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Help Block usage of phone using pattern (Android 6.0.1)

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Hi,
I am using Android 6.0.1 and as security measure I use the "draw pattern" function, to wake up my phone as it is in "idle" mode. This is to prevent access to my phone without drawing the correct pattern.
This works well. However I noticed that it does not block access to the "quick menu", which you get when you scroll at the top of the screen to below. This menu gives you access to wifi turning on/off, location , etc.. etc.
Also, one can still shut down my phone/restart it, without having to draw the pattern.

My question:
Is it possible, and, if so, how? to configure Android to disable access to anything (the shortcut menu, on/off button, etc), without having to draw the pattern?
 
Hi

I don't think you can disable the power button from working, even when the screen is locked. It can be turned off (and back on) from the lock screen, or put into/out of flight mode but it should remain locked.

As far as I know the "pull down" settings menu from the top of the screen should not work in a lock screen (I certainly cant find any settings to enable it). What device are you using - maybe someone with the same phone can help?
 
I have never been able to pull down the Notifications screen if the screen is locked.

you must be using a Swipe screen if that is the case.

I know you said it is set for Pattern, but I have used pattern and it never would open the Notifications panel.
 
AZgl1500 said:
I have never been able to pull down the Notifications screen if the screen is locked.

you must be using a Swipe screen if that is the case.

I know you said it is set for Pattern, but I have used pattern and it never would open the Notifications panel.
Click to expand...

I can with a Note 7, Marshmallow 6.0.1. It does toggle on/off WiFi, airplane mode, mobile data, etc, without unlocking. Although for me it's OK, as I'm the only one handling this phone, or at least it's never out of my supervision.
 
girolez said:
Hi

I don't think you can disable the power button from working, even when the screen is locked. It can be turned off (and back on) from the lock screen, or put into/out of flight mode but it should remain locked.

As far as I know the "pull down" settings menu from the top of the screen should not work in a lock screen (I certainly cant find any settings to enable it). What device are you using - maybe someone with the same phone can help?
Click to expand...

I use a Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo with Android 6.0.1. Since I am not the only person who has the "feature", I think it's part of core Android 6.0.1 to enable pull down menu even if screen is locked.
However, as suggested by @chanchan I have installed Cerberus and this app has the feature to block both power button and pull down menu if the device is locked (you will have to manually check the boxes for that in main configuration though). So, perfect solution for me. :)
 
chanchan05 said:
I use Cerberus for security, and it has options for disabling power button and the notification pull down on lockscreen.
Click to expand...

You're right. I installed Cerberus and checked the boxes for blocking power and notification menu on lockscreen. (you will have to manually check them, they are disabled by default though). Thanks for the info! :)

Although Cerberus will cost me 5euro a year I think it's worth it for the extra security.
 
mikedt said:
I can with a Note 7, Marshmallow 6.0.1. It does toggle on/off WiFi, airplane mode, mobile data, etc, without unlocking. Although for me it's OK, as I'm the only one handling this phone, or at least it's never out of my supervision.
Click to expand...

I was also happy with this, untill my phone got stolen last month, and from that point on, I am not anymore the only one handling "my" phone.. thats just the point of security measures: prevent actions when situation changes out of your control.
 
OK then, but it turns out it's not just Marshmallow. Can do the same thing with Lollipop as well.

This Oppo phone with Lollipop 5.1.1 was locked, it's all accessible, except Calculator.
lollipop.jpg


Sure you can turn things on and off, but not going to get anything else out of it, like personal data. And I think after 10 failed attempts to unlock the phone, wrong pin or pattern, everything is erased and gone.
 
Last edited:
mikedt said:
OK then, but it turns out it's not just Marshmallow. Can do the same thing with Lollipop as well.

This Oppo phone with Lollipop 5.1.1 was locked, it's all accessible, except Calculator.
View attachment 109795

Sure you can turn things on and off, but not going to get anything else out of it, like personal data.
Click to expand...

The point is, in case your phone is stolen (like in my situation), the thief can have access to new wifi networks, and still make use of your phone. If you can prevent access to the menu (like with Cerberus app you can), the thief can't connect to any wifi network...
 
m_groen said:
The point is, in case your phone is stolen (like in my situation), the thief can have access to new wifi networks, and still make use of your phone. If you can prevent access to the menu (like with Cerberus app you can), the thief can't connect to any wifi network...
Click to expand...

Actually it can't, I've just tried it. It can connect to existing WiFi networks it knows, but can't tell it to look for new WiFi networks and enter passwords for them, because there's no access to the WiFi settings menu when it's locked.
 
If you do so happen to have a particular device that does allow access to things like connecting to new WiFi networks, settings menu, apps, etc. when it's locked, I'd suggest that isn't right, is a security problem, and should take it up with the manufacturer.
 
m_groen said:
You're right. I installed Cerberus and checked the boxes for blocking power and notification menu on lockscreen. (you will have to manually check them, they are disabled by default though). Thanks for the info! :)

Although Cerberus will cost me 5euro a year I think it's worth it for the extra security.
Click to expand...
It's a one time payment, not yearly.
 
Well, with 6.0.1 on a stock note 4 you cannot use the pull downs from the lock screen. It seems to be device dependant as well as OS version. Its not good for a thief to be so easily able to turn off wifi, data and location and still have the phone turned on..so yes, if your phone does that, pay for something like cerberus.
 
mikedt said:
If you do so happen to have a particular device that does allow access to things like connecting to new WiFi networks, settings menu, apps, etc. when it's locked, I'd suggest that isn't right, is a security problem, and should take it up with the manufacturer.
Click to expand...

Okay... well I have a Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo, with Android 6.0.1 and with Samsung's own "skin" installed over it... you think I should report it Samsung that it's possible to enter the pull down menu when the screen is locked?
 
m_groen said:
Are you sure? Because when I registered for an account it clearly stated 5$/year ....
Click to expand...
You mean they changed it? Well they only charged me once, but I bought it 3 years ago. One time payment for 5 devices license. They aren't giving me additional charges (I bought that via carrier billing) that my statements are showing.
 
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