Keeping phone unlocked?

[patruns]

Am I the only person who does not lock their phone? My wife doesn't either. I have nothing on it that I would not want someone to see and if I am in an accident I want the police or EMTs to be able to open it and look at my contact list. Any banking apps require a password. I guess if someone got their hands on it they could order an Uber, but I would get an email the first time they tried. I don't want to have to enter a code every time nor do I want to use the fingerprint scanner or face scan. I have never locked any of my phones and never had an issue.

Anyone else?

 

[htcrazy]

Same here. Phone stays unlocked. I have never used FPS, PIN or face unlock on any phone. Not worried and no problems.

 

[drvier8]

I hope you never lose it.

 

[L0n3N1nja]

It's not even the banking app I worry about because as you said it's password protected but there is still a lot of valuable information on my device, I've always kept mine locked.

If it's not locked, nearly every account on my phone could get stolen. All my social media accounts could be lost, they'd have access to my email containing sensitive information, potentially stealing more accounts like my steam containing over 400 games I've bought in the last 15 years. They would have my phone number, my contact list, and the ability to ruin my life. They'd even be able to get my debit and credit card numbers due to autofill. Plus they would be able to access my cloud storage where I've got my resume, work history, and other documents along with photos. A lock also prevents a theif from shutting my phone off, I've worked for Verizon in the past and idiots stealing phones they couldn't power off resulted in them getting GPS tracked and arrested. Which reminds me, someone takes your phone and they can also hijack your phone account and commit fraud using your identity.

Police don't need your contact list in case of an emergency. Unless you're saying you don't carry identification with you.

 

[drvier8]

It's not even the banking app I worry about because as you said it's password protected but there is still a lot of valuable information on my device, I've always kept mine locked.

If it's not locked, nearly every account on my phone could get stolen. All my social media accounts could be lost, they'd have access to my email containing sensitive information, potentially stealing more accounts like my steam containing over 400 games I've bought in the last 15 years. They would have my phone number, my contact list, and the ability to ruin my life. They'd even be able to get my debit and credit card numbers due to autofill. Plus they would be able to access my cloud storage where I've got my resume, work history, and other documents along with photos. A lock also prevents a theif from shutting my phone off, I've worked for Verizon in the past and idiots stealing phones they couldn't power off resulted in them getting GPS tracked and arrested. Which reminds me, someone takes your phone and they can also hijack your phone account and commit fraud using your identity.

Police don't need your contact list in case of an emergency. Unless you're saying you don't carry identification with you.

Send malicious emails/messages.
With access to email and messages, they could reset passwords to accounts even with 2FA enabled.

You can set emergency contacts/info on the lock screen that is accessible without unlocking.

Even if they do not do anything malicious, they could immediately disable Find My Device and remote wipe options. Reset the phone.

 

[Morty2264]

I think different people have different needs when it comes to smartphone use. My mother is the very same way. She dislikes having to enter a PIN every time she unlocks her phone. She turned off her fingerprint scanner on her S10. I think she just swipes to unlock now.

 

[mustang7757]

No way we have personal information on them to leave unlocked, its like leaving your car unlocked on the street, yeah they cant steal it without the keys but im sure you valuables in it that u dont want stolen or document of the vehicle gone missing or vandalized.

 

[drvier8]

I use smart lock for home (location) and in my car (bluetooth device) to keep it conveniently unlocked in those places. But rapid lock (60 seconds) everywhere else. That setup seems the best compromise of convenience and security for my use case.

 

[swebb]

No way we have personal information on them to leave unlocked, its like leaving your car unlocked on the street, yeah they cant steal it without the keys but im sure you valuables in it that u dont want stolen or document of the vehicle gone missing or vandalized.

That's a great analogy.

For me, the rear fingerprint sensor is natural to use when picking up the phone. Even unlocked, you still have to swipe up the screen to turn it on. The fps does both for me.

 

[bhatech]

Yikes !! Absolutely not. Personally my advice for anyone is also to not leave your phone unlocked.

There is so much personal information on my phone and no way I can think of leaving that unlocked. It's just good security practice to make sure you have a good passcode (I use alphanumeric) and for convenience you have biometrics unlock.

 

[htcrazy]

Well, what do you know? I decided to give the FPS a whirl on my P6P. I'm on beta 2.1. It actually works better and faster than either my S21 or S22 Ultra (seriously). So, I will now keep my phone locked as long as the FPS continues to work reliably.

 

[Davidoo]

I guess those of you who don't lock their phones have never had a psycho girlfriend or wife. I know several people who had pissed off significant others who went into their devices and wiped them, send emails on their behalf, or cleaned out bank accounts. You never know where you can accidentally leave your device. They should always be locked. My ex ended up becoming bipolar later in life and often tried to get into my phone.....and couldn't!