Protect your Samsung Galaxy with the Auto Blocker feature
Most people never intentionally install apps from outside trusted app stores, which makes Auto Blocker an easy way to improve your device's security. When enabled, it helps prevent common security risks such as accidentally installing malicious apps or allowing unauthorized actions through a USB connection. For many Samsung Galaxy users, it's a simple way to reduce the risk of malware without changing how they normally use their device.
Note: The information provided applies to Samsung Galaxy devices sold in Canada. Screens and settings may vary for devices sold in other countries.
For the best protection, we recommend keeping Auto Blocker enabled on your Samsung Galaxy device. While it should already be enabled or offered during the initial setup on many Galaxy devices, you can check its current status at any time in the Settings menu.
- Blocks apps from unauthorized sources: Helps prevent apps from being installed from unknown or untrusted sources. If you try to install an app from outside the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, Auto Blocker will notify you and stop the installation.
- Blocks commands by USB cable: Helps protect your device when it is connected to a charger, computer, or other USB device by blocking unauthorized commands that could access or modify your device.
- Blocks malware images in messaging apps: Helps protect your device by blocking images that are suspected of containing malicious code before they can be opened.
- Block non-official software updates: Helps prevent software that has not been certified by Samsung from being installed on your device, reducing the risk of unauthorized or modified system software.
Maximum restrictions is intended for users who prefer stronger security, even if it means giving up some convenience. While it helps reduce the risk of certain security threats, it may also prevent some accessories, apps, or connections from working as expected. If you primarily use your Galaxy device for everyday tasks and install apps only from trusted sources, the standard Auto Blocker settings are sufficient for most users.
- Turns on App protection: Automatically scans apps on your device for viruses and spyware to help detect potentially harmful software.
- Blocks device admin apps: Prevents device administrator apps and work profiles from being activated. This helps protect your personal data from apps that could gain elevated access to your device.
- Block 2G networks: Prevents your device from connecting to older 2G mobile networks, which are less secure than modern cellular networks. However, if you are in an area where only a 2G network is available, you will not be able to make phone calls, send text messages or use mobile data.
- Blocks auto reconnection to non-secure Wi-Fi networks: Prevents your device from automatically reconnecting to non-secure Wi-Fi networks that you have previously joined, helping reduce the risk of connecting to an unsafe network.
- Blocks hyperlinks and previews: Prevents hyperlinks and preview images from appearing in text messages that contain web addresses. This helps protect you from accidentally opening links to malicious websites. If you trust the sender, you can manually enter or copy and paste the web address into your browser.
- Blocks shared albums: Prevents you from creating or joining shared albums in the Gallery app. This helps protect your privacy by reducing the risk of receiving unwanted invitations or accidentally sharing photos that may contain sensitive information.
- Removes location data when sharing pictures: Removes location information from photos before they are shared from the Gallery app, helping prevent recipients from seeing where the pictures were taken.
Auto Blocker is designed to protect your device without affecting everyday use. However, some actions require fewer security restrictions and may not work while Auto Blocker or Maximum restrictions is enabled. Understanding these limitations can help you make informed decisions about your device's security settings.
Auto Blocker
- Installing apps from outside trusted app stores: Auto Blocker prevents apps downloaded from websites or other sources from being installed. If you choose to install apps from outside the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, Auto Blocker will prevent the installation unless the feature is turned off.
- Installing unofficial software updates: Auto Blocker blocks system software that has not been certified by Samsung. Official software updates installed through your device settings or Smart Switch are not affected.
Maximum restrictions
- Some work or enterprise apps may not function: Apps that require device administrator permissions or a work profile cannot be activated while Maximum restrictions is enabled.
- Older 2G mobile networks are blocked: If you travel to an area where only a 2G network is available, you won't be able to make phone calls, send text messages, or use mobile data while Maximum restrictions is enabled.
- Some messaging features are limited: Hyperlink previews and preview images are blocked. If you receive a web address from someone you trust, you'll need to manually enter or copy and paste it into your browser.
- Some Gallery features are unavailable: Shared albums cannot be created or joined while Maximum restrictions is enabled. In addition, location information is automatically removed from pictures before they are shared.
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