Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android require an Internet connection?

The application needs to communicate with Bitdefender servers to determine the security status of the files it scans and of the web pages you are visiting. It also requires internet access to receive commands from your Bitdefender Central account when using the Anti-Theft features.

 

What does Bitdefender Mobile Security need each permission for?

  • Internet access: used for cloud communication.
  • Read phone state and identity: used to detect if the device is connected to the internet and to extract certain device info needed to create a unique ID when communicating with Bitdefender cloud.
  • Read and write browser bookmarks: The Web Protection module deletes malicious sites from your browsing history.
  • Read log data: Bitdefender Mobile Security detects traces of threat activities from the Android logs.
  • Location: required for remote location.
  • Camera: required for Snap photo.
  • Storage: used to allow the Malware Scanner to check the SD card.

 

How can I stop submitting to Bitdefender information about suspect apps?

By default, Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android sends reports to Bitdefender servers about the suspect apps you are installing. This information is essential for improving threat detection and can help us to offer you a better experience in the future. In case you want to stop sending us information about suspect apps:

1. Tap BMS Android More More on the bottom navigation bar.

2. Tap BMS Android Settings Settings.

3. Turn off In-the-cloud detection in the Malware Scanner area.

 

Where can I see details about the application’s activity?

Bitdefender Mobile Security keeps a log of all important actions, status changes, and other critical messages related to its activity. To access this information:

1. Tap More BMS Android More on the bottom navigation bar.

2. Tap Reports BMS Android Reports.

3. In the WEEKLY REPORTS window, you can access the reports generated every week. In the ACTIVITY LOG window, you can view information about the activity of your Bitdefender app.

 

I forgot the PIN code that I set to protect my application. What do I do?

1. Access your Bitdefender Central account.

2. Tap 00-iOS menu icon in the upper-left corner of the screen, and then select My Devices.

3. Tap the desired device card, and then tap Rename on the upper right side of the page.

4. Retrieve the PIN code from the Application PIN field.

 

How can I change the PIN code I set for App Lock and Anti-Theft?

If you wish to change the PIN code you set for App Lock and Anti-Theft:

1. Tap More BMS Android More More on the bottom navigation bar.

2. Tap Settings BMS Android Settings.

3. Tap Security PIN CODE in the Anti-Theft area.

4. Type in the current PIN code.

5. Type in the new PIN code you want to set.

 

How can I switch off the App Lock feature?

There is no turn-off option for the App Lock feature, but you can easily disable it by clearing the checkboxes next to the selected apps after validating the PIN or fingerprint you have set.

 

How can I set another wireless network as trusted?

First, you have to connect your device to the wireless network you want to set as trusted. Then follow these steps:

1. Tap More BMS Android More on the bottom navigation bar.

2. Tap BMS Android Settings Settings.

3. Tap Smart Unlock in the BMS Android App Lock App Lock area.

4. Tap ADD next to the BMS Android Smart Unlock Wi-Fi network you want to set as trusted.

 

How can I stop seeing snapped photos taken on my devices?

To stop making visible the snapped photos taken on your devices:

1. Access Bitdefender Central.

2. Tap the username icon central my account on the upper right side of the page.

3. Tap Settings in the menu.

4. Disable the Show/don’t show snap photos taken on your devices option.

 

How can I keep my online shopping secure?

Online shopping comes with high risks when some details are ignored. To not become a victim of fraud, we recommend you the following:

  • Keep your security app updated.
  • Submit online payments only with buyer protection.
  • Use a VPN when connecting to the internet from public and unsecured wireless networks.
  • Pay attention to the passwords you have assigned to your online accounts. They have to be strong, including capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (@, !, %, #, etc.).
  • Make sure that the information you send is over secure connections. The online website extension has to be HTTPS://and not HTTP://

 

When should I use Bitdefender VPN?

You have to be careful when you access, download, or upload content on the internet. To make sure you stay safe while browsing the web, we recommend you to use Bitdefender VPN when you:

  • Want to connect to public wireless networks.
  • Want to access content that normally is restricted in specific areas, no matter if you are home or abroad.
  • Want to keep your personal data private (usernames, passwords, credit card information, etc.)
  • Want to hide your IP address.

 

Will Bitdefender VPN have a negative impact on the battery life of my device?

Bitdefender VPN is designed to protect your personal data, hide your IP address while connected to unsecured wireless networks, and access restricted content in certain countries. To avoid unnecessary battery consumption of your device, we recommend you to use the VPN only when you need it and disconnect when offline.

 

Why is my Internet slow while connected to Bitdefender VPN?

Bitdefender VPN is designed to offer you a light experience while surfing the web; however, your internet connectivity or the server distance you connect to may cause a slowdown. In this case, if it is not a must to connect from your location to a faraway hosted server (e.g. from the USA to China), we recommend you to allow Bitdefender VPN to automatically connect you to the nearest server, or find a server closer to your current location.

 

Can I change the Bitdefender account linked to my device?

Yes, you can easily change the Bitdefender account linked to your device by following these steps:

1. Tap BMS Android More More on the bottom navigation bar.

2. Tap your email address.

3. Tap Log out of your account. If a PIN code has been set, you are prompted to type it.

4. Confirm your choice.

5. Type the email address and the password of your account in the corresponding fields, and then tap SIGN IN.

 

How will Bitdefender Mobile Security impact my device’s performance and battery autonomy?

We keep the impact very low. The application only runs when it is essential – after you install an application, when you browse the application interface or when you want a security check. Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android does not run in the background when you call your buddies, type a message or play a game.

 

What is Device Administrator?

Device Administrator is an Android feature that gives Bitdefender Mobile Security the permissions needed in order to perform certain tasks remotely. Without these privileges, the remote lock would not work, and the device wipe would not be able to completely remove your data. If you want to uninstall the app, make sure to revoke these privileges before trying to uninstall from Settings > Security > Select device administrators.

 

How to fix the “No Google Token” error that appears when signing in to Bitdefender Mobile Security?

This error occurs when the device is not associated with a Google account, or the device is associated with an account, but a temporary problem is preventing it from connecting to Google. Try one of the following solutions:

  • Go to Android Settings > Applications > Manage Applications > Bitdefender Mobile Security and tap Clear data. Then try to sign in again.
  • Make sure your device is associated with a Google account. To check this, go to Settings > Accounts & sync and see if a Google account is listed under Manage Accounts. Add your account if one is not listed, restart your device and then try to sign in to Bitdefender Mobile Security.
  • Restart your device and then try to sign in again.

 

In what languages is Bitdefender Mobile Security available?

Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android is currently available in the following languages:

• Brazilian • Czech • Dutch • English

• French • German • Greek • Hungarian

• Italian • Japanese • Korean • Polish

• Portuguese • Romanian • Russian • Spanish

• Swedish • Thai • Turkish • Vietnamese

Other languages will be added in future releases. To change the Bitdefender Mobile Security interface language, go to your device’s Language & keyboard settings and set the device to the language you want to use.

 

What is App Anomaly Detection?

App Anomaly Detection is a Bitdefender Mobile Security feature that protects against apps that are trying to monitor your activity, steal financial data, personal data, social media logins, actual money, cryptocurrencies, NFTS & others. App Anomaly Detection requires Android 6 and later.