Encryption stores your data in a form that can be read only when your phone or tabletis unlocked. Unlocking your encrypted device decrypts your data. Encryption can add protection in case your device is stolen.
- All Pixel phones areencrypted by default.So are Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9 devices.
- You can choose to encrypt Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 devices.
To get the most protection for your data on an encrypted device, alwaysrequire your PIN, pattern, or passwordto unlock your device when it starts.Learn how to set a screen lock.
Important:Some of these steps work only on Android 8.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Understand what data gets encrypted
On an encrypted device, all personal data gets encrypted. This includes things likeyour email, texts, contacts, Google Account data, appdata, photos, media, and downloads.Some non-personal data, like file sizes, aren't encrypted.
Decrypt your data using accessibility features
To help you enter your PIN, pattern, or password to decrypt your Pixel phoneat start-up,you can useTalkBack,Switch Access, and other updated accessibility services.Pixel phones can't useBluetooth-pairedaccessibility devices until after youdecrypt.
On encrypted Nexus phones and tablets, if you choose to require your PIN, pattern, or password at start-up, you'dneed to enter it without help from either accessibility services or Bluetooth-pairedaccessibility devices.
Encrypt Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, or Nexus 10 devices
Unlike all Pixel and recent Nexus devices, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 devices aren't encrypted by default. To encrypt a Nexusdevice that isn't yet encrypted:
Encrypting your Nexus devicemay take an hour or more, and your device may restart several times. If the process gets interrupted, you might lose the information on your device.We recommend these steps before you start:
- Schedule an hour or more.
- Plug your device in to charge.
- Know which Android version your device is running. Learn how to check.
Encrypt your Nexus device on Android 5.0—6.0
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap SecurityorSecurity & Location
Screen lock. - To chooseyour screen lock, tapPattern,PIN, or Password.
- You'll be asked to "further protect this device" by requiring your PIN, pattern, or password when your device starts. The first time that you choose this setting, it willencrypt your device.
- SelectRequire to start device.
- TapContinue.
- Set your PIN, pattern, or password. Follow the on-screen steps.
Screen lock.You can choose whether to require your PIN, pattern, or passwordwhen your device starts. Learn how to set a screen lock.If youusean accessibility service like TalkBack, or a Bluetooth-paired accessibility device, keep in mind that you'd need to enter your information at start-up without help fromyourservice or device.
Encrypt your device on Android 4.4 or lower
- If you haven't already, set a lock screen PIN, pattern, or password.Learn how.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- TapSecurity & Location.
- Under "Encryption," tapEncrypt phone or Encrypt tablet.(If your battery isn'tcharged or your device isn't plugged in, you won't be able to tap this option.)
- Carefully read the information shown. It's important to know:
- After encrypting,you can turn off encryption only by factory data reset, which erases all your data.
- If you usean accessibility service like TalkBack, or a Bluetooth-paired accessibility device, you'll always need to enter your PIN, pattern, or passwordat start-up without the help of yourservice or device.
- If you change your mind about encrypting your device, you can tap Back .
- TapEncrypt phoneor Encrypt tablet.
- Enter your lock screen PIN, pattern, or password.TapContinue.
- TapEncrypt phone or Encrypt tablet again.
.After encrypting, you'll always need toenter your PIN, pattern, or password when your device starts.
