Best protection methods against phone being seized while unlocked/opened?

x19382

What would be the best protection method against your phone being seized or snatched while unlocked? Is there a feature like setting it to auto lock back to the lockscreen unless you insert your passcode every X minutes? That combined with the USB-C being disabled seems pretty safe. Auto reboot only happens if the phone hasn't been unlocked in that time, if your phone is taken by an adversary while its unlocked then auto reboot couldn't help. there should be a setting that allows auto lock timers unless you input the passcode, like a pop up verifying "Keep unlock - enter PIN" and gives you 10 seconds.

Is there also a way to setup passwords or encrypted spaces per application in the case that your phone is taken during it being unlocked and open?

DeletedUser550

x19382 What would be the best protection method against your phone being seized or snatched while unlocked?
being aware of ones surroundings and not being hypnotised by the screen in front of you, allowing that person to get so close that snatching your phone was easy, or if you have allowed the theft, then there is nothing better than Private Lock, its old, its on Fdroid, but it works.

Delaney

x19382 Is there a feature like setting it to auto lock back to the lockscreen unless you insert your passcode every X minutes?

You could set "Lock after screen timeout" to "immediately", and set "Screen Timeout" to "15 seconds".

cupcake-alibi

I think the only way to minimize the risk is to create a user profile that you use when you're at risk of your phone being stolen (e.g. outdoors). If your phone is snatched, only that profile will be unlocked and the other profiles will be locked.

You could also think about physical protection like a case with a cord attached to your wrist or bag (like a miniature kensington lock), which would give you more time to react before your phone is snatched.

dc32f0cfe84def651e0e

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.wesaphzt.privatelock/

newbie24689

I keep it locked and in a pocket when outside. I use a smart watch to answer/make calls, display my shopping list, and provide GPS map navigation information when walking.

Blastoidea

newbie24689

I think this may be the best answer short of “leave it at home”.

x19382

I meant more so if law enforcement seized it while open (think Ross Ulbricht)

edent

Google Play services will lock the phone if it detects sudden movement while unlocked. I've not had my phone snatched but it did trigger when I unexpectedly ran for a bus.

phone-company

edent is this working on a device with grapheneOS?

NetRunner88

phone-company
It will not

edent

phone-company yes. I run GrapheneOS on a Pixel 8 Pro. Google Play Services will autolock the phone when it thinks it is snatched.

Vincent96

Lock it.

gta3

Vincent96 how's he supposed to lock it when its snatched unexpectedly?

Did u even read the thread?

phone-company

edent thanks i will test it later 👍

NetRunner88

No it will not, Google Play isn't system on Graphene

edent

NetRunner88 I am literally running GrapheneOS on a Pixel 8 Pro. I have Play installed. Here's a screenshot of it detecting sudden motion and locking my phone - https://mastodon.social/@Edent/113833891003222713

AcclaimSublevel19

edent I'm pretty sure you have to give Play Services special permission for that to work. I can't seem to find which one though.

andrej567

there are two apps, MotionLock and Private Lock on fdroid, that react to acceleration.. its worth a try if it works as expected.

NetRunner88

andrej567

"Requires device admin for locking."

That's a show stopper

andrej567

NetRunner88 Hm, yes.

What is the proper way to proceed - read the sources personally and build yourself? Just curious, I am not planning to use it, if my pixel 6 is snatched, it's higher power and i can buy a new one.

hello-gos

NetRunner88 the device admin message says that the app will have access to lock the screen. What are the dangers of allowing this? Will it get more privs than locking?