Android smartphones have gained a range of safety features over the years, but many aren’t enabled by default—and discovering them isn’t always easy. Here are five helpful features* for sex workers that will give you a little extra peace of mind.
* Important Note: Android is an operating system widely used across smartphones, but each manufacturer customises it (e.g., Samsung’s version of Android is different to Motorola's flavour of Android). This means some features listed here may vary—or be unavailable—depending on your device’s brand and age.
Advanced Protection Program
Unfortunately, sex workers can be targets for coordinated digital harassment or stalking. If you need a higher level of security than a standard Google account provides, you can enroll in Google's Advanced Protection Program. This program limits which third-party apps can access your data. It also turns on aggressive malware scanning, and requires a physical security key or passkey to log in.
A physical security key is a small device—similar to a USB stick—that you plug in or tap against your phone to prove it is really you. A passkey is your digital alternative, already built into your phone, like a fingerprint, face scan, or a PIN. You are probably already using it to confirm your identity and unlock your screen, so you don't have to type out a password each time.
Google Support Document: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7519408
App pinning
Sometimes you need to let someone borrow your phone to make a call or use a specific app, but that doesn’t mean you want them snooping around. App pinning (also called Screen pinning depending on the variant of Android on your phone) lets you limit the use of your phone to one specific app, for instance to a web browser or to a music player.
Once you enable App pinning in your Security settings, open your recent apps, hold down on the app's icon, and select "Pin". The person borrowing your phone won't be able to exit the app, see your home screen, or check your notifications. To unpin the app, you swipe up and hold (or use your navigation buttons). This locks the phone and requires your PIN to gain access.
Google Support Document: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9455138
Unknown tracker alerts
Stalking and unwanted tracking are also, unfortunately, risks sex workers face more than the wider population. If someone slips an unknown Bluetooth tracker into your bag, you can set your Android device to warn you automatically that an unknown Bluetooth device appears to be moving around with you. Unknown tracker alerts are actually enabled by default if Bluetooth is turned on, but only if your phone is connected to Google Play, and you update your apps regularly.
If you receive an unknown tracker alert, tap the notification to see a map of where the tracker was detected travelling alongside you. You can also tap "Play sound" to make the tracker ring, helping you locate it. If you ever need to check your surroundings immediately, you can do a manual scan in your device's Settings app under “Safety & Emergency”.
Google Support Document: https://support.google.com/android/answer/13658562
Theft Detection Lock
Having your phone snatched while you are using it sucks, especially if your screen is unlocked when it happens. Theft Detection Lock is a newer Android feature that uses your phone's motion sensors and AI to detect the motion of someone suddenly grabbing your device and running, biking, or driving away.
If a snatching motion is detected, the screen automatically locks making it much more difficult for whoever took the phone to access the apps and data on the phone. You can turn this feature on by opening Settings, tapping Google, and navigating to Theft Protection.
Google Support Document: https://support.google.com/android/answer/15146908
Personal Safety
On phones running Android 12 or newer, the Personal Safety app has a range of features to assist in helping others find or support you if something goes wrong.
By rapidly pressing your phone's power button five times in a row, your device can automatically call emergency services and share your real-time location with your trusted contacts. You can also add critical medical information like your blood type, allergies, or medications directly to your lock screen.
The app also includes “Safety Check”. When enabled and configured, the app broadcasts your live location to your designated emergency contacts if you haven’t confirmed on your phone you are safe at regular intervals.
Google Support Document: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337
Many of these safety features are hidden deep in the Settings menus, but once you know how to locate them you’ll find they are free to set up and can provide extra peace of mind while you work.
Sex worker communities have always relied on sharing knowledge to keep each other safe, so if you found this information helpful, consider sharing it with others in your network!
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