This article applies to: Android

In this guide we’ll show you how to get started with Certo Mobile Security for Android.

We’ve designed our app to be as intuitive as possible, but if you do need help using any of the features, this is a great place to start.

If you don’t have the app yet, head over to the Play Store and download it for free.

Table of contents

1. Dashboard

Access all of the app features from the dashboard page. Return to the dashboard anytime by using your device’s back button or by tapping menu then ‘Dashboard’.

Getting started with Certo on Android

2. Scanning your device

Perform a full malware scan. Detect and remove spyware, stalkerware, viruses and trojans that can steal your data or spy on your device.

  1. From the dashboard, tap the ‘Scan’ button.
  2. Your device will be scanned. The time to complete will depend on how much data is stored on your device. You can cancel the scan anytime by pressing your device’s back button.
  3. Results will be displayed at the end of the scan. Any issues found will be listed in order of severity.
    • Red (High) – You should take immediate action for this issue as your device could have been compromised.
    • Orange (Medium) – We recommend reviewing the issue as it could put your device at risk.
    • Green (All clear) – No issues have been detected
  4. If any threats are detected, you have two options.
    • Remove – Completely removes the threat from your device.
    • Ignore – Ignore the threat now and in any future scans. You can un-ignore at any time by tapping ‘Ignored Issues’ from the scan results page.
  5. When finished, return to the dashboard. Details of the last scan are shown under the Scan button. Tap here at any time to return to the results of your last scan.

Getting started with Certo on Android

3. Privacy Audit

Identify apps that can track your location, monitor your calls, access your files and more. Revoke access to any you’d prefer not to share data with.

  1. From the dashboard or menu , tap ‘Privacy Audit’.
  2. All apps on your device will be checked. You will be shown a list of permissions and the number of apps that are granted each permission.
  3. Tap a permission to view the list of apps.
  4. Tap an app to view more information.
  5. If you wish, you can either uninstall the app or revoke the desired permission.

4. System Adviser

Find and fix insecure system settings that put your device at risk. Helps you setup your device for a more secure experience, making it harder for hackers to access your personal data.

  1. From the dashboard or menu , tap ‘System Adviser’.
  2. Your device settings will be checked. Secure system settings are shown green and insecure system settings are shown orange.
  3. If any insecure system settings are found, tap ‘Fix This’ to be taken to your device’s settings page to make the change.

5. Auto Scan*

Stay safe 24/7 – keep your device protected by setting it up to automatically scan for threats. We’ll let you know the instant something malicious is detected.

  1. From the dashboard or menu , tap ‘Auto Scan’.
  2. Choose how often your device is scanned.
  3. Tap the ‘On/Off’ switch at the top.
  4. You’ll get an alert if any threats are detected. View the results of the most recent scan any time by tapping ‘Last Scan’ underneath the Scan button on the dashboard.

* Upgrade to Premium to get this feature.

Getting started with Certo on Android

6. Intruder Detection*

Find out if your device is moved when you leave it unattended or catch someone trying to guess your PIN. Take a secret photo of the intruder or ward them off with a loud alarm.

Click here for full instructions, or see below for a brief overview.

  1. From the dashboard or menu , tap ‘Intruder Detection’.
  2. Choose what to detect – Movement or Incorrect PIN entries.
  3. Choose what to do when it’s detected – Take a secret photo or sound a loud alarm.
  4. Tap the ‘On/Off’ switch at the top.
  5. Deactivate Intruder Detection using the ‘On/Off’ switch before changing your detection method or action. You cannot make changes whilst it’s running.

* Upgrade to Premium to get this feature.

Getting started with Certo on Android

7. Breach Check*

Find out if your accounts or passwords have been compromised in a data breach and take steps to protect your online identity.

  1. From the dashboard or menu , tap ‘Breach Check’.
  2. Enter the email address that you would like to check and tap ‘Check Now’.
  3. Results will be displayed. If your email address has been found in any data breaches they will be shown here.
  4. Read the details of the breach carefully as it will explain which of your online accounts is affected and what data has been compromised.
  5. Tap ‘Next Steps’ for guidance on how you can mitigate the risks posed by the breach.

* Upgrade to Premium to get this feature.

Getting started with Certo on Android

8. Upgrade

Upgrade to unlock Premium features and get the highest level of protection for your device. You can try Premium for 7 days for free!

  1. From the dashboard, tap the ‘Upgrade’ button near the top.
  2. Choose either the monthly or yearly plan.
  3. Tap ‘Start 7-day free trial’ and follow the instructions on screen.
  4. When complete, all Premium features will be available.

Getting started with Certo on Android