Setting a strong lock code to protect Android phones and tablets

Lock codes prevent others accessing a phone or tablet, and the contacts, emails and other account information within.

A lock code is like a combination for a safe.

It has to be entered before a device will open.

It can be a series of numbers or a mix of numbers and letters.

For later model Android devices, a finger print or pattern can be used.

Because a phone or tablet contains your personal information, passcodes should be hard for other people to guess.

The example we showed should be similar on most Android devices.

To set your lock code open settings.

Go to lock screen and security.

Select screen lock type.

Create a lock code that is at least six digits long.

Eight digits is ideal as it is harder to guess.

Remember, don't use birth dates, names or addresses.

For extra security, [use] touch fingerprint.

Select add finger print and follow the directions.

Many later model Android phones and tablets offer iris eye scanners and facial recognition for security.

The iris scanning technology is good at only allowing people with matching iris
features into the device.

To set up iris scanning on the Samsung S eight open settings.

Lock screen and security.

Tap iris scanner and enter the lock code password or pattern if asked.

If an iris is not yet registered the phone will walk the user through the process.

To change the iris scan the user must first unlock the phone before being allowed to register a new iris scan.

Some android devices offer facial recognition security.

It is important to know that the facial recognition security offered on some Android phones is not yet secure.

People have been able to access Android devices using faces with similar features.

Anyone at risk of technology-facilitated abuse should not use facial recognition to secure their Android device at this stage.