Your tablet: the security basics official guidance covers

The main tablet security settings are the same few as on a phone: automatic updates, a passcode, two-factor sign-in for the main account, a backup, and Find My or Find Hub. Tablets tend to stay at home, get passed around and stay signed in to email, shopping and streaming accounts. That makes them convenient, and it also means whoever picks one up may be able to see a lot. This guide explains the main tablet security settings on an iPad and on Android tablets, what each one does and how it’s turned on, including when a tablet is shared between adults.

The steps below are based on Apple’s, Google’s and Samsung’s own help pages, with guidance from the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) where it applies. Menus change between software versions, so each section links the maker’s page for the latest steps. For iPhone and Android phone versions of these settings, see our guides to iPhone security settings and Android phone security settings.

Why it matters

A tablet is often signed in to the same Apple Account or Google Account as a phone. Anyone who can open it may be able to read email, see photos or make purchases. The same few settings matter as on a phone: updates, a screen lock, protection for the main account, a backup and a way to find the tablet if it’s lost.

Two things are a little different. Tablets are often shared, and Wi-Fi-only tablets are only reachable by lost-device tools while they’re connected to Wi-Fi. Google says Find Hub needs the device to have mobile data or Wi-Fi.

How to turn on automatic updates

The ACSC says updates fix security weaknesses that criminals use to hack devices and apps. Its updates guide describes “turning on or confirming automatic updates where possible”, and says products reaching “end of support” no longer receive updates.

On iPad, Apple’s update page covers iPhone and iPad together. Apple says that with automatic installation on, updates download and install overnight while the device is charging on Wi-Fi. Based on Apple’s instructions (checked October 2026); Apple’s update guide has the latest steps.

1. Open Settings, then tap General.
2. Tap Software Update, then Automatic Updates.
3. Turn on Automatically Install.
4. To update now, go back to Software Update and tap Download and Install if an update is available.

On Android tablets, Google says: “Update schedules vary by device, manufacturer, and mobile carrier.” Based on Google’s instructions (checked October 2026); Google’s update guide has the latest steps.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System, then Software updates.
3. Follow any on-screen instructions.

On Samsung Galaxy tablets, Samsung Australia’s update guide, written for phones and tablets, describes opening Settings, tapping Software update, then Download and install, and tapping Install now if an update is available.

How to set a passcode or screen lock

A screen lock keeps the tablet’s contents private. On iPad, Apple says: “Set a passcode on your device to help protect your data.” The ACSC’s mobile phone guide, written for phones, notes that “simple patterns or your date of birth are too easy.”

On iPad, based on Apple’s instructions (checked October 2026); Apple’s passcode guide has the latest steps.

1. Open Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on iPads with Touch ID).
2. Tap Turn Passcode On, or Change Passcode if one is set.
3. Enter a six-digit passcode, or tap Passcode Options for a four-digit, custom numeric or custom alphanumeric code.
4. Enter it again to confirm.

Changing a passcode someone else knows. Apple’s Personal Safety guide says that “if others know your passcode or password, they’ll be able to view and make changes to the information on your device.” It also explains that after a passcode change on iPadOS 17, the old passcode can still reset the new one for 72 hours. Apple describes tapping Expire Previous Passcode in the same Face ID & Passcode menu to stop that straight away. Apple’s guide explains this.

On Android tablets, based on Google’s instructions (checked October 2026); Google’s screen lock guide has the latest steps.

1. Open Settings, then tap Security.
2. Tap Screen lock.
3. Choose PIN, Pattern or Password, and follow the instructions.

Google says a PIN needs four or more numbers, recommends six digits for better security, and describes a password as the most secure screen lock option.

How to turn on two-factor sign-in for the main account

An iPad uses an Apple Account, and most Android tablets use a Google Account. Both makers offer a second sign-in step on top of the password. The ACSC’s multi-factor authentication guide suggests starting with email and user accounts, because “a cybercriminal with access to your email accounts can reset passwords for your other accounts.” Our guides to how to secure your online accounts and how passkeys work cover the wider picture.

Apple Account on iPad, based on Apple’s two-factor guide (checked October 2026):

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name, then Sign-In & Security.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication if it isn’t already on, and follow the instructions. Apple says most accounts already use it.

Google Account, based on Google’s 2-Step Verification guide (checked October 2026):

1. Go to myaccount.google.com.
2. Open Security & sign-in.
3. Under How you sign in to Google, select Turn on 2-Step Verification and follow the steps.

How to back up a tablet

The ACSC’s mobile phone guide describes backing up regularly, with backups of important information “kept on at least two other devices.”

On iPad, Apple says iCloud Backup runs automatically when the device is on power and Wi-Fi with the screen locked. Based on Apple’s iCloud backup guide (checked October 2026):

1. Open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud.
2. Tap iCloud Backup.
3. Turn on Back Up This iPad.
4. To back up now, tap Back Up Now while on Wi-Fi.

On Android tablets, Google describes backing up apps, contacts, settings and more to a Google Account, and notes that “not all apps can back up or restore all settings and data.” Based on Google’s backup guide (checked October 2026):

1. Open Settings, then Google services (on some tablets, Google) > All services.
2. Under Backup and restore, tap Backup.
3. Turn backup on and choose what to back up, such as photos and videos or device data. Google says the first backup can take up to 24 hours.

Our guide to the 3-2-1 approach to backups explains keeping more than one copy.

How to turn on Find My or Find Hub

Apple says Find My can locate a lost iPad and mark it as lost, which locks it with its passcode. If Find My “wasn’t turned on for your device before it was lost”, Apple says it can’t be marked as lost or remotely erased. Google says Find Hub can secure or erase a lost Android device if it has power, is connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi, is signed in to a Google Account, has Find Hub turned on and is visible on Google Play.

On iPad, based on Apple’s Find My setup guide (checked October 2026):

1. Open Settings, tap your name, then Find My.
2. Tap Find My iPad and turn it on.
3. Turn on Find My network (Apple says this helps find a device while it’s offline) and Send Last Location if wanted.

On Android tablets, based on Google’s Find Hub setup guide (checked October 2026):

1. Open Settings > Security > Find Hub.
2. Check that Allow device to be located is on.
3. Go to Settings > Location and turn on Use location.
4. Sign in at android.com/find on another device to check the tablet appears.

If a tablet goes missing, Apple’s lost device guide and Google’s lost device guide explain the options. Our guide to what to do if a phone is lost or stolen covers similar steps for phones.

How to set up separate users on an Android tablet

Sharing a tablet can mean sharing the accounts signed in on it. Many Android tablets can hold more than one user. Google says each user profile has “a personal space on the device for custom Home screens, accounts, apps, settings, and more”, and that “files, messages, and apps aren’t shared between users, the guest profile, or the device’s owner.” Some settings, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, are shared. Google says only the device owner can add users, a guest profile is for short-term use, and some devices can’t add users at all.

Based on Google’s instructions (checked October 2026). Google’s users guide has the latest steps; Google notes some steps only work on Android 14 and up.

1. Open Settings, then tap System > Multiple users.
2. Tap Add user, then OK (or Add user or profile > User > OK).
3. Enter a name for the new user.
4. Tap Switch to [name], then Set up now if that person is there to set up their own account.
5. To switch later, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the user icon.

Google warns that deleting a user can’t be undone. Samsung tablet menus may differ; Samsung Australia Support covers Galaxy models.

How to keep an iPad on one app with Guided Access

Apple’s Guided Access is a different kind of tool from a user profile: it keeps the iPad on a single app, and a passcode is needed to leave it. That can help when handing the iPad to another adult to use one app.

Based on Apple’s instructions (checked October 2026). Apple’s Guided Access guide has the latest steps.

1. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access and turn it on.
2. Tap Passcode Settings, then Set Guided Access Passcode.
3. Open the app to be used, then start Guided Access with an accessibility shortcut or by asking Siri.
4. Tap Options to choose which buttons and features work, then tap Start.
5. To end it, triple-click the top button (or Home button) and enter the Guided Access passcode. Apple says Face ID or Touch ID can also end a session on supported models.

How to review app permissions

The ACSC’s mobile phone guide describes downloading apps only from official app stores, deleting unused apps and removing apps that ask for “excessive or suspicious permissions.”

On iPad, based on Apple’s app privacy guide (checked October 2026): open Settings > Privacy & Security, tap a type of information such as Photos or Contacts, and change access for any app listed. Apple says: “An app doesn’t appear on the list until it asks for permission.”

On Android tablets, based on Google’s permissions guide (checked October 2026; written for phones, so tablet menus may differ): open Settings > Apps (tap See all apps if needed), tap the app, tap Permissions, tap a permission, then choose an option such as Allow only while using the app or Don’t allow.

Things to watch for

• A passcode other people know. Apple says anyone who knows it can view and change information on the device. On iPad, Apple describes expiring the previous passcode after a change.
• Accounts left signed in. On a shared tablet, email and shopping accounts may be open to anyone who uses it. Android user profiles keep accounts separate, according to Google.
• Wi-Fi-only tablets. Google says Find Hub needs mobile data or Wi-Fi to reach the device.
• Older tablets. The ACSC says products at end of support no longer receive updates, and describes upgrading to a supported product. Our guide to selling, giving away or recycling a device covers wiping the old one.
• Lost-device tools turned off. Apple and Google both say these need to be on before a tablet goes missing.

Common questions

How do I secure my iPad or Android tablet?

The same few settings matter as on a phone: automatic updates, a passcode or screen lock, two-factor sign-in for the Apple Account or Google Account, a backup, and Find My or Find Hub. The ACSC says updates fix security weaknesses that criminals use to hack devices and apps. For shared tablets, Google describes separate Android user profiles and Apple describes Guided Access. The steps start at how to turn on automatic updates.

How do I set up separate users on my Android tablet?

Google describes it under Settings > System > Multiple users > Add user. Google says each user gets “a personal space on the device for custom Home screens, accounts, apps, settings, and more”, while some settings such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are shared. It also says only the device owner can add users, some devices can’t add users at all, and some steps only work on Android 14 and up. See how to set up separate users on an Android tablet.

Can I share my iPad without giving access to everything?

Apple’s Guided Access is one option: it keeps the iPad on a single app, and a passcode is needed to leave it. It’s turned on under Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access. It doesn’t create a separate space with its own accounts, the way Google describes Android user profiles. Apple also says anyone who knows the passcode can “view and make changes to the information on your device.” See how to keep an iPad on one app with Guided Access.

What do I do if someone else knows my iPad passcode?

Apple’s Personal Safety guide describes changing it, because “if others know your passcode or password, they’ll be able to view and make changes to the information on your device.” Apple explains that on iPadOS 17, the old passcode can still reset the new one for 72 hours after a change, and describes tapping Expire Previous Passcode in the Face ID & Passcode menu to stop that straight away. See how to set a passcode or screen lock.

Can I find a lost Wi-Fi-only tablet?

On Android, only while it’s connected. Google says Find Hub can secure or erase a lost Android device if it has power, is connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi, is signed in to a Google Account and has Find Hub turned on. On iPad, Apple says the Find My network helps find a device while it’s offline, but if Find My wasn’t turned on before the iPad was lost, it can’t be marked as lost or remotely erased. See how to turn on Find My or Find Hub.

How do I back up my iPad?

Apple describes turning on iCloud Backup under Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up This iPad. Apple says it then runs automatically when the iPad is on power and Wi-Fi with the screen locked, and Back Up Now starts one straight away. The ACSC’s mobile phone guide describes backing up regularly, with backups of important information “kept on at least two other devices.” See how to back up a tablet.

Where to get official help

• Apple Support (support.apple.com) has current steps for iPad settings.
• Google Android Help (support.google.com/android) and Samsung Australia Support (samsung.com/au/support) cover Android tablets. Other makers have their own support sites.
• ASD’s ACSC runs a 24/7 hotline on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371), listed on its where to get help page. Cybercrime can be reported through ReportCyber.

Related guides

• Your iPhone: the security basics
• Your Android phone: the security basics
• How to secure your online accounts
• Backups for personal devices: the 3-2-1 approach
• Home Wi-Fi and router security explained