screen lock Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Google is expanding a key anti-theft feature to make your apps more secure

Android's Identity Check feature will be enhanced in the Android 16 QPR2 update, requiring biometric-only authentication for apps using the biometric prompt, eliminating screen lock credentials as a fallback. This aims to improve security for sensitive applications by preventing unauthorized access, particularly in untrusted environments. The update expands Identity Check to more applications, ensuring that access necessitates biometric verification. Users can activate this feature through Settings on their Pixel devices. Future updates may allow the use of a smartwatch as a trusted unlock mechanism, bypassing biometric authentication when connected.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

How To Password Protect Your Android Apps (And Why You Might Want To)

Google has introduced security features for Android devices to enhance user privacy, including the "Private Space" feature for password-protecting specific applications. To enable Private Space, users must navigate to Settings, then Security & Privacy, select Privacy, and find Private Space. Users can set a different password from their screen lock for added security and can choose various authentication methods. Apps can be transferred to Private Space by pressing and holding the app icon and selecting the option to install it there. The Private Space feature is available only for devices running Android 15 or newer. Users should check their Android version in Settings under About phone or About tablet. For added privacy, using a separate Google account for protected apps is recommended to reduce risks associated with account compromise.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Android users to finally get an extra layer of security on Chrome

Google Chrome on Android will soon require biometric verification to autofill passwords, enhancing security by preventing autofill without user authentication. This feature will be available in Google Password Manager and is expected to roll out more widely soon. Currently, Chrome has an option for biometric authentication in its Autofill settings, but this has only applied within apps. The update will extend this requirement to all apps, including Chrome, and will be labeled "Verify it's you" in the settings. Users will need to authenticate their identity through fingerprint, facial recognition, or screen lock before passwords can be autofilled. While an official release date is not yet announced, the feature has started appearing for some users, indicating a potential imminent rollout.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

The Fitbit app just got a quiet Pixel Watch-inspired makeover

Google has updated the Fitbit app, introducing a redesigned Device Settings page for smartwatches and fitness trackers that resembles the Pixel Watch companion app. The update includes a large image of the connected device, essential information like battery level and last sync time, and a "Sync now" button. Below the device image, there are cards for Watch faces, Apps, and Tiles, leading to the same management options as before. The settings menu now includes options for managing notifications, device preferences, Google services, Fitbit reminders, tips and support, system management, and smart features. This update is part of Google's ongoing effort to enhance the Fitbit app's interface and functionality, with plans for further changes using the Material 3 Expressive design.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Your Android phone could have stalkerware. Here’s how to remove it

Consumer-grade spyware applications, often referred to as "stalkerware" or "spouseware," pose significant risks to Android users by monitoring private messages, photos, phone calls, and real-time locations without consent. These apps are typically downloaded from outside the Google Play Store and can be stealthily installed, often disappearing from the home screen. Stalkerware exploits legitimate Android features, leading to unusual phone behavior such as excessive heat, sluggish performance, or unexpected data usage. To address spyware, users should establish a safety plan and trusted support before attempting removal, as this could alert the installer. Google Play Protect should be enabled to scan for harmful apps. Users should check for unfamiliar apps in accessibility services, review notification access for third-party applications, and inspect device admin app settings for unrecognized applications. Even hidden stalkerware apps will appear in the list of installed applications, which can be accessed through the settings menu. Strengthening device security, such as enhancing lock screen passwords and using two-factor authentication, is recommended. Resources for support include the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Coalition Against Stalkerware.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Android 16’s enhanced Advanced Protection will let apps know when you’re serious about security

The latest beta version of Android 16 has introduced an API called AdvancedProtectionManager, which allows applications to determine if users are enrolled in the Advanced Protection program. This program enhances account security by prohibiting sideloading apps and requiring security keys or passkeys for Google account sign-ins. It blocks potentially harmful files from being downloaded and disables app installations from outside the Google Play Store. Additionally, it disables 2G connectivity and activates Memory Trust Execution (MTE) for compatible applications. Although the API is available in Android 16 Beta 2, users cannot yet enable the Advanced Protection mode, as synchronization with the operating system's features is pending a future rollout within Google Play Services. The effectiveness of the Advanced Protection program will depend on app developers' support in utilizing the new API.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

How to create Private Space for your apps on Pixel

Android 15 introduces the 'Private Space' feature, which functions as a digital vault for securely locking sensitive applications and data within a separate sandbox. Users can create a second instance of any app, protected by a distinct locking mechanism, separate from the primary screen lock. To set up Private Space on a compatible Pixel 9 device, users must navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space, authenticate with their screen lock, and complete the setup process. Once established, Private Space appears in the app drawer, allowing users to manage installed apps and customize settings. Applications and data within Private Space are isolated from regular apps. The Google Pixel 9 is highlighted for its premium design, performance, and commitment to seven years of OS and security updates.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

How to use the new Private Space feature in Android 15

Android 15 introduces a feature called Private Space, which enhances user privacy by creating a secure environment for selected applications. It acts as a vault to protect sensitive apps from unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of security beyond the primary lock screen. To set up Private Space, users navigate to Settings > Security and privacy > Private space, review the feature overview, and tap Set up. They can choose to use a different Google account or create a new one, set a new lock method, and finalize the setup. Google apps like Chrome and Photos are pre-installed in the private space. Accessing Private Space involves scrolling to the bottom of the app drawer, tapping the padlock icon, and authenticating via biometric or PIN. Users can add or uninstall apps easily, and notifications from apps in Private Space only appear when it is unlocked. The space remains accessible until locked again, and users can configure it to lock automatically under certain conditions. Additional configuration options include changing the lock method, setting automatic lock conditions, hiding the private space from the app drawer, and deleting the private space while keeping cloud-synced data intact. Transferring Private Space to a new device is not supported, requiring users to start anew, although they can sign in with the same Google account to restore data from certain apps.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Find My Device just got a lot smarter with new biometric login

Google's Find My Device app has introduced a biometric login feature in version 3.1.173-1, allowing users to authenticate using biometrics or a PIN instead of entering their Google account password. This update enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access when a device is unlocked. Users who have not set up a screen lock or biometric option will still need to use their password. The app will also undergo a redesign for tablet users, transitioning from a bottom sheet design to a side panel layout, which will optimize vertical space for the map display but will not be resizable. The biometric feature is currently available in the latest app version.

Tech Optimizer

October 18, 2024

How to secure your devices: Updates, antivirus and mobile protection

Safeguarding devices against cyber threats is essential due to the sensitive personal and financial information they contain. Key security measures include regular software updates, robust antivirus solutions, and protective strategies for mobile devices. To update software and operating systems, users can enable automatic updates in Windows by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and turning on “Automatic Updates.” For macOS, users can go to System Preferences > Software Update and check the box for “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Manual checks for updates can be done in both systems through their respective update settings. Antivirus software targets traditional viruses, while anti-malware addresses a wider range of threats. When choosing security software, consider detection rates, system impact, and user interface. Regular scans can be scheduled through the antivirus software's dashboard, and both automatic updates and manual checks should be performed to ensure the latest virus definitions are used. For mobile device security, setting up screen locks is crucial. Android users can set this up in Settings > Security, while iOS users can do so in Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. Managing app permissions and keeping apps updated are also important for privacy and security. Users should regularly review app permissions and enable automatic updates in their app store settings. To protect against lost or stolen devices, users should activate the “Find My Device/App” feature available on both Android and iOS platforms, allowing them to track, lock, or erase their device remotely.