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53e0c9b1474321009db4b5b08b9a71fd

Summary
Number:	KB0000004	Workflow:	draft
Knowledge Base:	IT	Published:
Category:	Devices / Google
Author:	Wayne Webb
Valid to:	2100-01-01
Short description:	How can I secure my Android OS device?\n\t\t

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How can I secure my Android OS device?

To secure the data on your mobile device, you should always use a pattern, PIN, passcode, or password to lock your device. If your device is lost or stolen, this precaution can prevent others from accessing your email, calendar, contacts, and other data.

Setting or changing a screen lock pattern, PIN, or password

1. From the Home screen, press Menu > Settings > Location & Security.
2. To set a new screen lock pattern, PIN, or password, tap Set up screen lock. To change existing settings, tap Change screen lock.
3. Select one of the following options:
4. 
   
   • None: This leaves your device unprotected.
   • Pattern: Your unlock pattern must connect at least four dots on the screen.
   • Pin: Your PIN must be at least four and no more than 16 digits long.
   • Password: Your password must be at least four and no more than 16 characters long, and must contain at least one letter.
   
   
5. Follow the onscreen directions to enter and confirm your pattern, PIN, or password.

By default, when you set a screen lock pattern, PIN, or password, a security lock timer is also set. Use the "When display is off" field to manage this setting.

Enabling encryption

Note: You should schedule an hour or more for the encryption process. If you interrupt the process, you will lose some or all of your data. Additionally, before beginning the process, you should:

• Set a screen lock pattern, PIN, or password (see instructions in the previous section).
• Charge the battery.
• Plug in your device.

To enable encryption on an Android 4.x device:

1. From the Home or All Apps screen, tap Settings.
2. Under "Personal", tap Security/Security & Screen Lock , and then Encrypt device/Encryption/Data Encryption.
3. Tap Encrypt device/phone/tablet. Additionally:
4. 
   
   • If you see a checkbox for Device Data, tap to select it.
   • If you see a checkbox for Storage (Encrypts files you save to your memory card and internal storage), tap to select it.
   
   
5. Tap Encrypt device/phone/tablet. Note: Encrypt phone/tablet will be dimmed (i.e., unavailable) if your battery is not charged, or your device is not plugged in. To back out of the encryption process, tap Back.
6. Enter your lock screen PIN or password, and then tap Continue.
7. Tap Encrypt device/phone/tablet again.

The encryption process will begin and display its progress. The process can take an hour or more; during that time, your device may restart several times.

When encryption is complete, you'll be prompted to enter your PIN or password. Additionally, you'll need to enter your PIN or password each time you power on your device.

How do I clear all data from my Android OS device?

Warning: The following will delete all data on your device.

To clear all data from your Android OS device:

1. From the Home screen, tap Menu > Settings > Privacy.
2. Tap Factory data reset.
3. Tap Reset phone.