Amid Growing Tech Safety Concerns, What Phone Safety Features Should You Turn On?
As technology becomes more integrated into everyday life, so do concerns around privacy, scams, location tracking and online safety. From phishing texts to account breaches and lost devices, modern smartphones face more risks than ever.
The good news is that both iPhone and Android devices already include powerful built-in safety tools. The problem is that many people never activate them.
If you are worried about digital safety, here are practical features you can switch on today to make your phone significantly more secure.
1. Two Factor Authentication
Two factor authentication adds an extra verification step when signing into accounts. Even if someone discovers your password, they cannot access your account without a second confirmation code.
On iPhone, you can enable this within your Apple ID settings. On Android, it can be activated through your Google Account security settings.
This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your data.
2. Find My Device Tracking
Losing a phone is stressful, but remote tracking can prevent a minor mistake becoming a major problem.
Apple’s Find My feature allows you to locate, lock or erase your iPhone remotely. Android offers a similar tool through Find My Device.
Make sure location tracking is enabled and that you know your login details. It is far easier to prepare in advance than react after a loss.
3. Emergency SOS
Both iPhone and Android devices include emergency SOS features that can automatically call emergency services and alert chosen contacts.
You can customise who receives alerts and how the feature is triggered. In many cases, it works by pressing the power button multiple times.
In urgent situations, this can be invaluable.
4. App Privacy Controls
Many apps request access to your location, microphone and camera even when they do not strictly need it.
Regularly reviewing your app permissions allows you to remove unnecessary access. Both iOS and Android now provide detailed dashboards showing which apps have recently accessed sensitive features.
Limiting access reduces the risk of background data misuse.
5. Face ID, Touch ID or Biometric Unlock
Using biometric authentication is far more secure than relying on simple passcodes.
Face recognition and fingerprint unlock systems are not just convenient. They add a meaningful layer of protection against unauthorised access.
If you are still using a basic four-digit PIN, upgrading to biometric security is a simple improvement.
6. Automatic Software Updates
Software updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities.
Keeping automatic updates enabled ensures your phone stays protected against newly discovered threats.
Delaying updates may leave your device exposed longer than necessary.
7. Scam and Spam Protection
Both Apple and Google now include built-in spam filtering for messages and calls.
These tools automatically flag suspicious numbers and reduce the risk of phishing attempts reaching you.
While not perfect, they significantly reduce exposure to common scams.
8. Stolen Device Protection
Recent versions of iOS and Android have introduced additional protections designed to prevent thieves from accessing sensitive information even if they know your passcode.
These protections often require biometric confirmation before major changes can be made to your account.
Activating these settings adds another layer of defence if your phone falls into the wrong hands.
9. Backup Your Data Regularly
Security is not just about preventing theft. It is also about ensuring you do not lose valuable information.
Enable automatic backups through iCloud or Google One so your photos, messages and contacts are stored safely.
If something goes wrong, restoring your data becomes far easier.
When It Is Time to Upgrade Safely
If your device is several years old, it may no longer receive regular security updates. At that point, upgrading becomes less about performance and more about protection.
Selling an older device before support ends can help protect its value. You can sell your iPhone or sell your Samsung phone and put that value towards a more secure, up-to-date model.
Refurbished and Secure
Upgrading does not always mean buying brand new. Modern refurbished phones are professionally checked, securely wiped and tested to ensure they function reliably.
Browsing refurbished phones on Envirofone allows you to access newer devices that continue to receive software and security updates, often at a lower cost.
Staying Ahead of the Noise
Technology safety headlines can sound alarming, but many risks can be reduced simply by enabling the tools already built into your phone.
Activating these features takes only a few minutes but can dramatically improve your digital security. The smartest approach is not panic, but preparation.
