Smartphones have become a vital part of our lives today. Everything from banking to personal photos and important files is stored on our phones. However, in this era of increasing cyber fraud and data tracking by third-party apps, even a small negligence can prove costly.

Many times, we unknowingly grant apps permissions they don't even need. If you want to keep your personal data and phone safe, change these five important settings on your Android smartphone immediately.

1. Stop unwanted app permissions immediately (App Permissions)
Often even common apps like flashlight or calculator ask for location and microphone permissions.

How to change: Go to your phone's Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager. See which apps have access to your camera, microphone, and location, and set "Don't Allow" for non-essential apps.

2. Turn on 2-Step Verification.
Always keep 'Two-Factor Authentication' (2FA) enabled on your Google Account, WhatsApp, and social media profiles. This will prevent someone from logging into your account without the OTP received on your mobile phone, even if they know your password.

3. Keep Google Play Protect active
Google Play Store comes with an in-built Play Protect feature, which scans all the apps on the phone in the Tap on the profile icon > Go to Play Protect and click on Scan option.

4. Limit background data and tracking.
Many apps run in the of your phone, constantly tracking background data and draining your battery quickly.

How to stop: Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps. Click on the relevant app, then go to Mobile Data & Wi-Fi, and turn off the background Data toggle.

5. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi.
Never use free Wi-Fi at railway stations, cafes, or other public places for online banking, UPI transfers, or any other sensitive tasks. Hackers can easily access your data on public networks.

PC: India TV