[Android Central Question]

Hello,

I have a Nokia 3.1 phone running Android 8.1. I recently downloaded the Norton mobile security app from the Play Store. The Norton app said that my phone was not totally secure because I did not have a swipe or pattern or pin lock to lock my screen,and that thieves could steal valuable information like bank account numbers. So I entered a pin. The problem is, that it is kind of annoying to have to enter that pin every time that I bring up my screen. So my question is: Is screen lock really necessary?

Thank you

[mustang7757]

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https://forums.androidcentral.com/sh...d.php?t=409154

[mustang7757]

I would put a screen lock with a pin, pass word, fingerprint scanner if available, so people don't get your valuable information.

[Javier P]

It all depends on how much you value your phone and personal information in case your device is stolen or lost.

[Mooncatt]

A screen lock protects user visible data, like photos, videos, notes, etc. that don't have their own passwords. It *may* put password protected accounts at risk, depending on other security settings. For example, a banking app wouldn't have a visible password and would be safe unless you left it open and someone else got to it before the app timed out and logged out of the system. Something like your Google account is logged in at all times, so for that they could reset your password and gain the keys to your kingdom.

So yes, it is important to have some sort of lock screen set up. When you do so, make sure the password or pin is something you'll remember. We get tons of posts to the effect of "I don't remember my password, help me bypass it." Unfortunately, your options are extremely limited in that case, usually involving a factory reset. We do not discuss bypassing security features here, for obvious reasons.

[cinque8]

Thank you for all of the great information. I will stay with screen lock. And BTW, I should have logged in before posting, My username is: cinque8. Thank you

[ManiacJoe]

Depending on your phone and the version of android it is running, you may have the option via "smart settings" to disable the lock screen when at home.

[B. Diddy]

I prefer using a pattern since it's a little easier to enter quickly (and with one hand).

Also, look for the Automatically Lock setting in the system settings, which allows you to set the time it takes between when the screen turns off to when the phone locks. If you set it for 30 seconds, for example, that means that for the first 30 seconds that the screen is off, you can still turn it back on again without having to unlock.