Are pass codes necessary? (Android, browser, laptop, security)

[FreshFresh]

I have a Note 3 and it's usually on me. Should I still configure a pass code for my phone?

[NHDave]

What happens when it's on you and you misplace it? I would never have my phone without a lock, I personally use the swipe method, I find it quicker then tapping in a code.

Consider what's on your phone, then decide if you would want a stranger to have access to it, that should answer your question.

[midwest61021]

Originally Posted by FreshFresh

I have a Note 3 and it's usually on me. Should I still configure a pass code for my phone?

There have been instances in different parts of the country where police will do a quick look thru someone's phone on a simple traffic stop if a personal search is done. most of these cops are looking for two things. 1. They want to see if your phone holds names of any drug dealers or felons they have interest in. 2. If they're really trolling for tickets, they'll check to see if you were texting in the 5 min prior to your stop. That said, a security code will keep them out because they know they can't legally have it if you say no. Otherwise it's personal choice if you choose to secure it.

[swagger]

If you have an android phone, you can do a full factory reset from any web browser.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by midwest61021

There have been instances in different parts of the country where police will do a quick look thru someone's phone on a simple traffic stop if a personal search is done. most of these cops are looking for two things. 1. They want to see if your phone holds names of any drug dealers or felons they have interest in. 2. If they're really trolling for tickets, they'll check to see if you were texting in the 5 min prior to your stop. That said, a security code will keep them out because they know they can't legally have it if you say no. Otherwise it's personal choice if you choose to secure it.

Why do people let them look at their phones?

[CSD610]

We don't have them but we don't have anything important on our phones so it is not an issue and we can erase all the data from any browser if need be.

[doodlemagic]

honestly they are more used to hide cheating from partners than to hide any truly sensitive info

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by doodlemagic

honestly they are more used to hide cheating from partners than to hide any truly sensitive info

And exactly what data do you base this on?

[midwest61021]

Originally Posted by dkf747

Why do people let them look at their phones?

Sometimes this starts with the cop reading notes on his laptop regarding a previous stop on a vehicle plate, so here he sees the plate one day and decides to make a stop on that same vehicle. Little does the driver know that the contents of his/her phone might be what the cop is really interested in. Many motorists just freeze up, and can't think under pressure so their phone is the last thing they think about securing before the cop walks up. ( since info in it might be used against them) Suppose your car mechanics phone number is innocently stored in your contacts? What if he was busted for a felony distribution charge, or wanted for one? You wouldn't know this, nor might you even do drugs right? But guess what ... because of a phone number, you just became interesting to that cop! UNLESS he couldn't open your contacts list.

[swagger]

Originally Posted by midwest61021

Sometimes this starts with the cop reading notes on his laptop regarding a previous stop on a vehicle plate, so here he sees the plate one day and decides to make a stop on that same vehicle. Little does the driver know that the contents of his/her phone might be what the cop is really interested in. Many motorists just freeze up, and can't think under pressure so their phone is the last thing they think about securing before the cop walks up. ( since info in it might be used against them) Suppose your car mechanics phone number is innocently stored in your contacts? What if he was busted for a felony distribution charge, or wanted for one? You wouldn't know this, nor might you even do drugs right? But guess what ... because of a phone number, you just became interesting to that cop! UNLESS he couldn't open your contacts list.

I think it's more a question of the sequence of events that lead up to his looking through your phone. I can't imagine any traffic stop scenario where this could end up happening, unless you're already being arrested for something.