Tips to keep your Android smartphone safe and private

Your Android smartphone/tablet is your very own personal haven of everything ranging from memories to sensitive data. In fact it's a small part of your own self. Well, if it's so private, it's also important that you keep it that way.

We have compiled here some really cool tips and tricks coming straight from Google's global Android team giving you step by step instructions on how to keep your android device safe.

---Make sure Android Device Manager is on: The Android Device Manager comes into play when your device is stolen or misplaced. Remember to have Android Device Manager set up on your device. Make sure to sign in with your Google Account and turn on "Remotely locate this device" and "Allow remote lock and erase." Should your phone land in the wrong hands, you can always relocate it, and remotely lock and erase all the data that lies therein.

---Set a Screen Lock: Set up a screen lock with a PIN, password, or pattern to ensure your phone cannot be accessed by anyone but yourself. You can do this by going to Settings > Security > Screen lock.
In case you have Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher running on your phone, you can also choose to have your device automatically unlock when you have it with you using the Smart Lock for Android feature.

---Adding your contact info to your lock screens: You can put your contact information (like an email address or phone number) on the lock screen so you can get a missing device back if someone finds it and wants to contact you. You can do this by going to Settings > Security > Owner info.

---Encrypt your phone: Encrypting your phone helps keep your data safe if you lose your device. For devices running Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) or higher, you can encrypt the data on your device in Settings > Security > Encrypt phone.

---Download apps from trusted sources:

Before you install an app from an unknown source, first consider:
1. Is the app from a trusted source? What made you sure it's from a trusted brand?
2. Does it offer a service that could include hidden fees?
3. Is it asking for sensitive information or device permissions you wouldn't give to a stranger?

If you're unsure about any of these questions, we recommend that you don't install the app. If you do install the app, we recommend disabling Unknown Sources again after you're done.

---Beware of ads you click: Beware of anything that claims that your phone is infected or asks for your password or personal information. Remember, you could accidentally download unwanted or potentially harmful applications or give someone you don't trust access to your account this way.

---Back up your data:  This is the extreme case scenario. Backups make it easier to recover your information and apps if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.