How to Make Your New Smartphone More Secure: 10 Expert Tips

Buying a new smartphone is usually followed by the same routine: transfer your WhatsApp chats, install social media apps, log into your email, add your bank apps and start using the phone. But there is one important step many people skip: securing the phone before putting all your personal information on it.

Your smartphone can contain access to your bank accounts, email, WhatsApp, social media, photos, contacts and even authentication codes. If someone gets access to an unlocked phone or takes control of your main account, the consequences can be much more serious than simply losing the device.

Whether you have bought a new Tecno, Infinix, itel, Redmi, Samsung, iPhone or another smartphone, these are the first security settings worth checking.

1. Set a strong screen lock immediately

Do not leave your new phone protected only by an easily guessed four-digit PIN.

Use a six-digit or longer PIN, a strong password or a secure biometric method such as fingerprint or Face ID. Google specifically recommends strong PINs or passwords alongside biometric authentication. This matters particularly in Nigeria, where a stolen phone can potentially provide access to banking applications, email and social accounts.

Avoid PINs such as:

• 123456

• 000000

• Your year of birth

• Your phone number

• Your ATM PIN

Your phone's screen lock should be different from your banking PIN.

2. Turn on Find My Device or Find My iPhone

Do this before the phone gets lost.

For Android phones, Google's Find Hub can help you locate, secure or erase a lost device remotely when the required settings are enabled.

On iPhone, enable Apple's Find My feature.

This is one of the most useful security features because losing a ₦100,000 phone is one problem; losing a ₦1 million smartphone containing your banking and personal information is another.

3. Keep Android or iOS updated

When you first set up a phone, check for software updates immediately.

On Android, we recommends checking both Android system updates and Google Play system updates.

Apple similarly recommends keeping iPhones updated because newer versions contain important security protections. Do not ignore an update simply because the phone is working normally. Security vulnerabilities can exist even when everything appears fine.

If your phone manufacturer stops providing security updates altogether, that should also influence your next phone upgrade.

4. Turn on two-factor authentication

Your phone is not the only thing that needs protection. Your Google, Apple, email and social-media accounts should also have another layer of security. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts. We recommends stronger second factors such as security keys or Google prompts over SMS where available. Also consider using passkeys for services that support them. Passkeys can authenticate you using your fingerprint, face scan or device screen lock instead of relying entirely on a traditional password.

5. Don't install every app you see

One of the easiest ways to compromise a new smartphone is to install applications from questionable sources. Start with the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store whenever possible. We recommends avoiding unknown applications and sources because unnecessary or untrusted apps can increase security risks.

Be especially careful with applications promising:

• Free money

• Free data

• Free streaming

• Fake giveaways

• Cracked premium apps

• Modified versions of popular apps

• "Free" versions of paid games

If an app asks for access to contacts, SMS, microphone, camera or files without an obvious reason, stop and examine the permission request.

6. Turn on Play Protect if you're using Android

Android users should make sure Google Play Protect is enabled. It scans applications for potentially harmful software and provides another layer of protection against malicious apps.

You can check it through:

Google Play Store → Profile picture → Play Protect → Settings

Keep app scanning enabled.

7. Protect your SIM card

Your SIM card is connected to your phone number, and your phone number can be linked to banking, WhatsApp, email recovery and other accounts. Android provides a SIM PIN option that can prevent an unauthorized person from simply moving your SIM into another device and using it. This is particularly worth considering if your phone number is connected to important accounts.

Also avoid giving OTPs, verification codes or banking authentication information to anyone who calls claiming to be from your network provider or bank.

8. Hide sensitive notifications from the lock screen

Imagine receiving a banking alert or authentication code while your phone is locked. If the entire notification appears on the screen, somebody nearby may be able to read sensitive information without unlocking the phone. Android allows users to control what notification content appears on the lock screen. For sensitive apps, consider hiding notification previews. This is particularly useful when you're using your phone in public places such as buses, offices, restaurants and shopping centres.

9. Review your banking and financial apps

After transferring your data to the new phone, check every financial application.

Make sure:

• Your banking apps are downloaded from official sources.

• Your banking PIN is not saved in your notes.

• Biometric login is enabled where appropriate.

• Your banking email and phone number are correct.

• You understand how to freeze or block your account if the phone is stolen.

Also avoid keeping photographs of your ATM card, passwords or sensitive financial documents in an easily accessible gallery.

10. Don't root or modify your new Android phone unnecessarily

Some users buy a new Android phone and immediately install modified software to unlock additional features. That can introduce security problems.

Google warns that modified or rooted Android versions can lose important built-in protections and may not receive automatic security updates in the same way as supported software. For most users, particularly people using mobile banking and other sensitive services, the safer choice is to keep the manufacturer's official software.

A final security check before you start using the phone

After setting up your new smartphone, spend about 10 minutes checking:

Final thoughts

A new smartphone should not simply be set up for convenience; it should be set up for security. The most important things to do are relatively simple: use a strong screen lock, keep the operating system updated, enable device-finding features, protect your main accounts with 2FA or passkeys, avoid suspicious applications and secure your SIM.

For Android users, newer versions also provide additional theft protections such as Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, Remote Lock and Identity Check, although availability varies by device and Android version.

You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert. Ten minutes of security setup today can save you hours and potentially a lot of money, if your phone is ever lost, stolen or compromised.