topic Play Protect settings in Mobile Apps & Services

Play Protect settings

Jammy97 — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:04:46 GMT

Hi all,

What does "Improve harmful app detection" actually mean? Should it be on or off?

Thank you!

Re: Play Protect settings

arianwen27 — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 01:17:57 GMT

If you install an app on your phone that Google doesn't know about, like an apk file that hasn't been scanned before. On install, it gets sent to Google servers, they scan it, then tell you if it's safe or not. With it off, it doesn't get sent to Google servers. I'd have it on

Re: Play Protect settings

Windroid — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:49:42 GMT

In other words, for the sake of keeping your phone and data safe, this option allows google to sample whatever apps you have on your phone.
If you only download the app from Google Play or Samsung store, keep this option off.
if you like to install apps from other sources that can be not so trustworthy, i.e., the app might hack your phone and steel your data, then keep this option on to let google check if the app is a safe one and trust worthy.

Re: Play Protect settings

keith30 — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:48:10 GMT

Have it on

Re: Play Protect settings

MNas04 — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:05:30 GMT

Would recommend switching it on. It does keep your phone safe from malware and other suspicious activity.

Re: Re: Play Protect settings

Windroid — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 22:34:38 GMT

True, but from another perspective, it reduces your privacy by giving Google more access to your device

Re: Re: Re: Play Protect settings

MNas04 — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 23:57:54 GMT

Kind of yes. I think it applies when you install apps outside official sources.

Re: Re: Play Protect settings

Jammy97 — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 22:55:25 GMT

Thank you for this. I have turned it on.

Re: Re: Play Protect settings

Jammy97 — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 22:58:19 GMT

Thank you. I use the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store. I have app detection turned on.

Re: Re: Play Protect settings

Jammy97 — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 22:58:39 GMT

Thank you. I have it on.

Re: Re: Play Protect settings

Jammy97 — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 22:59:31 GMT

Thank you. I have it turned on.

Re: Re: Re: Play Protect settings

Jammy97 — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 22:59:57 GMT

That's what I thought too.