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On a new or reset Pixel, check four areas first: screen lock and device finding, privacy and lock-screen notifications, theft protection, and Adaptive Battery. The exact labels and options can vary by Pixel model and Android version, so use the closest matching controls available on your phone.
1. Secure the phone and make sure you can find it
Start with a screen lock, then review the phone’s security status, device-finding settings, and available security updates. A screen lock is also a prerequisite for several theft protections.
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- Open Settings and review Security & privacy. Check the security status and install any available security updates. Menu names may vary.
- Set a screen lock using a strong PIN of six or more digits, a complicated pattern, or a unique password. Choose a method you can reliably enter.
- Check that Find My Device is enabled so you can locate the phone if it goes missing.
Google’s Pixel security and privacy guidance covers security status, screen lock, device finding, and updates; its steps may vary by device.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →2. Choose what stays private on the lock screen
Notifications can make it convenient to see messages without unlocking your phone, but their contents may also be visible to someone nearby. Choose the level of detail that fits how you use your Pixel.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
- In Settings, look under Notifications for the lock-screen notification controls. Hide sensitive content or turn off lock-screen notifications if you do not want alerts visible while the phone is locked.
- Open Privacy Dashboard to review recent access to sensitive data, and use Permission Manager to check which apps can access it.
- Review the camera and microphone access controls and decide whether you want those sensors available to apps when needed.
Google lists these controls in its Pixel security and privacy settings guide. The balance is yours: showing more can be convenient, while showing less reduces what others can see at a glance.
3. Turn on the theft protections your Pixel supports
Look for theft-protection controls at Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection. The available options depend on your device and Android version; not every Pixel will show every feature.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
- Theft Detection Lock can lock the screen if the phone detects a theft-related motion event.
- Offline Device Lock and Failed Authentication Lock offer additional locking safeguards in certain circumstances.
- Remote Lock lets you lock the device remotely, but requires an active SIM, a verified phone number, Find Hub, and an internet connection.
- Identity Check may add identity verification for sensitive actions, where supported.
A screen lock is required to enable theft-protection features. Google’s theft-protection instructions also note that some guidance applies only to Android 15 and later, and feature support can vary by model. Turn on the options shown for your phone rather than assuming the full list is available.
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4. Check that Adaptive Battery and battery optimization are on
Google recommends keeping Adaptive Battery and battery optimization enabled. Adaptive Battery learns how you use apps and can limit battery use for apps you use less often. It is already on when you get a Pixel, so check that it remains enabled rather than treating it as a setting everyone needs to switch on.
After a new setup or reset, the phone may need a few weeks to learn your app-use patterns. Google describes this adjustment period in its Pixel battery and charging guidance. The benefit is adaptive background behavior, not a guaranteed battery-life increase; if you rely on an app working in the background, its behavior may be affected by battery optimization.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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