Engadget has published a guide on how to keep an Android phone secure and private, noting that scams and malware are becoming more sophisticated as criminals increasingly use AI tools such as voice-cloning deepfakes. The guide points out that Android already includes numerous built-in tools, from software update checks to AI-powered scam detection, that users can enable to reduce their risk without needing third-party apps.

Key recommendations include regularly checking for and installing OS and app updates via Settings and Google Play, enabling two-factor authentication on the linked Google account, and turning on automatic backups so data isn't lost if a device is stolen. The guide also highlights Android's Find Hub app for locating, ringing or remotely wiping a lost device, which requires location permissions and the "Allow device to be located" setting to be switched on, as well as Gemini-powered Scam Detection tools designed to flag suspicious calls and texts, such as job-offer or romance scams.