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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchOn a new or recently reset Google Pixel, check six areas first: theft protection, screen lock and device finding, call screening, spam and scam detection, emergency features, and privacy controls. Some protections may already be enabled, and others depend on your model, Android and app versions, or country—so inspect your phone rather than assuming a setting is off. Menu names can vary; the paths below are the ones Google documents.
1. Set a screen lock, then check theft protection
A PIN, pattern, or password is the foundation for protecting a Pixel if it is lost or stolen. Set one under Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Screen lock, or follow the screen-lock prompt shown by your phone. Google’s screen-lock instructions explain the available choices.
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Next, open Settings > Google > All services > Theft protection and review the options shown. Google says a screen lock is required for theft protection, some features require Android 15 or later, and supported options vary by model. Some may already be on by default, so check each toggle instead of treating the list as a set of disabled features. See Google’s theft-protection guidance.
2. Make sure you can find the phone if it goes missing
Before you need it, confirm that device-finding features are available and configured for your Pixel and Google Account. In Settings, review the security and privacy area for device-finding options; labels and locations can vary by software version. Google groups device finding with other recommended Pixel security checks, including Play Protect, security updates, and a Google Account security review. Use Google’s Pixel security and privacy settings guide to locate the controls for your version.
#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]
- Confirm you can access the Google Account associated with the phone.
- Check for pending Android security updates.
- Review Play Protect and your account’s security recommendations.
3. Choose how the Phone app screens calls
Open the Phone app, tap More > Settings, then look for Spam and Call Screen or Call Screen. The available controls depend on the device and Phone app version. Google documents screening protection levels; choose the level that balances fewer interruptions with the possibility that a legitimate caller may be screened.
On Pixel 7 and newer, automatic screening can cover categories including spam, possibly faked numbers, and first-time callers, where supported. Check the categories and behavior displayed on your phone rather than assuming every Pixel offers identical screening. Google’s Call Screen instructions describe the options.
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]
4. Review spam and scam alerts in calls and messages
Caller ID and spam warnings can help flag unwanted calls, and scam alerts are available on eligible Pixel phones. Google Messages also offers spam handling. Review the protection options in the Phone and Messages apps; availability and controls may differ by device, app version, and region. Google explains the features in its spam and scam detection guide.
These tools are signals, not guarantees. An alert does not prove a message or caller is safe, and the absence of an alert does not establish that it is legitimate. Be cautious with requests for passwords, payment, or verification codes, even when a contact appears familiar.
5. Set up Personal Safety and emergency information
Open the Personal Safety app and review its settings. Check your emergency contacts, required permissions, and the emergency features available on your device and in your location. In particular, review Car Crash Detection and Safety Check if they are offered.
Car Crash Detection has operating limits: Google says it does not work while Airplane mode is on or Battery Saver is enabled. Coverage and availability vary by location and device, so do not rely on it as a substitute for contacting emergency services when you can. See Google’s Pixel emergency-feature instructions for supported options and setup details.
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]
6. Audit app permissions and lock-screen privacy
Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy to review the Privacy Dashboard, permission manager, and camera and microphone access controls. The dashboard helps you see recent access; the permission manager lets you restrict an app’s access to sensitive data and device features.
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Also check the lock-screen notification setting. Showing full notification content is convenient, but can expose messages or other sensitive details to anyone who can see the locked phone. Choose whether to show all content, hide sensitive content, or hide notifications according to the options on your Pixel. Google’s security and privacy settings guide covers these controls.
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
While you are setting up: keep battery optimization on
Adaptive Battery and app battery optimization are separate from the six security and privacy checks above. Google says both are on when a Pixel is first obtained and recommends leaving them enabled. A new or reset phone may take a few weeks to learn your usage. See Google’s battery and charging setup guide.
Charging optimization is a separate choice. Adaptive Charging learns your charging routine and may need about 14 days to do so; an 80% charge limit, on supported devices, favors long-term battery health over a full charge each time. Pick the option that fits your routine and the controls available on your model. Google describes these choices in its battery-life guidance.
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