Android Settings You Should Know

Here are some settings that can make using your Android safer and easier.

Password safety

An unlocked smartphone is a disaster waiting to happen. You should protect your personal information and privacy by requiring biometric data like a fingerprint or facial recognition (if available), and a PIN, pattern, or password to unlock the device.

1. Open Settings , tap Security , then tap Screen lock.
2. Tap the screen lock method you desire and then follow the prompts.

Even if you set up biometric unlock, your device will still ask for your PIN, pattern, or password if you visit certain areas of settings, after a restart, and sometimes randomly as a security measure.

User accounts

Android features user accounts. These can be handy, especially on a shared tablet. Each user can customize the device, wallpaper, Home screens, etc., for themselves. Files, texts, pictures, email, etc., are not shared between users, creating a private space for each.

1. Open Settings , tap System, then tap Multiple users.
2. Tap Use multiple users, click Add user and follow the instructions.

Guest accounts

Use a guest account if someone needs to borrow your phone. It’s easy to delete when they are done.

1. Open Settings  , tap System, then tap Multiple users.
2. Tap Use multiple users, click Add guest and follow the instructions Your device will switch to a new temporary account with a blank Home screen. There will be no security for this account. Hand your phone or tablet to the guest user.
3. To return to the main account or any user account, go to Settings > System > Multiple users and tap You. The guest profile will be deleted automatically when you switch back.

Network and internet

You can limit or turn off data usage over the cellular network. This is helpful if you are on a limited data plan and are approaching that limit. You can still access the internet if connected to a Wi-Fi network.

1. Open Settings , tap Network & internet , then tap Mobile Network .
2. Tap Mobile data. A box may pop up warning you that you won’t have access to the internet without Wi-Fi. Tap OK to confirm.

Most devices also have an option to limit mobile data usage on this screen (on the Pixel, it is called Data Saver). This restricts data usage by apps you are not currently using.

Set a limit for mobile data use

To set a warning and turn off mobile data at a certain amount of data use:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > [your carrier].
2. Next to your carrier, tap Settings .
3. Tap Data warning & limit. Read the warning pop-up and tap Ok.
4. Tap Data limit. Enter a number just below the amount of mobile data your plan allows. To switch between megabytes [MB] and gigabytes [GB], tap the down arrow.

Set the cutoff below your limit, and the device will automatically cut off data usage before you go over. For example, if your plan allows you to use 15 GB of data per month, set your limit at 14.95 GB.

Your cell provider may also have an option to alert you when approaching your data limit. Visit their website to see options.