IT Knowledge BaseGeneral TopicsPasswordsDevice PasscodesSetting Up Mobile Device Passcodes and Enabling Encryption on Android Devices

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Setting Up Mobile Device Passcodes and Enabling Encryption on Android Devices

A security passcode and encryption is required on all mobile devices that are set up to connect to CSUF faculty/staff email accounts. This article contains resources on how to set up a mobile device passcode and enable encryption on your Android device as well as how to change your passcode preferences.

What do you want to do?

To Set Up a Passcode on Your Android Device

These instructions are for generic Android devices. Please consult your device's user guide for more specific instructions on how to set up a passcode on your device.

1. From your home screen, tap Menu and then tap Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Security.
3. Tap Screen Lock.
4. Select which type of passcode/password you would like to use.

RECOMMENDED

  • PIN: Sets an unlock screen requiring the user to enter a numeric code. This option meets the minimum passcode requirements.
  • Password: Sets an unlock screen that requires entering an alphanumeric password (numbers, letters, and symbols). This option is also acceptable as it goes above and beyond the minimum passcode requirements.

NOT RECOMMENDED

  • None: This removes your security passcode. If you select this option while your device is connected to the CSUF faculty/staff email account, you will be prompted to create a passcode
  • Face Unlock: Sets an unlock screen which uses facial recognition to unlock the screen. This is not recommended as it does not meet the minimum passcode requirements.
  • Pattern: Sets an unlock screen which requires the user to draw a specific pattern between 9 on-screen points. This is not recommended as it does not meet the minimum passcode requirements.
5. After you select an option, you will be asked to enter your new passcode twice to verify it and then you're done!

To Enable Encryption on Your Device

These instructions are for generic Android devices. Please consult your device's user guide for more specific instructions on how to set up encryption on your device.

BEFORE YOU START: Enabling encryption on your device may take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on how much data you have on your device. You will also need to have a charger for your device because your device will need to stay plugged in and be charging while it is being encrypted.

2. Plug in your device to its charger and ensure that it is charging properly.

Your device needs to STAY connected to power throughout this process.

3. Tap Menu.
4. Tap Settings.
5. Tap Security.
6. Under Encryption, tap Encrypt Phone (or Encrypt Tablet).
7. You will see a warning message about encryption. Encryption means that you will need to type in your passcode each time you power on your phone. Tap Encrypt Phone.
8. Enter your passcode.
9. You will see a progress bar as your device is encrypted. Leave it plugged into the charger as it is encrypted.
10. Once it finishes, the device may restart. Enter your passcode when the device asks for a password upon restarting. You may find that you have to enter your passcode twice after restarting: once to decrypt the device and then again to access the device.

To Modify Your Passcode or Passcode Settings

These instructions are for generic Android devices. Please consult your device's user guide for more specific instructions on how to modify passcode settings on your device.

1. From your home screen, tap Menu and then tap Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Security.

Which one do you want to do?

1. Tap Screen Lock.
2. Enter your current passcode.
3. Select your passcode type.

Remember you should choose either PIN or Password to meet CSUF security requirements.

4. After you select an option, you will be asked to enter your new passcode twice to verify it and then you're done!
1. Select the passcode setting you want to change (i.e. Lock phone after).
2. Tap the value you wish to set (i.e. 15 minutes). You're done!

If You Forgot Your Passcode

If you have forgotten your passcode, you may need to consult your device's manufacturer (i.e. Samsung) or your service provider (i.e. AT&T) for assistance. Below are a few other sources that may be of assistance.

If you linked your Android device to a Google account when you set it up, you can enter your Google account credentials to log in. After typing in an incorrect passcode 5 times, you will be given the opportunity to enter your Google account credentials and reset your passcode.

1. After entering your passcode incorrectly 5 times, tap the Forgot Passcode button that appears.
2. Enter your Google username and password; then tap Sign In.
3. You will now be prompted to create a new passcode.
But I Forgot My Google Account Password!

If you have forgotten your Google account password, you can visit the Google Accounts Recovery page.

Need More Help?

Contact the IT Help Desk at [email protected] or 657-278-7777 for additional assistance.

Congratulations, you are done!