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I use this hidden Android security feature to turn off sensors with one tap – here’s why

Adam Breeden/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • If you need a security boost on Android, add this hidden feature.
  • Sensors Off makes it easy to shut off the camera, mic, and GPS.
  • This feature is available for all modern Android phones.

When using your Android phone, have you ever had a moment when you thought, “I could seriously use some more privacy and security?” I have. Often.

You might think a VPN is enough for better security, but what if I told you that the sensors on your phone could lead to security issues? Would you still think that VPN is sufficient?

Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025

Your phone sensors include the camera, microphone, and GPS, each of which can be used against you. Granted, it would require the installation of malicious software to do so, but it is possible. At the same time, when visiting websites on your phone, if those sites have permission to use any of those sensors, your privacy and security could be at stake.

That’s why I’ve enabled this hidden feature on my Pixel 9 Pro. This feature is a Quick Settings tile that you can add, which, with a single tap, disables all three sensors. Prior to doing anything that needs heightened security, tap that tile and you’re good to go. When you’re done, tap the tile again, and the sensors are back on.

Enable developer options

The first step is to enable developer options on your phone. Don’t worry, the feature is built in; it’s just hidden from view. 

Open the Settings app. You can do this by either tapping Settings within the App Drawer, or tapping the gear icon in the Notification Shade.

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From within Settings, tap “About phone,” and then scroll to the bottom of the page, where you’ll find the “Build number” entry. Tap that entry seven times to enable developer options.

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Enable the Sensors Off tile

It’s now time to enable the Sensors Off tile. 

1. Open “Developer options”

Go back to Settings > System and scroll down until you find the “Developer options” entry. Tap that entry.

2. Enable the Sensors Off option

Scroll down until you find the “Quick settings developer tiles” entry and tap it. On the resulting page, find the Sensors Off entry and tap the On/Off switch until it’s in the On position.

Also: I changed 10 Samsung phone settings to significantly improve the user experience

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You’ll find a ton of features in the “Developer options.” Just use them wisely.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

You can now back out of Settings.

Using the Sensors Off tile

If you pull down the Notification Shade, you should see the Sensors Off tile has been automatically added for you. To use this tile, tap it to disable all three sensors at once. When you’re finished doing whatever sensitive thing you’re doing, go back t the Notification Shade and tap the Sensors Off tile again to re-enable the sensors.

<!–> The Android Quick Settings section of the Notification Shade.

You can customize the Quick Settings section to include whatever tiles you need.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

And that’s all there is to it. Enjoy that added privacy and security.

Also: Looking for an affordable phone? This $179 Motorola feels like a much more expensive device

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Source: Information Technologies - zdnet.com

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