Use Security and privacy settings on Galaxy phones and tablets
Your device stores a lot of personal information, so it’s important to make sure everything remains safe and private. Fortunately, your phone and tablet includes some convenient privacy settings for keeping things like your app usage, location data, and passwords completely secure. You can also use these settings to customize the content you’d like to see, including recommendations and advertisements based on device usage. Or, you can opt out of customization services if you prefer not to see specific content.
Note: The Permission manager allows you to manage your overall permissions, including apps and services like Calendar, Camera, location, and microphone.
Samsung privacy settings
Your device comes with several privacy settings to help keep your personal data secure. In the Samsung privacy section, you can dictate app permissions as well as customize the advertising content you see in your apps.
Navigate to Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap Privacy. Swipe to and tap Other privacy settings. The following settings are available in the Samsung section:
Samsung Privacy: Review Samsung’s privacy guidelines for additional information.
Customization Service: Allows you to personalize the content you receive in your apps, such as ads and marketing. You can also manage your personal data, erase your personal data, and disable customization services on other devices.
Send diagnostic data: Allow Samsung to collect diagnostic data from your device to improve its services.
You can also access the Permission manager from the Privacy screen to configure your desired permissions for the camera and microphone, as well as other services. Tap Back, then tap Permission manager, and then tap Camera or Microphone. Next, select an app to change the permissions. Choose your desired option, such as Allow or Don’t Allow.
Note: Depending on the service you choose, the options may also say "Allowed only while using the app" or "Ask every time."
Google privacy settings
Google offers additional privacy settings as well. From this section, you can enable location services, ads, and personalized recommendations on your device.
To find this section, navigate to Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap Privacy. Swipe to and tap Other privacy settings. The following settings will be available in the Google section:
Android System Intelligence: View suggestions based on the content you look at. Your device will store this data for future use as well. You can also clear your device’s learned data.
Autofill service from Google: Allows you to automatically fill in certain information when browsing websites, such as passwords, addresses, and credit card information. You can edit your information at any time if you receive a new credit card, or if you prefer not to use Autofill.
Google location history: Enable this to save your device’s location. Google will then suggest personalized maps when you're traveling.
Activity controls: Your device will save your website and app activity to provide you with faster searching.
Ads: Reset your advertising ID or disable apps from using your ID.
Usage & diagnostics: Allow Google to collect diagnostic data from your device to improve its services.
Keep your device and data secure
There are several other ways you can keep your device and your data secure. You can set up or use the following features:
Lock screen: Set up a lock screen to protect your personal information and maintain privacy on your device. A passcode will be required to access your device.
Biometrics and Intelligent Scan: Setting up biometric locks and additional security options will ensure that only you have access to your device and data.
Samsung Pass: Instead of typing in your passwords for any wandering eyes to see or allowing free access to your Samsung Wallet, you can use biometrics to open up your accounts and credentials.
Software update: Updating your device can improve security measures and make navigation smoother. You should update your device whenever a new version is available.
App updates: Updating apps can ensure all of your apps run smoothly.
App permissions: You can choose which apps have permission to utilize your location, camera, and personal information.
Accounts: Setting up email or other personal accounts on your device will allow you to store additional data and information.
Find My Mobile: Give yourself the ability to track your device when it is missing. You can set up Find my Mobile to prepare for any future mishaps!
Secure Folder: Secure your private information or organize your photos in an pre-installed app on your device using Secure Folder. You can hide the Secure Folder on your device and protect it with a passcode.
Secure Wi-Fi: Secure Wi-Fi guarantees safe browsing so you can maintain your privacy when browsing the web. It encrypts all your data when you are using unsecured Wi-Fi.
Private Share: With this feature you can share important files with confidence. Only the recipient of the file will have access to it, and you can also restrict any forwarding actions by the recipient.
Installing unknown apps: Apps that appear to breach your device's security system will be automatically blocked. You will need to give the unknown app permission to be installed on your device.
Check which apps are using the camera or microphone
When an app is using either the camera or microphone, you’ll see a small green dot in the top right corner of your device's screen.
Maybe you have multiple apps opened and you're unsure which one is accessing the camera or microphone. There is a simple way to check this; when the green dot is on the screen, swipe down from the top to open the Notification panel, and then tap the green dot. You’ll see a pop-up notification with the app’s icon, as well as information about the camera or microphone. Then, you can find and close the app if you need to.
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