Your phone is the most dangerous device in your life.

It holds everything. Your calls. Your texts. Your emails. Your search history. Your location. Your photos. And if your abuser has access to it, they know everything about you.

This guide will show you how to protect yourself on your phone. Not just from viruses, but from someone who wants to use your own device against you.

YOUR OPTIONS:
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

You have a few choices. Pick the one that works best for your situation.

Option 1: Use a Secure Email App
Create a new email account your abuser doesn't know about. Use it only for abuse-related communication. Install a secure email app on your phone for this account.

Option 2: Use Encrypted Messaging Apps
If you need to communicate with someone securely, use an encrypted messaging app. Signal and WhatsApp are both good options. But remember: if your abuser has your phone unlocked, they can read everything anyway.

Option 3: Use a Password Manager
Use a password manager to store your passwords securely. This way, they can't easily access your accounts.

Option 4: Use a Different Device
If you can access a device your abuser never touches... a work phone, a friend's phone, a library computer, use that for your most sensitive research.

Option 5: Set Up a Second Phone Number
Use a free app like TextNow or Google Voice to get a second phone number. Use this number only for abuse-related communication.

Option 6: Turn Off Location Sharing
Your phone tracks your location constantly. Turn off location services for apps that don't need it.
Check your installed apps that have access to your location

HOW TO SET IT UP

Step 1: Secure Your Phone with a Strong Lock

Set a Strong PIN or Password

On Android:

• Go to Settings → Security & Privacy → Screen Lock

• Choose "PIN" or "Password"

• Set something your abuser won't guess

On iPhone:

• Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode)

• Click "Turn Passcode On"

• Set a 6-digit PIN or alphanumeric password

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If your phone supports it, enable two-factor authentication. This means even if your abuser has your password, they can't access your accounts without your phone.

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Step 2: Set Up Proton Mail

Proton Mail is available as an app for both Android and iPhone.

On Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store

2. Search for "Proton Mail"

3. Tap "Install"

4. Log in to your existing Proton account or create a new one

On iPhone:

1. Open the App Store

2. Search for "Proton Mail"

3. Tap "Get"

4. Log in to your existing Proton account or create a new one

Never save your password in the app. Always log in and out. Your abuser might try to open the app if they get hold of your phone.

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Step 3: Set Up Signal for Secure Messaging

Signal is a free, encrypted messaging app. It's widely regarded as the most secure messaging app available. If you need to communicate with someone about your situation, use Signal.

On Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store

2. Search for "Signal"

3. Tap "Install"

4. Follow the setup instructions (verify your phone number)

On iPhone:

1. Open the App Store

2. Search for "Signal"

3. Tap "Get"

4. Follow the setup instructions (verify your phone number)

Important: When you set up Signal, enable the "Screen Lock" feature. This adds an extra layer of security even if your phone is unlocked.

How to enable Screen Lock on Signal:

• Open Signal → Tap your profile picture

• Go to "Privacy"

• Enable "Screen Lock"

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Step 4: Turn Off Location Tracking

On Android:

1. Go to Settings → Location

2. Toggle "Use Location" off, or

3. Tap "App permissions" and turn off location for apps that don't need it

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Location Services

2. Toggle "Location Services" off, or

3. Review which apps have access and change permissions

Be aware: If you have a phone sharing app like Find My iPhone or Find My Device enabled, your abuser might still be able to track you through that. Consider whether you need to disable these.

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Step 5: Manage Your Apps

Check for Suspicious Apps
Look through your installed apps for anything you don't recognize. If you find something suspicious, look it up online. If it's tracking software, you'll need to decide how to handle it.

Use a Secure Browser
Use your phone's private browser mode the same way you would on a computer. On Android, use Chrome's Incognito mode. On iPhone, use Safari's Private Browsing.

How to use Chrome Incognito on Android/iPhone:

• Open Chrome

• Tap the three dots (or three lines)

• Select "New Incognito Tab"

How to use Safari Private Browsing on iPhone:

• Open Safari

• Tap the tabs icon (two squares)

• Swipe left to go to "Private"

• Tap "Done"