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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallStart in Settings > Security and privacy to review your Galaxy phone’s main protections, privacy controls, app permissions, and update options. From there, you can check which apps use sensitive permissions, confirm device and account protections, and decide whether Auto Blocker’s standard or more restrictive settings suit your needs. Menus and features vary by model, carrier, region, and software version.
Open the Security and privacy hub
Open Settings and tap Security and privacy. Samsung’s hub checks the device and groups controls and recommendations for areas such as the lock screen, account security, lost-device protection, app security, updates, and privacy. Tap a section to inspect its status or follow an action it recommends. Not every section appears on every Galaxy phone. Samsung’s Security and privacy guide describes the hub and its options.
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If a path does not match your screen, use the Settings search field to look for terms such as “permissions,” “Auto Blocker,” “Secure Folder,” or “software update.” Menu names and locations can differ on older software or with some carrier configurations.
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Use Permission manager to see which apps can access a particular type of information or hardware, such as the camera or microphone. You can also inspect permissions for one app at a time.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
- Open Settings > Security and privacy > Privacy > Permission manager.
- Choose a permission category, such as Camera or Microphone, and review the apps listed.
- Tap an app to change its access. Depending on the permission, available choices may include Allow, Don’t allow, Allow only while using the app, or Ask every time.
To change permissions for a specific app, open Settings > Apps > [app] > Permissions. The choices depend on the app and permission. Samsung explains both routes in its Security and privacy guide and app permissions guide.
For each permission, ask whether the app needs that access for a feature you use. Denying access can prevent that feature from working until you grant permission again. Samsung also notes that permissions for an app left unused for a while may be reset automatically; the app may ask for access again the next time you open it.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check account, app, and device protections
Account security and lost-device protection
Review the account-security section for recommendations related to your Google and Samsung accounts. Check the lost-device protection options if you want to use Samsung’s device-finding capability. The options shown depend on the phone and its configuration.
App security
Samsung describes Google Play Protect under app security; some devices may also include an additional app scanner. Check what is available on your phone rather than assuming every Galaxy has the same scanning tools.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Screen lock
Open the lock-screen settings to choose a PIN, pattern, or password. Fingerprint setup is available on supported devices. Choose a method you can reliably remember.
Choose Auto Blocker settings with compatibility in mind
Find the control at Settings > Security and privacy > Auto Blocker. Samsung describes Auto Blocker as protection against apps from unauthorized sources and other suspicious activity. Depending on the software version, its protections can include controls for USB commands and unofficial software updates. Samsung Support recommends: “For the best protection, we recommend keeping Auto Blocker enabled on your Samsung Galaxy device.” See Samsung’s Auto Blocker guide.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Standard Auto Blocker
Samsung says the standard Auto Blocker settings are sufficient for most everyday use when apps are installed from trusted stores. If installation of a trusted app is blocked, first check that the app comes from a source you trust and that you need it. Samsung warns that apps from other sources can make your phone and personal data more vulnerable; disabling protection reflexively is not a good first step.
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This optional mode adds limits for people who prefer stronger restrictions and can accept potential inconvenience. Samsung says Maximum restrictions may interfere with work or enterprise apps that need device-administrator permissions or a work profile, block older 2G networks, and affect some accessories, apps, or connections. Consider those trade-offs before enabling it, particularly if your phone is managed for work or relies on older network service.
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Check security and Google Play system updates
In Security and privacy, open Updates to inspect security updates and Google Play system updates. Follow the instructions shown on your phone and restart if prompted. Update availability and timing depend on the device and rollout; Samsung’s software update guide covers update history and related options.
Auto Blocker’s restriction on unofficial software does not prevent official system updates installed through the phone’s Settings or Samsung Smart Switch, according to Samsung’s Auto Blocker guide.
Set up Secure Folder if your phone supports it
On a supported device, open Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder and follow the setup instructions. Secure Folder provides a separately locked space for supported content and apps. If the option is missing, Samsung says the device may not support the feature. Availability and screens vary; see Samsung’s Secure Folder guide.
Review Samsung Browser privacy settings separately
These controls apply to Samsung Browser, not every browser on the phone. In Samsung Browser, tap Tools > Privacy to open its privacy dashboard. It shows blocked content and offers options such as warnings for malicious sites and blocking automatic downloads; the dashboard can also reset browser privacy settings. If you use another browser, review that app’s own privacy and security settings. Samsung describes the dashboard in its Samsung Browser privacy guide.
Quick Recap
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