Advanced Plus Security RoboMan's Mobile Security Config

[RoboMan]

Did you enable Maximum restrictions after enabling Auto Blocker? Both need to be enabled if you need them

FI, if you enable Auto Blocker you would be unable to download apps from non-Approved stores. You need to disable Auto-Blocker to download apps from non-Approved stores. Approved stores are mainly Google Play Store, Samsung Store and Amazon Appstore.

Yes, I did. Thanks! I didn't know about the existence of Maximum Settings until you spotted it for me

 

[RoboMan]

Today is a sad day for this robot

My Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has stopped recieving major updates (OS updates). I will recieve quarterly security updates (every 3 months) rather than monthly. Full security support is scheduled to continue until early 2027 and then I'm off the hook.

Considering replacing my phone as soon as I'm able to.

I'm planning to staying on the Samsung ecosystem, because I find it secure, easy to use, and stable more than anything. Can't afford to go for the latest model, so I'm thinking about the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is guaranteed to receive software updates until January 2031.

What do you think about this model? Do you suggest I look for something else?

Take into account I prioritize security, stability, ease of use, and want to avoid freaking ads on the OS at all cost. And I also would like Google Apps lol.

 

[Shadowra]

What do you think about this model? Do you suggest I look for something else?

You could also check out the A-series models, like the A54, which isn't too bad, or the S25 Edge / S25 if you can find it at a good price

 

[Jonny Quest]

You could also check out the A-series models, like the A54, which isn't too bad, or the S25 Edge / S25 if you can find it at a good price

My Galaxy A35 5G has been a great phone for what I use it for, also got it for a great price with a trade in. I previously had a S22 Plus, but the power button was acting up, and I could no longer trust it to restart. It's the phone with the 2FAS app on it, I didn't want to take any chances in that regard and did the trade in.

 

[oldschool]

Do you suggest I look for something else?

Take into account I prioritize security, stability, ease of use, and want to avoid freaking ads on the OS at all cost. And I also would like Google Apps lol.

A Pixel 10a with GrapheneOS can fill all of your needs with 7 years of security and feature updates. In fact, Graphene rolls out Android security updates faster than any other phone that I'm aware of. That's because they offer and recommend security preview releases. Plus you have GOS's hardened Android features. Users can configure it with all Google services except Google Wallet/Pay or whatever the hell it's called. And last but not least, no bloatware. It's worth checking out.

Edit: BTW, my setup includes a few Google apps that I use. And the longstanding Google RCS messaging issue was fixed months ago and works great! Google apps run in the standard sandbox just like any other app, without the invasive, system level integration found in stock PixelOS.

 

[RoboMan]

RoboMan's Mobile Security Config · Setup v2
Updated Oct 10, 2026

What changed

• Mobile model: Galaxy S22 Ultra → Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Mobile OS version: Android 16 - OneUI 8 → Android 17 - OneUI 9
• Security and privacy apps: AdGuard Premium
  Samsung Security powered by McAfee
  Samsung AutoBlocker → AdGuard Premium
  Samsung Security powered by McAfee
  Samsung AutoBlocker (Maximum Restrictions), which protects me as followed:
  
  -Forbids installation of new apps outside trusted App Stores
  -Blocks 2G Networks and Insecure Wi-Fi Connections to Prevent Interception
  -Disables Hyperlinks, Previews, and Automatic File Downloads in Messaging
  -Blocks Device Administrator Privileges and Prevents Work Profile Setup
  -Strips Location Metadata from Photos and Disables Shared Gallery Albums
• Stolen Device Protection: Off → On
• Biometric security: Fingerprint(s), Other biometrics → Fingerprint(s), Face unlock (other than Apple Face ID)
• Google Play system update: 2025-06-01 → 2026-09-01
• Mobile system updates: Only security updates → Automatic updates
• App store(s): Google Play Store → Google Play Store, Samsung Galaxy Store
• Cloud storage: OneDrive → OneDrive
  Google Drive
• Mobile security update support: Older selection — review required → Supported - still receiving security updates
• Android security patch date: Not specified → 2026-10-01
• App updates: Older selection — review required → Auto-update on any connection
• Screen lock method: Older selection — review required → Pattern
• Find a lost device: Older selection — review required → Google Find Hub (formerly Find My Device), SmartThings Find (Samsung)

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Mobile operating system: Android
• Mobile OS version: Android 17 - OneUI 9
• Mobile model: Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Mobile brand: Samsung
• Security and privacy apps: AdGuard Premium
  Samsung Security powered by McAfee
  Samsung AutoBlocker (Maximum Restrictions), which protects me as followed:
  
  -Forbids installation of new apps outside trusted App Stores
  -Blocks 2G Networks and Insecure Wi-Fi Connections to Prevent Interception
  -Disables Hyperlinks, Previews, and Automatic File Downloads in Messaging
  -Blocks Device Administrator Privileges and Prevents Work Profile Setup
  -Strips Location Metadata from Photos and Disables Shared Gallery Albums
• Mobile browsers: Chrome
• File and photo backups: OneDrive
• Mobile security update support: Supported - still receiving security updates
• Mobile system updates: Automatic updates
• Google Play Protect settings: Scan apps with Play Protect, Improve harmful app detection, Permissions for unused apps to be removed
• Android security patch date: 2026-10-01
• Google Play system update: 2026-09-01
• App store(s): Google Play Store, Samsung Galaxy Store
• App updates: Auto-update on any connection
• Screen lock method: Pattern
• Biometric security: Fingerprint(s), Face unlock (other than Apple Face ID)
• SIM and mobile number protection: Lock SIM card with a PIN
• Stolen Device Protection: On
• Unknown tracker alerts: Unknown Tracker Alerts (Android)
• Find a lost device: Google Find Hub (formerly Find My Device), SmartThings Find (Samsung)
• Firewall and VPN apps: Windscribe
  AdGuard DNS
  AdGuard VPN
• Password and passkey manager: Bitwarden
• Phone & Caller ID: Google Phone
• Messaging: Samsung SMS
• Music & Podcasts: Spotify Premium
• Photo & Video: Samsung Gallery
• Entertainment: Youtube Premium
• Note-taking: Google Keep
• Cloud storage: OneDrive
  Google Drive
• Two-factor authentication: Authy
• Subscriptions: Google One Standard 200GB, Microsoft OneDrive 100GB
• Notable changes: Enabled AutoBlocker (Maximum Settings)
  Blocking USB connections when the device is blocked
  Enabled Android Safe Surfing
• Feedback preference: Detailed suggestions and alternatives welcome

Feedback on this setup is welcome.

 

[RoboMan]

Upgraded to the newest Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 512GB

Any suggestions for this phone?