Tip Sheet:
Security and Privacy Tips for your Smartphone
Click or Tap on a Question to see the Answer
How do I know if I have an Android or Apple Smartphone?
If you have an iPhone, there will be an image of an apple at the back. The apple will look like this
If there is no image of an apple, you most likely have an Android phone.
Where can I connect to public wi-fi?
Some examples of where you might find public wi-fi, include Walmart, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Tim Hortons. Each company will have its own wi-fi network for its customers to connect. You can connect to the wi-fi while in their store or restaurant.
How do I connect to public wi-fi?
● You must be in a public location that offers wi-fi.
● Some wi-fi networks will not require a password, while some will require one.
● Wi-fi networks that require a password will have a padlock symbol next to it. A padlock looks similar to the image shown on the right.
How do I know if my device successfully connected to the wi-fi?
These are some examples of symbols that mean that you have not successfully connected to wi-fi.
Is public wi-fi safe to use?
The safest wi-fi to use is your wi-fi network at your own home (if you have it).
There are some risks to using public wi-fi. It is typically safe to use when you are not doing anything online that requires private or sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, or SIN etc.
Even if a public wi-fi network is password protected, you should not use it for tasks like banking, or online shopping.
It is safer to use public wi-fi for tasks like video calling friends or watching YouTube videos.
How else can I keep myself safe when using public wi-fi?
When you navigate to wi-fi settings, you might see a list of public wi-fi networks.
Be sure you are connecting to public wi-fi networks from well-known companies and organizations. Read the name of the wi-fi network you are trying to connect to carefully. Be sure that the name of the wi-fi network is not misspelled. Also be sure the wi-fi network is the official network for that particular company.
In my example below, there are 3 wi-fi networks containing the name ‘Starbucks.’ It is important to remember that anyone can name their network ‘Starbucks,’ so they may not be the real wi-fi network for the company. If you are unsure which network is the real one, ask a staff member working at the company.
I’m looking at my wi-fi settings and I see ‘ask to join.’ What does this mean?
‘Ask to join’ is a setting on your device. When it is turned on, your device will ask you if you would like to join a new wi-fi network if one is available.
The video mentioned VPN. What is that?
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. To learn more about VPN, click here: What Is a VPN? (lifewire.com)
To learn more about how safe a VPN is, click here: The VPN on Your iPhone May Leak Sensitive Information to Interested Parties (lifewire.com)
I’m scared about the risks of using public wi-fi. What should I do?
Anytime you do anything online, there are always risks, as well as benefits. If our fear prevents us from using public wi-fi, we will also miss out on the amazing benefits of public wi-fi.
While risks exist for using public wi-fi, we can take steps to reduce risk. For example, we might only use public wi-fi for tasks that don’t require private or sensitive information.
I sometimes see the word ‘permissions’ when downloading apps. What does this mean?
When an app asks for ‘permission,’ it means that the app is asking for you to give it approval to access your information, such as: contacts, location, photos etc. Often the app is asking for this information because it needs all or some of this information to work correctly.
Even if you decide to give the app permissions now, you can usually turn some of them off later from your devices settings
How can I check app permissions before downloading the app?
The App Store and the Google Play Store both have Data Safety Sections. The Data Safety Section is visible once you tap on an app in the App Store or Google Play Store
● Learn more about the Data Safety Section on iPhone here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjYUkDjyctE
● Learn more about the Data Safety Section on Android here:
I’m on an iPhone. Where can I review how apps are using the permissions after I’ve downloaded an app?
Click here to learn more: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/iphone/iph251e92810/ios
I’m on an Android smartphone. Where can I learn more about changing app permissions after I’ve downloaded an app?
Click here to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TucT1f1Rnag
I feel uncertain about granting app permissions.
Uncertainty can be a sign that you need more information. Before deciding if you would like to grant app permissions take some time to learn more about the app. Read more about the developer of the app. Read reviews about the app. This will give you more information about if the app is trustworthy.
Remember that you are in control of the app. Even if you decide to give the app permissions now, you can usually turn off some of the permissions later.
How do I find the settings for passcode, pattern, or biometric lock on my Android smartphone?
Tap on the settings app
Scroll down. Look for the words ‘lock screen’. On some Android devices, you may have to tap on ‘display’ before you can see the option for ‘lock screen.’ On some Android devices, you may have to look for the option that says ‘security’ instead of ‘display’ or ‘lock screen’. Tap on ‘lock screen.’ Choose the type of lock screen you want.
On some Android devices, you may also have an option that says ‘Biometrics and Security’. Scroll to this option after tapping on the settings app. ‘Biometric and security’ will allow you to set up fingerprint security or facial recognition on your smartphone.
How can I learn more about setting up a passcode or removing a passcode on an Android device?
How can I find the settings for passcode, pattern, or biometric lock on my iPhone?
Tap on the settings app
Scroll down until you see Face ID & Passcode
If your iPhone has a home button, scroll until you see Touch ID & Passcode instead.
How can I learn more about setting up a passcode and removing a passcode on an iPhone?
Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THUDrBBIF5k
What happens if I forget my passcode or pattern?
• Some devices may have a ‘forgot pattern’ option.
• If you think you will have trouble remembering a passcode or pattern, write down the passcode. You can draw the pattern on a piece of paper. Store the paper in a safe place.
Can I change my passcode or pattern once I’ve set it?
● Yes!
● Please note that you will need your current password or pattern to make changes.
● To learn more about changing passcode or pattern on iPhone, click here: https://bit.ly/3UuFfx2
● To learn more about changing passcode on Android and iPhone, click here: https://www.keepsolid.com/passwarden/help/manuals/how-to-change-lock-screen-password
Tips for Coping when Feeling Nervous or Frustrated
I feel nervous about even trying this new skill. What can I do?
● Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from trying. Smartphones are generally designed
to withstand mistakes you might make, and will not break if you do make a mistake.
● If your screen does freeze while you’re trying to use your smartphone, you can restart your
device. To learn how to restart your iPhone, click here: Restart your iPhone - Apple Support (CA).
To learn how to restart an Android phone, click here: How to Force Restart an Android Phone
When It’s Not Responding (howtogeek.com) and scroll to the section “Perform a Hard
Reset/Reboot.”
● Remember, practicing is the best way to help your brain remember these new skills!
This process is frustrating. How can I handle frustration?
Frustration will make it harder to problem solve. To reduce frustration and increase problem solving,
follow the steps below.
• Step 1: Pause.
• Step 2: Name what you’re feeling without judgement. Be sure to use the phrase “I am
feeling______.”
• Step 3: Take a 5-minute break, or a little longer if needed. You have the option to do something
to help you feel calm, such as doing some gentle stretches, listening to music, or breathing
deeply until you feel calm.
• You can also check out: The Guide to Mindfulness for Better Learning and/or the guide on
Changing Unhelpful Thoughts for Success while Learning. You can access them here: MTML -