Smartphones help us stay connected with family, manage finances, receive weather alerts, and access healthcare and community services. Taking a few minutes to review important phone settings can help protect your personal information and make your device easier to use. Here are five smartphone settings everyone should check.
1. Turn on Automatic Software Updates
Software updates do more than add new features. They also fix security problems that scammers and hackers may try to exploit. Keeping your phone updated is one of the easiest ways to protect your personal information.
Most smartphones can install updates automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and charging overnight. To check this setting, open your phone’s Settings app and look for “Software Update” or “System Update.”
2. Enable Spam and Scam Call Protection
Phone scams continue to target people of all ages, especially through robocalls and fake text messages. Many smartphones now include built-in tools that can identify suspected spam calls or block them automatically.
On iPhones, look for settings related to “Silence Unknown Callers.” On Android devices, look for “Caller ID & Spam Protection” or similar options in the Phone app settings. While no tool catches every scam, these features can reduce unwanted calls and help prevent fraud.
You may be aware that, recently, there have been scams in our area where scammers spoof SIM cards so that incoming calls appear to come from legitimate (though unfamiliar) local numbers from nearby communities. Turning on this setting on my iPhone drastically reduced the annoyance of these calls for me.
3. Add Emergency Information and Contacts
Your smartphone can provide important information during an emergency, even if the phone is locked. Emergency contacts, medical information, allergies, and emergency alerts can all be added through your settings.
Both Android and iPhone devices include emergency features that allow first responders to access selected information quickly. It is also a good idea to make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled so you can receive severe weather warnings and emergency notifications.
4. Clean Up Storage and Back Up Photos
Many people do not realize their phone storage is nearly full until they can no longer take photos or install updates. Removing unused apps, deleting duplicate photos, and clearing old downloads can help your device run more smoothly.
Backing up important photos and files is also important. Phones can be lost, damaged, or replaced unexpectedly. Cloud backup services such as Google Photos or Apple iCloud can help protect family pictures and important documents.
A quick storage cleanup every few months can improve performance and reduce frustration.
5. Review App Privacy Permissions
Some apps collect more information than they need, including access to your location, microphone, camera, or contacts. Reviewing app permissions helps you control what information you share.
In your phone’s Settings app, look for “Privacy” or “Permissions.” You can see which apps have access to certain features and remove permissions that are unnecessary. For example, a flashlight app probably does not need access to your contacts or microphone.
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Taking a few minutes to review these settings can save time, reduce stress, and improve your digital safety. You do not need to be a technology expert to make your smartphone safer and easier to use.
If you need help locating these settings or learning more about smartphone safety, please feel free to contact me at the NC Cooperative Extension Bertie Center (rjinnet@ncsu.edu / 252-794-6170) to set up a free appointment for 1:1 digital support and find out more about our digital skills programs.
