How to use security settings on your phone

If you have mislaid your device, you can use SmartThings Find to trace it to its exact location. In order to do this, you will have to activate this feature in your settings. For more information on how to use SmartThings find, please visit our SmartThings Find site.

For more information on what steps you can take if you have lost your phone, including remotely locking your device and deleting data, please read our FAQ on the subject.

Galaxy devices have different security options to keep unauthorised users from accessing your data. However, if you are having trouble unlocking your device, you can consult our FAQ on how to unlock your device.

One UI 7 has introduced several new security features to help protect your smartphone in case of theft or robbery. These can be enabled to act in situations where the device’s PIN has been compromised or even when the devices biometrics have been overridden.

Theft detection lock uses machine learning to detect motions associated with theft, such as snatching, and quickly locks the screen, stopping unauthorised access.

To activate Theft detection lock 

Offline detection lock automatically locks your device screen if, when stolen, the thief tries to disconnect the device for a long period. This means that your data will be protected, even if your device is offline.

To activate Offline detection lock

With Identity check, when you are outside the safe places that you have designated, your device will require biometric authentication to be able to make any changes to sensitive security settings. This adds an extra layer of protection to your sensitive data.

To activate Offline detection lock

Identity check lets you add Safe Places as exceptions for biometric authentication. You can get recommended Safe Places or register them yourself. To do this:

If you access the protected surface in a place outside the safe places that you have set up in Identity check, you will need to use your fingerprint to authenticate any changes. There will also be an additional one-hour security delay for changes to the following features:

• Turning off Identity check

• Changing biometrics

• Changing LSKF

• Turning off Find My Mobile

• Editing safe places

This will allow you time to access another device, such as a tablet or computer, and lock your stolen device before the thief can make critical changes to security settings or access personal information.

To activate Security delay:

If your device has been stolen, Remote lock lets you lock it from afar using just a phone number and a quick security challenge. Remote also lets you recover control of your account and explore other recovery options.

To activate Remote lock:

On devices running One UI 6.1 or below, you can activate several features to help you if your devices is lost or stolen.

Your Google account can provide several protections against theft and lost devices. To activate them: