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There are lots of security procedures you can use to prevent someone from breaking into your Android phone. However, not all of them are equally safe.

All Android device has a lock screen and some kind of built-in security feature. In most cases, for most users, that’s enough. But what if you want a little more ‘premium’ security experience? Try enabling a feature called ‘Lockdown’. Find out below.

Enabling lockdown mode on Android

Enabling lockdown on older versions

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At sometime in the past, you first had to enable lockdown mode. If you happen to be using Android 9 or 10, you might have to take these steps first. 

Follow the steps below to enable lockdown mode on the older iterations of Android.

  • Go to Settings
  • Go to Security & location
  • Go to Lock screen preferences
  • Click to enable Show lockdown option
  • For newer releases of Android 11+, lockdown mode is enabled by default.

Using lockdown mode

Now that you have allowed lockdown mode (if required), it’s time to use it.

1. Open the Power Menu

Press and hold the power button on your phone to reveal the Power Menu (Figure 1).

2. Allow lockdown

Click the Lockdown button, and lockdown mode is enabled. You will be sent back to the lock screen instantly. If you try to use either the fingerprint sensor or facial unlock, they’ll both fail. In fact, on a Pixel 6 Pro (or any device with a fingerprint scanner), you won’t even see the fingerprint scanner icon on the display. 

Your PIN, pattern, or password is the only way for you to access your device. Unlock your device, and lockdown mode is disabled. 

And that is all there is to using lockdown mode. I personally recommend enabling lockdown mode if you ever believe you might be proceeding  into an environment where you either won’t feel 100%, or you’re unsure if you can trust those you will be around

How to Enable Lockdown Mode on Samsung Galaxy Phones 

An unspecified older Samsung Galaxy phones may not have the Lockdown option within their Power Options menu. Fortunately, you can easily enable it by following these steps.

  • Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings menu.
  • Tap the Settings cog.
  • Navigate to Lock Screen.
  • Pick Secure Lock Settings.

There you will discover a number of options to customize your power options menu. Make sure to toggle on Show Lockdown Option. Once that’s enabled, you should then be able to activate Lockdown from your Samsung phone’s power options menu in the same way as any other Android phone.

What Is “Lockdown” on Android?

There are a useful of security techniques you can make use of to stop someone from getting into your Android phone. However, not all of these procedures are secure as others.

For example, the face unlock on many Android devices is surprisingly easy to fool. You may also have some Bluetooth devices that unlock the phone. The most secure Android unlocking methods are the PIN, pattern, and password.

When you put the phone into “Lockdown,” it disables all those less-secure unlock methods. The fingerprint scanner, face unlock, and Smart Lock are completely disabled. Only the PIN, pattern, and password can be used.

This is useful in a situation where you need to quickly secure your device. With a single tap, you can essentially add an extra layer of security.

How do I exit lockdown mode on Android?

Lockdown mode is allowed when you unlock your Android with a PIN or password. You have to re-enable lockdown mode every time you use your phone.

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