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Securing Your Android Device

There are many versions of Google's Android OS, and every device manufacturer implements Android slightly differently. In general, most versions of Android 4.0 and above support device encryption, and most versions prior to that do not.

ENCRYPT YOUR DEVICE ANDROID 5.0 AND UP

  1. Open your device's Settings app
  2. Under “Personal,” tap Security
  3. Tap Screen lock
  4. To choose your screen lock, tap Pattern, PIN, or Password
  5. You'll be asked to “further protect this device” by requiring your PIN, pattern, or password when your device starts. The first time that you choose this setting, it will encrypt your device.
  6. Select Require to start device
  7. Tap Continue
  8. Set your PIN, pattern, or password. Tap Continue
  9. Confirm your PIN, pattern or password and tap Ok.

You can choose whether to require your PIN, pattern, or password when your device starts. If you use an accessibility service like TalkBack, or a Bluetooth-paired accessibility device, keep in mind that you'd need to enter your information at start-up without help from your service or device.

ENCRYPT YOUR DEVICE ANDROID 4.4 AND LOWER

  1. If you haven't already, set a lock screen PIN, pattern, or password
  2. Open your device's Settings app
  3. Under “Personal,” tap Security
  4. Under “Encryption,” tap Encrypt phone or Encrypt tablet (if your battery isn't charged or your device isn't plugged in, you won't be able to tap this option)
  5. Carefully read the information shown. It's important to know:
  6. After encrypting, you can turn off encryption only by factory data reset, which erases all your data
  7. If you use an accessibility service like TalkBack, or a Bluetooth-paired accessibility device, you'll always need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password at start-up without the help of your service or device
  8. If you change your mind about encrypting your device, you can tap Back
  9. Tap Encrypt phone or Encrypt tablet.
  10. Enter your lock screen PIN, pattern, or password. Tap Continue.
  11. Tap Encrypt phone or Encrypt tablet

After encrypting, you'll always need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password when your device starts.