Nowadays, our smartphones have become more than just phones; they serve as personal diaries for our lives. We store everything from bank account details and personal photos to WhatsApp chats and sensitive data on these compact devices. However, as technology advances, incidents of cyber fraud and mobile hacking are rising just as rapidly. We frequently hear news reports about alarming cases involving unauthorised deductions from bank accounts and the theft of OTPs via call forwarding. Hackers have developed numerous methods to compromise mobile devices, employing various tactics to gain unauthorised access.
Mobile brands use distinct operating systems, and hackers use tailored techniques to take advantage of the specific weaknesses of each brand. Often, we inadvertently grant hackers access to our devices through our own oversights or incorrect phone settings. Regardless of whether you use a Samsung, iPhone, Redmi, Vivo, Oppo, Realme, OnePlus, or any other smartphone, every brand offers several security settings that, when enabled, can make your phone 100% secure.
In this guide, we will discuss the best security settings for major smartphone brands. By enabling the settings outlined in this Mobile Security Guide, you can effectively protect your phone from hackers.
The best mobile security guide for the top 10 smartphone brands
1. Samsung Smartphones (One UI)
Samsung mobile devices are highly regarded for their security, featuring support for Knox Security—widely considered the strongest security system in the industry. Mobile security guide for Samsung mobiles include:
Enabling Auto Blocker:
Go to Settings ➔ Security and privacy ➔ Auto Blocker and turn it on. Enabling this feature helps prevent app downloads from unauthorised sources and protects against malware transmitted via USB cables.
Using Secure Folder:
Navigate to Settings ➔ Security and privacy ➔ Secure Folder to store your banking apps and private media in an encrypted space.
Lockdown Mode:
Go to Settings ➔ Lock screen and AOD ➔ Secure lock settings ➔ Show Lockdown option and enable it. This setting instantly disables biometric unlocking in emergency situations.
2. Apple iPhone (iOS)
Everyone loves the iPhone brand because it is known for its privacy features. However, it is crucial to keep the following settings enabled:
Stolen Device Protection:
Go to ‘Face ID & Passcode’ in your iPhone’s Settings and turn on ‘Stolen Device Protection’. With this setting enabled, no one else can change your Apple ID password, even if your phone is stolen.
App Tracking Transparency:
Navigate to Settings, then Privacy & Security, followed by Tracking, and disable ‘Allow Apps to Request to Track’.
Safety Check:
Go to ‘Privacy and Security’ in Settings and then select ‘Safety Check’; this lets you know who your data or location is being shared with.
3. Google Pixel (Stock Android & Titan M2 Security)
Google equips its Pixel smartphones with the hardware-level ‘Titan M2’ security chip and advanced AI-based privacy tools integrated into stock Android:
Private Space:
This feature provides a separate, encrypted sandbox within the phone for banking and personal apps. It can be locked with a separate PIN or biometric authentication and even completely hidden from the app drawer.
To enable: Go to Settings ➔ Security & privacy ➔ Turn on Private Space.
Theft Detection Lock:
With this feature, if someone snatches the phone from your hand or grabs it while passing by in a vehicle, AI motion sensors instantly lock the screen. The device gets locked even when the internet is turned off.
To enable: Go to Settings ➔ Google ➔ All services ➔ Theft protection and turn on ‘Theft Detection Lock’ and ‘Offline Device Lock’.
Camera & Mic Kill-Switches:
This feature allows you to block camera and mic access at the hardware level for the entire system and all apps with a single tap.
To enable: Add the ‘Camera access’ and ‘Mic access’ tiles to your Quick Settings panel.
Scam Detection & Call Screen:
This feature uses real-time, on-device AI to detect and block incoming spam calls and phishing SMS messages.
To enable: Phone App ➔ Settings ➔ Spam and Call Screen.
Security & Privacy Hub:
First, go to Settings ➔ Security & privacy to run a system risk scan. Afterwards, you can use ‘Safety Checkup’ to fix weak permission settings with a single click.
4. Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco (HyperOS & MIUI)
Managing privacy and ads is crucial on Xiaomi devices. Here are mobile security guide for Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco phones:
Check ‘Special App Access’:
Go to Settings > Privacy protection > Special permissions. You will see a list containing options like “Display over other apps,” “Device admin apps,” and “All files access.” Review “Display over other apps”; this section lists all apps permitted to overlay content on the screen. Identify any unknown, suspicious, or unnecessary third-party apps and toggle off the “Allow display over other apps” setting for them.
Disable Personalised Ads:
Go to Settings ➔ Passwords & Security ➔ Privacy ➔ Ad services and turn off “Personalised ad recommendations.”
App Lock & Hide Apps:
You can secure sensitive apps by using the “App Lock” or “Hide Apps” features found within the phone’s “Security” app.
5. Vivo and iQOO Security Settings
With the arrival of OriginOS, the security and privacy architecture on Vivo and iQOO devices has undergone a complete upgrade. Strict restrictions have been implemented regarding data isolation, on-device computing, and background tracking. Key and new security features of OriginOS:
Virtual Identity (Blank Information / Masked ID)
When an app refuses to function without access to contacts, call logs, or the device ID (IMEI), this feature provides the app with a blank or dummy ID. The app then runs without crashing, keeping your personal data secure.
To enable Virtual Identity: Go to Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ Virtual ID (or Blank Pass).
Privacy Dashboard 2.0 & Real-Time Sensor Warnings
If a background app attempts to access the camera, microphone, or clipboard, an immediate prompt appears alongside a dynamic indicator in the corner of the screen. You can then block sensor access for that app with a single tap.
To enable Privacy Dashboard: Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ Sensor Protection.
Clipboard Protection & Anti-Reading
This prevents third-party apps from reading copied passwords or OTPs without permission. Set this to “Always Ask” to ensure confirmation is required before pasting.
To enable this: Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ Clipboard Protection.
Independent Security Chip Space
OriginOS utilises a dedicated security chip and system sandbox for app encryption and file security. In addition to the standard app lock, you can encrypt files within a ‘Secure Vault’.
To enable this: Settings ➔ Security ➔ Privacy & App Encryption.
Financial Anti-Fraud & Payment Environment
Upon opening payment apps, these features scan for Wi-Fi security, root status, screen sharing, and background Trojans in real time. It automatically blacks out the payment screen during screen recording.
To enable this: go to Settings ➔ Security ➔ Fraud Prevention & Payment Protection.
Auto-Reset App Permissions
Once this feature is enabled, the system automatically resets the microphone, camera, and location permissions for apps that have not been used for a long time.
To enable this setting: Go to Settings ➔ Apps ➔ Permission manager.
6. Oppo and Realme (ColorOS / Realme UI)
Oppo and Realme devices come with several excellent built-in tools for privacy and anti-theft protection. Here is a mobile security guide for Oppo and Realme.
Require Password to Power Off (Anti-theft measure)
Enabling this setting ensures the phone cannot be switched off or restarted without a password.
How to enable it: Open Settings ➔ Security & Privacy > More security & privacy > Select the ‘Require password to power off’ option and toggle it on. Then, confirm by entering your lock screen password.
Screen Sharing Protection (Banking security)
This feature automatically blacks out the screen during screen sharing sessions to hide your passwords, OTPs, and payment details.
To enable it: Go to Settings ➔ Security & Privacy > Screen sharing protection > Toggle on ‘Prevent leakage of passwords and sensitive info’.
Smart Notification Hiding (Privacy from onlookers)
This feature hides the previews of WhatsApp messages and OTPs if someone peeks at your screen.
To enable it: Go to Settings ➔ Notifications & Status Bar > Smart Notification Hiding. You must set up and enable face recognition for this feature to work.
Private Safe 2.0 (Private data lock)
This allows you to move sensitive photos, copies of Aadhaar cards, or personal files out of the gallery and store them securely in an encrypted vault.
To enable it: Go to Settings ➔ Security & Privacy ➔ Private Safe. Then, set a separate 6-digit PIN or password and enable biometrics.
7. Motorola (Moto Secure & ThinkShield)
Motorola offers bank-grade security through its hardware-level ‘ThinkShield’ and the ‘Moto Secure’ app. The mobile security guide for Motorola is provided below:
Scramble PIN Pad (Shoulder Surfing Protection)
This feature randomises the positions of the numbers (1 to 9) on the lock screen each time, making it safer to make payments in public.
How to enable it: Open the Moto Secure app from the phone menu > Settings ➔ Security ➔ Moto Secure. Then, tap on ‘Lock screen security’ and toggle on the ‘Scramble PIN pad’ option.
Secure Folder (Secret Apps and Data Space)
You can store net-banking apps, personal social media accounts, and files in this folder. You can even disguise it by changing its name and icon to look like a ‘Calculator’ or ‘Notes’ app.
How to enable it: Go to the Moto Secure app > Select ‘Secure Folder’. Set a separate PIN or password. Tap ‘Add apps’ to move your banking or essential apps into this folder. To change its icon, go to the ‘Masking’ settings and select a dummy icon.
Network Protection & Wi-Fi Security (Protection Against Hackers)
Enabling this setting allows the phone to detect insecure networks and block connections to them instantly.
How to enable it: Go to ‘Network Protection’ within the Moto Secure app. Enable ‘Wi-Fi Security’ and ‘Block 2G connection’ (since calls and SMS are easier to intercept on 2G networks). Next, enable ‘Security alerts’ to block apps from accessing important data while connected to insecure Wi-Fi.
Phishing Detection
It scans fake banking links received via SMS or the browser in real time and warns you before a malicious link can be opened.
How to enable it: Go to Moto Secure ➔ Phishing detection and activate it.
8. OnePlus (OxygenOS)
OxygenOS offers Best security settings that you can enable to keep your phone secure.
Private Safe
You can securely store important documents and media files here.
To enable it: Go to Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ Private Safe and move your documents and media files into it.
Hide Apps via Dialer
This feature allows you to hide apps and access them using a secret code entered in the dialer.
To enable it: Go to Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ Hide apps, set a secret code (e.g., #1234#) for the dialer, and select the apps you wish to hide.
Payment Protection
This setting helps secure your payment transactions.
To enable it: Go to Settings ➔ Security and keep ‘Payment Protection’ active.
9. Nothing OS Security Settings
Nothing OS is clean and uncluttered, offering users robust security. The absence of unnecessary bloatware ensures strong privacy:
App Locker & Hidden Icons
With App Locker, you can secure sensitive apps using a fingerprint or PIN. Apps can be completely hidden by swiping right within the app drawer.
To enable: Settings ➔ Apps ➔ App Locker.
Scoped Media Access
This feature allows you to grant apps access to only specific files or photos, rather than your entire storage.
To enable: Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ Permission Manager.
Privacy Indicators
A green dot in the corner of the screen alerts you when an app is using the camera or microphone in the background. You can completely block the microphone and camera via Quick Settings.
Lock Network & Security
This setting prevents a thief or stranger from turning off mobile data, Wi-Fi, hotspot, or location services via Quick Settings while the phone is locked.
To enable: Settings ➔ Display ➔ Lock Screen ➔ Toggle on ‘Lock network & security’.
Auto-Reset Permissions
If an app remains unused for a few months, the system automatically revokes its permissions for location, storage, and contacts.
To enable: Settings ➔ Apps ➔ [App Name] ➔ ‘Pause app activity if unused’.
Show Password Toggle Off
This setting prevents a brief preview of characters while typing your PIN or password, ensuring people nearby cannot see it.
Disable: Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ ‘Show passwords’.
10. Infinix & Tecno (XOS / HiOS Security)
XOS and HiOS come with built-in ‘Phone Master’ and privacy tools that offer specific security features.
X-Hide Vault:
This feature allows you to hide personal photos, videos, recordings, and banking apps in a secure vault; they completely disappear from the app drawer.
To enable: Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ X-Hide (or dial your secret PIN preceded by ‘##’ in the dialer).
Anti-Theft Alert
If a thief disconnects the phone from charging, removes it from your pocket, or attempts to change the SIM card, a loud siren starts blaring from the phone.
To enable: Phone Master App ➔ Toolbox ➔ Turn on Anti-Theft.
Peek Proof
Enable ‘Peek Proof’ from the settings panel; this darkens the entire display except for a small visible area. This prevents people nearby in public places from seeing your chats or PIN.
App Twin Isolation
This setting prevents data from personal and work accounts from mixing with each other.
Quick Smartphone Security Checklist (Quick Tips)
Monthly Permission Audit:
Go to Settings ➔ Privacy ➔ Permission Manager to check if ordinary apps (like a calculator or flashlight) or any unknown apps have access to your microphone, location, or camera.
Play Protect Certification:
Open the Google Play Store settings and ensure ‘Play Protect’ is always turned on. This ensures that third-party apps are continuously scanned for malware in the background.
Take these 3 emergency steps immediately if your phone gets hacked.
(Emergency Guide)
When a phone is hacked, the attacker’s virus can be potent enough to block access to the phone’s settings. You might find that the settings app closes or reverts to the previous screen automatically, preventing you from resetting the device. In such an emergency, you can take these three steps:
1. Remove the SIM card immediately:
First, take the SIM card out of the phone and turn off Wi-Fi. Cutting off the internet connection severs the hacker’s remote control access and stops call forwarding.
2. Use Safe Mode:
Press and hold the power button. When the ‘Power Off’ option appears on the screen, press and hold it for about 3 seconds. This reveals the ‘Reboot to Safe Mode’ option; in Safe Mode, the hacker’s virus cannot function. You can then access the settings and perform a Factory Reset without interference.
3. Perform a Hard Reset:
If Safe Mode does not work, turn the phone off completely. Once off, press and hold the Power Button and Volume Up (+) button simultaneously. When the Recovery Mode screen appears, select ‘Wipe Data / Factory Reset’ to completely wipe the phone.
5 Universal Rules: These can protect any phone from being hacked and should be followed by every user.
1. Keep USB Debugging Off:
Unless you have a thorough understanding of Developer Mode, keep USB Debugging turned off. Ensure the setting under Settings ➔ Developer Options ➔ USB Debugging remains disabled.
2. Do not download unknown APK files:
Avoid installing apps from any third-party websites; stick to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. Exercise caution with Public Wi-Fi:
Never rely on free Wi-Fi at airports or railway stations, and avoid performing banking transactions while connected to them.
4. Monitor permissions:
Check the Privacy Dashboard once a month and keep track of which apps have access to your camera, microphone, or location.
5. Software Updates:
Install new security patches or system updates on your phone whenever they become available.
Conclusion
According to our mobile security guide, your own awareness is the best antivirus when using a smartphone. No technology or brand can protect you if you do not exercise caution—such as avoiding clicks on suspicious links. Never install unknown apps on your phone out of greed or in response to offers like free giveaways, lottery wins, or electricity bill alerts.
The easiest way to prevent smartphone hacking is to remain vigilant and select the Best security settings. You can check the settings mentioned above—specific to your smartphone brand—today and keep your personal data secure. Also read