turn On
Make passwords visible
Turn Off
Enhanced data protection
Encrypts backup and synced data
Turn On
More Privacy Settings
Personal data intelligence
Turn Off
Send diagnostic data
Turn Off
Android personalization service
Turn Off
Permission manager
Audit camera, mic & location per app
Review
Ads › Advertising ID
Delete
Usage and diagnostics
Turn Off
Mobile Security · Android · Page 2
Lock Screen & Biometrics 04
Lock Screen › Notifications
Lock screen notifications
Prevent content preview while locked
Hide Content
Screen Lock and Biometrics
Screen lock type
PIN, password, or pattern recommended
Review
Face recognition › Require open eyes
Prevents unlock while unconscious or coerced
Turn On
Secure Lock Settings
Auto lock when screen turns off
Immediately
Lock instantly with side button
Turn On
Extend unlock
Turn Off
Safety, Emergency & Software 05
Settings › Safety and Emergency
Unknown tracker alerts
Turn On
Settings › Software Update
Check for latest updates
Closes known exploit vectors
Check Regularly
Google Services 06
Google › Search, Assistant & Voice › Privacy & Safety
Location accuracy
Turn Off
Personalize using shared data
Turn Off
Search personalization
Turn Off
Screen context
Turn All Off
Contact info from your devices
Turn Off
Devices & connected apps
Confirm Intended
Web and app activity
Turn Off
Google › Theft Protection
Theft detection lock
Locks device if theft motion detected
Turn On (Opt.)
Remote lock
Turn On
Contextual suggestions
Turn Off
Gemini AI 07
Settings › Google › Gemini
Talk to Gemini hands-free
Turn All Off
Use Gemini without unlocking
Turn Off
Take It With You
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