How to encrypt your iOS or Android device – CNET in Spanish

The battle between Apple and the FBI has put us remember the importance of encryption (or encryption information). Whatever your opinion about it, you should not have to explain why worth protecting your personal data, and it all starts with your smart phone.

iPhones and Apple iPads and most Android devices can be encrypted, and this is what you need to know to do:

iOS

Apple introduced the encryption devices with iOS 8 in 2014. All that is needed to activate a security code or a fingerprint. While a four-digit password is enough, if you want to have better protection I recommend using a numerical access code or longer password.

• Go to Settings (configuration )
• Select Touch ID & amp; Passcode (Touch ID & amp; password), or Passcode (password), in the case of older devices that do not have fingerprint reader
• Click turn passcode on (enable password)
• Enter an access code or password to be strong

Android

in the case of Android devices it is a little more complicated. Nexus phones and tablets from Google come with standard encryption enabled. A majority of new devices that are being sold with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, such as the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Galaxy are also encrypted. Similar to what happens with the iPhone way, all you have to do is add a security code or your fingerprint to activate it.

• Go to Settings ( configuration)
• Click Security (protection)
• Select screen lock (lock screen)
• Create a security code

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However, in the case of older ones, such as the Moto X Pure and Galaxy S6 devices need to encrypt them manually. Before starting, make sure your phone is . connected to power and to complete the process could take up to an hour, depending on the amount of data stored on your device then creates a security code using the method described above and follow these steps:

• Go to settings (configuration)
• Select security (security)
• Click encrypt phone (encrypted phone)

Sarah Tew / CNET

In the Galaxy S6 the method is slightly different. You have to go to Settings (configuration), select Lock Screen and Security (lock screen and protection), followed by Other Security Settings (other protection settings) and click encrypt phone (encrypted phone).

you can also encrypt your SD card to keep your data safe and prevent the card from being used on another device (unless it is first deleted). Go to Settings (settings) , select Security (protection) , followed by Encrypt external SD card (encrypt card external SD) and click enable (enable). Unlike encryption device that requires you to delete the phone to delete the encryption of the SD card can be easily reversed in the Settings menu (configuration).

Reasons for not encrypt your Android

Encrypt your phone might seem obvious, but there are some reasons why you may want to do so. The method is slightly different on each device. Motorola, for example, lets you continue using a personal identification number (PIN) and a pattern after the phone has been encrypted, but Samsung only let you use an access code or fingerprint.

Samsung also required to enter a password each time you restart the phone. While this makes it difficult for thieves access to your data, it may be too inconvenient for some people.

In addition, the performance of your device also will be a little affected when encriptes. In recent high-end phones just noticed the change, but older or low-end models could I resent it. I recommend only encrypt recent high-end devices like the Galaxy S6, LG G4, HTC One M10, and newer versions of the same (Galaxy S7, LG G5 and others).