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How to keep data safe on a Samsung Galaxy A phone

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Bought your favorite Samsung Galaxy A phone? Before you start storing all your personal information on the device, learn some ways to keep your sensitive data safe. Samsung Galaxy A phones come with a range of helpful settings that enable you to adjust privacy controls and safeguard your private information to stay protected online.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your data safe on a Samsung Galaxy A phone.

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Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • Samsung Galaxy A phone

Set up a screen lock

One of the most obvious ways to keep your data safe on your Samsung Galaxy A phone is to set up a screen lock.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Select Lock screen.

Lock screen option in settings.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Choose Screen lock type. You can choose between a password, a PIN, or a pattern.

Screen lock types on Samsung Galaxy phone.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 4: You can also set up a fingerprint lock by going to Settings > Biometrics and security > Fingerprints.

Biometrics option on Samsung Galaxy phone.
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Set up a smart lock

If entering your lock screen password every time feels like a hassle, consider setting up a smart lock on your Samsung Galaxy A phone. This option will let you unlock your phone automatically when it's in a trusted location like in your house or car.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Select Lock screen.

Lock screen option in settings.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Select Smart lock.

Smart lock option on Samsung device.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 4: Choose between On-body detection (unlocks your phone when it's in your hand or pocket), Trusted places (unlocks your phone when it's in one of the trusted locations like your house or car), and Trusted devices (unlocks your phone when it's connected to a trusted network like Bluetooth).

Smart lock options on Samsung device.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Use two-step verification

Another effective way to safeguard your data on your Samsung Galaxy A phone is by using two-step verification. You can enable this in your Google Account by following the steps below.

Step 1: Open your Google account by clicking on Manage your Google account.

Manage your Google account.
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Step 2: Select Security.

Security option in Manage your Google account.
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Step 3: Scroll down to the Signing in to Google panel and select two-step verification.

2-step verification option.
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Be careful when downloading apps

It's fun to download and explore new apps. But be careful when downloading new, unknown apps. Follow the steps below to ensure you're only downloading apps that'll keep your data safe.

Step 1: Only download apps from official sources like the Google Play Store.

Installing an app on Google Play Store.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Read the privacy policy carefully. You can often find this on the setup screen when you first install an app.

Step 3: Install virus scanning apps to make sure you haven't accidentally downloaded malicious apps or files.

Step 4: You can view app permissions by going to Settings > Apps > App permissions.

Back up your data

Even if you follow the best security measures, there's always a chance that your data may be hacked. To minimize damage in these cases, consider having a data backup.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Account > Backup.

Backup your data.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Go to Samsung Cloud > Back up data.

Samsung cloud option in settings.
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Step 3: You can also choose to back up your data on an external drive.

Set up Secure Folder

Samsung's Secure Folder is a safe place to store photos, videos, files, apps, and data that you want to keep private. Here's how to set it up.

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Select Biometrics and security.

Biometrics option on Samsung Galaxy phone.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: Go to Secure folder.

Samsung Secure Folder.
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Step 4: Sign in to your Samsung account.

Step 5: Select Add files.

Add files in Samsung Secure Folder.
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Step 6: Select the file type you want to add.

File type options in Samsung Secure Folder.
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Step 7: Pick the files you want to add and decide whether you want to create a copy of the files in the Secure Folder or move them entirely.

Step 8: You can also move the files directly. Select the files, go to More, and select Move to Secure Folder.

Move to secure folder option on Samsung device.
Digital Trends

Use privacy screen protectors

If you want to keep your data safe when you're using your device in a public place, consider using a privacy screen protector. These are designed in a way to prevent others from peeping into your phone. Only the person in front of the screen can view what's on the screen while others only see a black background.

Some good options include:

YWXTW Privacy Screen Protector

LYWHL 2-Pack Privacy Screen Protector

Zeking 2-Pack Samsung Galaxy A30/ A50 Anti-glare Privacy Screen Protector

While these steps can help you keep your data safe on your Samsung Galaxy A phone, we encourage you to be careful about how you use your device.

Protecting your personal information often comes down to the basics: Don't share passwords, don't click on suspicious links, and don't download malicious apps.

Set strong screen locks, have data backups, and update your phone regularly to keep your device safe.

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Sakshi Udavant
Sakshi Udavant
Mobile Writer
Sakshi Udavant is a freelance journalist and marketing writer covering technology, business, wellbeing and lifestyle. She…
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