15 biggest mistakes that you are making on your Android smartphone
Android being the most popular smartphone operating system in the world attracts attention from hackers, scammers and advertisers. Apart from malware, there are countless apps which make money by showing you ads continuously, causing your phone to slow down. And this is where you need to keep track of your mobile usage. Also, there could be spy apps hiding in your phone tracking your location. Here are 15 biggest mistakes that you are making on your Android smartphone.
1.Not using a strong password to lock your phone
While fingerprint and face unlock seem convenient, it is highly recommended that you use a strong password and not a 4-digit passcode to lock your phone. Face unlock, fingerprint, pattern and codes can be cracked but a strong password with unique characters secures your mobile better.
2.Not using an antivirus app on Android phone
Despite knowing that there are so many malware, adware, spyware and other harmful apps waiting to attack your phone, very few Android users actually use a paid antivirus or malware protection app. Antivirus apps may alert and protect you from new types of malware or other threats which your phone’s inbuilt malware protection may not detect.
3.Allowing third-party app installations from unknown sources
It is highly recommended that you turn off app installation from unknown sources in the Settings menu. This option prevents apps from getting secretly installed and also prevents apps from sources other than Google Play from getting installed.
4.Not updating your phone to latest Android version
If your phone receives security updates or Android version updates, never ignore them. While it may take a while to install the updates, it is always worth it. This is because malware creators are quick at creating hacks to exploit known vulnerabilities.
5.Using APK files to install apps
If you don’t understand how APK files work then it is highly advisable that you download apps from Google Play store only. There are many apps which are not found on Google Play and need to be installed by downloading the APK file. However, this comes with its own set of risks, as it is not approved by Google.
6.Not reading terms and conditions, permissions before downloading apps
Always make it a habit of reading the permissions required and the terms before downloading an app. Whenever an app asks for excessive permissions then you should start questioning the veracity of the app. For example, an app for wallpaper shouldn’t require access to your Contact book or mic, however, it may require access to your Gallery.
7.Not securing your phone enough from theft
Whenever you buy a new Android smartphone, enable Google’s find device service. This will help you track your phone in case it’s lost or stolen. Also, secure the lockscreen by changing settings so that no one can turn off mobile data or switch off the device without needing the password.
8.Using random adapters to charge your phone
Always use high quality adapters or the one that you have got with your phone to charge it. Phones with 5,000mAh batteries have become common and it could be dangerous to use any random adapter to charge such big batteries.
9.Not keeping a backup of your personal data
Your phone may get lost, stolen or may simply get broken. While you can always buy a new phone, you will not be able to get back your data if you haven’t saved it in the first place. Keeping a backup of personal data is highly recommended.
10.Not checking the downloaded app list inside Settings
Make it a habit to go through the downloaded app list inside Settings. There are many malware or spyware which do not create an icon and simply hide inside your phone. Checking the entire downloaded app list may help you spot unknown apps.
11.Not deleting old or unused apps
If you have not used an app for some time it is better to delete it. Also, if there are some outdated apps in your phone, delete them too. Keeping old or unused apps simply occupies memory and may also attract malware infection as it would not be updated.
12.Not updating the password of your Google account
Always change the password of your Google account periodically. Changing passwords will protect you in case there’s a privacy breach.
13.Not clearing cache of apps you regularly use
Clearing cache memory of apps that you regularly use helps in speeding up your phone
14.Not uninstalling bloatware that comes with new Android phone
Bloatwares simply take up space and may even cause stability issues. Always uninstall them, if you can, soon after you buy a new phone.
15.Not switching off your phone enough
If you don’t restart your phone occasionally then you may face lags or sometimes see delays in receiving OTPs or messages. Restarting your phone once daily is a good practice.
Android being the most popular smartphone operating system in the world attracts attention from hackers, scammers and advertisers. Apart from malware, there are countless apps which make money by showing you ads continuously, causing your phone to slow down. And this is where you need to keep track of your mobile usage. Also, there could be spy apps hiding in your phone tracking your location. Here are 15 biggest mistakes that you are making on your Android smartphone.
1.Not using a strong password to lock your phone
While fingerprint and face unlock seem convenient, it is highly recommended that you use a strong password and not a 4-digit passcode to lock your phone. Face unlock, fingerprint, pattern and codes can be cracked but a strong password with unique characters secures your mobile better.
2.Not using an antivirus app on Android phone
Despite knowing that there are so many malware, adware, spyware and other harmful apps waiting to attack your phone, very few Android users actually use a paid antivirus or malware protection app. Antivirus apps may alert and protect you from new types of malware or other threats which your phone’s inbuilt malware protection may not detect.
3.Allowing third-party app installations from unknown sources
It is highly recommended that you turn off app installation from unknown sources in the Settings menu. This option prevents apps from getting secretly installed and also prevents apps from sources other than Google Play from getting installed.
4.Not updating your phone to latest Android version
If your phone receives security updates or Android version updates, never ignore them. While it may take a while to install the updates, it is always worth it. This is because malware creators are quick at creating hacks to exploit known vulnerabilities.
5.Using APK files to install apps
If you don’t understand how APK files work then it is highly advisable that you download apps from Google Play store only. There are many apps which are not found on Google Play and need to be installed by downloading the APK file. However, this comes with its own set of risks, as it is not approved by Google.
6.Not reading terms and conditions, permissions before downloading apps
Always make it a habit of reading the permissions required and the terms before downloading an app. Whenever an app asks for excessive permissions then you should start questioning the veracity of the app. For example, an app for wallpaper shouldn’t require access to your Contact book or mic, however, it may require access to your Gallery.
7.Not securing your phone enough from theft
Whenever you buy a new Android smartphone, enable Google’s find device service. This will help you track your phone in case it’s lost or stolen. Also, secure the lockscreen by changing settings so that no one can turn off mobile data or switch off the device without needing the password.
8.Using random adapters to charge your phone
Always use high quality adapters or the one that you have got with your phone to charge it. Phones with 5,000mAh batteries have become common and it could be dangerous to use any random adapter to charge such big batteries.
9.Not keeping a backup of your personal data
Your phone may get lost, stolen or may simply get broken. While you can always buy a new phone, you will not be able to get back your data if you haven’t saved it in the first place. Keeping a backup of personal data is highly recommended.
10.Not checking the downloaded app list inside Settings
Make it a habit to go through the downloaded app list inside Settings. There are many malware or spyware which do not create an icon and simply hide inside your phone. Checking the entire downloaded app list may help you spot unknown apps.
11.Not deleting old or unused apps
If you have not used an app for some time it is better to delete it. Also, if there are some outdated apps in your phone, delete them too. Keeping old or unused apps simply occupies memory and may also attract malware infection as it would not be updated.
12.Not updating the password of your Google account
Always change the password of your Google account periodically. Changing passwords will protect you in case there’s a privacy breach.
13.Not clearing cache of apps you regularly use
Clearing cache memory of apps that you regularly use helps in speeding up your phone
14.Not uninstalling bloatware that comes with new Android phone
Bloatwares simply take up space and may even cause stability issues. Always uninstall them, if you can, soon after you buy a new phone.
15.Not switching off your phone enough
If you don’t restart your phone occasionally then you may face lags or sometimes see delays in receiving OTPs or messages. Restarting your phone once daily is a good practice.