privacy-settings/Privacy Settings/Android-12.md

Android 12/12.1 Privacy Settings

Go to Settings

The actual location of the settings might differ from device to device. The following are according to stock android.

Network & internet

Wi-Fi

• Tap gear icon associated with the Wi-Fi > Advanced > Privacy > Use randomized MAC
• Wi-Fi preferences >
  • Turn on Wi-Fi automatically: Off
  • Notify for public networks: Off

Private DNS

• Private DNS > Private DNS provider hostname: enter the hostname of DNS provider from this list > Save

  Example: For Quad9, enter dns.quad9.net

Connected devices

Connection preferences

• Bluetooth: Off
• Printing > Default Print Service: Off
• Nearby Share >
  • Off
  • Device visibility: Hidden
• Android Auto: Off

ℹ️ NOTE: Enable the above settings only when required. Remember to turn them off when no longer required.

Notifications

Notification history

• Use notification history: Off

Sensitive notifications

• Off

Display

Lock screen

• Privacy: Show sensitive content only when unlocked

Screen timeout

• Shortest duration that suits you

Accessibility

Text-to-speech output

Tap on gear icon next to Preferred engine

• Anonymous usage reports: Off

Security

Screen lock

• Password, PIN or Pattern. Don't set to None or Swipe.

After setting screen lock, tap on gear icon.

• Make pattern visible: Off (only available if Screen lock is set to Pattern)
• Lock after screen timeout: Immediately
• Power button instantly locks: On

SIM card lock

• Lock SIM card: On > Enter default PIN > OK
• Change SIM PIN > Enter old and new SIM PIN > OK (Create a secure new SIM PIN)

ℹ️ NOTE 1: The default PIN code is usually 1234 or 0000. However, if these two don't work, you should look on SIM card's packaging or contact your SIM provider's customer support.

ℹ️ NOTE 2: If you enter the PIN code wrong 3 times, you'll be asked to enter a PUK (Personal Unlock Key) code. This code can be obtained from the carrier, after they verify you are the rightful owner of the SIM. DO NOT try to guess the PUK code. If you enter it wrong 3 times, the SIM will be permanently locked and you might have to get a new SIM from your carrier.

Encryption & credentials

• Encrypt phone: Encrypted

Trust agents

• Smart Lock (Google): Off

Privacy

Permission manager

• Review each permission and disable accordingly (choose which apps can have access to camera, microphone, gps, contacts etc. If any app doesn't need something, turn it off.)

Show passwords

• Off

Notifications on lock screen

• Show sensitive content only when unlocked

Personalize using app data

• Off

Auto-fill service from Google

• Use auto-fill with Google: Off

Ads

• Reset advertising ID > OK
• Opt out of Ads Personalization: On > OK

Usage & diagnostics

• Off

ℹ️ NOTE: Additionally some OEMs include few more settings for personalized ads & diagnostics.
Search in your phone settings for User Experience Program, Personalized ad recommendations, Send diagnostic data or something similar.

Location

• Use location: Off (enable only when needed, like for navigation apps, and turn off when not required)

Location Services

• Google Location Accuracy > Improve Location Accuracy: Off
• Wi-Fi scanning: Off
• Bluetooth scanning: Off

Google

Personalize using shared data

• Device Contacts: Off

Settings for Google apps

• Search, Assistant & Voice >
  • General >
    • Signed-out search customization: Off
    • Discover: Off
    • Autocomplete with trending searches: Off

System

Multiple users

• Add users from lock screen: Off

Wi-Fi MAC Randomization

Go to About phone > tap Build Number 7 times. This will unlock Developer options.
Now go to System > Advanced > Developer options > Wi-fi non persistent MAC randomization: On

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ℹ️ NOTE 1: Some other settings are same as Google Account settings.

ℹ️ NOTE 2: Gboard settings are available here.