Android Market Phone Security

[Wildman]

I have looked around and I have not had any luck finding a application or setting that restricts a person from downloading items from the Android Market on my phone without my knowledge if they get phone... Since the application saves credit card information all they have to do is click buy and application will install... Is there a way to add security to this feature that I am overlooking?

[southpaw]

Users that are security conscious can set a "Pattern" lock or a Passcode as a Security lock to secure their handset. There are also a number of applications available on marketplace that can add additional security measures.  

If using Microsoft Exchange / Corporate sync, you will only be able to use Passcode lock. The option to change Security Lock type to Pattern lock will be greyed out.

You will need your Gmail / Google Account credentials to reset either security lock, so please do not set a security lock on your handset without first setting up a valid Gmail/Google Account you can remember and access.

To set a Pattern lock:

1. Press the Menu key from the Home Screen
2. Touch Settings
3. Touch Location & Security
4. Touch Security Lock ("Screen lock" is a different feature and is not a security based lock, it only prevents accidental keypresses)
5. Touch Security lock type, select Pattern Lock
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and draw your lock pattern. When prompted draw pattern to unlock phone.
7. Set your Security lock timer. (range: Activate when display is off, or set it to lock anywhere between 1-20 minutes)

When set, you will get 5 attempts to enter the Pattern lock before you are given a chance to reset the security lock on thr handset.

To set a Passcode lock:

1. Press the Menu key from the Home Screen.
2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch Location & Security
4. Touch Security Lock ("Screen lock" is a different feature and is not a security based lock, it only prevents accidental keypresses)
5. Touch Security lock type, select Passcode lock.
6. Enter a passcode lock, then tap on the check mark.
7. Enter the passcode lock again to confirm it and tap on the check mark to implement. Done!

When set, you will get 5 attempts to enter the Passcode lock before you are given a chance to reset the security lock on the handset.

Notes:

If you want your handset to set Pattern Lock or Passcode lock whenever you press the top button, set Security lock timer for "When display is off". The handset display will go to black and set your security lock. Press any key to bring up your security-locked display..

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Unlocking the Security Lock

You will need to try entering a pattern or passcode at least five times. If you fail to draw the correct unlock pattern or passcode on the screen after five attempts, the phone will prompt you to wait for 30 seconds before you can try again.

Press OK or wait for 30 seconds before attempting again.

After you press OK, the lock will come back again with a button on bottom right that states Forgot pattern.

Tap Forgot Pattern.

You will be prompted to sign in using your Google/Gmail account and then to create a new screen unlock. You can skip entering a new security lock.

If you forgot or are unsure about your Google password, but you know your Gmail login or Google account name, you can have Gmail send you a password change request link to your other email address through your computer. Click Here for our detailed FAQ on Gmail password reset. Summary of process is below.

• 1. Please use a computer to visit http://www.gmail.com.
  2. From the Gmail login page click on the "Can't access your account?"
  3. Follow the steps in that guide to recover your Gmail login information. Click Here for our detailed FAQ on Gmail password reset
  4. Once your login information is recovered, please use that information to unlock the handset using initial steps above. If you recently created your Gmail account or changed its password, allow up to an hour to try the new password.
     
     Note: You must have had a Gmail account setup on the handset before you locked the handset to reset your passcode through Gmail.

[crb79]

I'm guessing you read neither the original post or the topic.....  

Reminds me of those BING search engine commercials.  

[Scrotaltorment]

Hey Wildman, I was shopping in the market today and i stumbled upon this gem that may answer your questions

Its called "App Protector Pro"  it's $2   and says it can password protect ANY app with it, including market place.

[crb79]

I found a bit of a work-around while playing with my phone last night.  If you use the My Verizon App there is a function to block App purchases.  It's under the Features menu and can be turned off and on.  If you have a password equipped on your VZW account it will require it to lock/unlock the feature.

[curtterp]

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crb79 wrote:

I found a bit of a work-around while playing with my phone last night.  If you use the My Verizon App there is a function to block App purchases.  It's under the Features menu and can be turned off and on.  If you have a password equipped on your VZW account it will require it to lock/unlock the feature.

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That feature is on Verizon online before droid came out to restrict buying from Verizon.... not sure if it works with the Android Market since that does NOT go through Verizon.

[curtterp]

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crb79 wrote:

I'm guessing you read neither the original post or the topic.....  

Reminds me of those BING search engine commercials.  

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Actually if you think about it, if the original poster doesnt want people to buy apps on their phone if they get a hold of his phone, by passlocking his phone, they will not be able to get into it to buy Apps from the Market place.

Yes I know its not what the original poster was looking for, but the end result is still the same...