How To Fully Encrypt Your Android Device

I am a huge proponent of encryption. I think if it's available, you should encrypt everything. Not just to protect yourself from hackers and thieves, but also from the government. In most cases, your decryption pass-phrase is protected under the 5th Amendment.

One thing many people overlook when it comes to security is encrypting their cell phones. If you have a smartphone, you will be surprised how much data is available about you on your phone. Because of that, it's important that you protect it. Well Android has full phone encryption built in!

Yes I know that the NSA has been inserting code into Android, so they may or may not have a backdoor into it. However it will still be able to protect your data from hackers and probably even a DHS checkpoint.

To encrypt your Android device, you must first set a screen lock password of at least 6 characters, and one must be a number. to do that do the following:

• Go to Settings > Lock Screen > Screen Lock > Password
• Follow the prompts to set a password

Now to encrypt your phone do the following:

• Settings > Security > Encrypt Device 
• Follow the prompts to encrypt your device

Encryption can take up to an hour, and your phone may reboot a few times during the encryption process. After it's done your device will be pretty damned secure. Also in the Security Settings you have the option to encrypt your SD card as well. I recommend you do that.

Do you encrypt your phone? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.