Android 10 has definitely redefined the permissions manager, giving users more privacy control. In addition to this, it also has a hidden function which allows you to deactivate all the sensors of the device. Wondering where this might be useful? Well, some malicious apps can use the device's gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer to track your location. In this case, it can be useful. Or the device's gyroscope sensor could also be used as a keylogger. So in these cases, you might consider disabling the sensors on Android 10. But there are also huge downsides.For example, disabling sensors would disable some of the important functionality of your device. This includes the camera, proximity sensor, compass and other apps that depend on it. However, it is still a good practice to have a complete knowledge of all the features of your device. On that note, here are the steps to disable sensors on Android 10 devices. Also see our guide to calibrate sensors on Android devices.
Disable sensors on Android 10
There is only one toggle that will turn off all the sensors. Activating it will turn off the camera, compass, proximity sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer and ambient light sensor. Some devices also have a linear acceleration sensor, a gravity sensor, rotation vector sensors and pedometer sensors which will also stop working. GPS and radio signals such as WiFi and Bluetooth will continue to work. You can manually disable them from the notification panel. That said, here's how you can turn off all the sensors on your Android 10 device.
Enable USB debugging
First of all, you will need to enable USB debugging. To do this, go to settings on your Android 10 device. Then go to About the phone and press Build number 7 times. You will then need to enter your PIN if you have one. This will allow the USB debugging option. To access it, go to settings > System > Advanced > Developer options. Still having problems? Please see our detailed guide on how to enable USB debugging on Android devices. Now let's see the steps to turn off the device's sensors.
Disable sensor switching on Android 10
- Go to Developer options using the instructions mentioned in the section above.
- Then go to Quick Settings Developer Tiles.
- Activate it Sensors deactivated to toggle.
- See you in your Notifications panel and press Sensors deactivated. This is usually the first option.
Once done, all the sensors on your Android 10 device will now be disabled. You can even take the help of third party apps like Sensor toolbox to confirm that the sensors have been disabled. As already mentioned, it may not be wise to keep this option activated all the time. Once you have finished testing this new feature, it is recommended that you disable it. The same could be done by disabling the Sensors deactivated to toggle Developer options.
Read more: How to Add Your Profile Photo to the Android 10 Lock Screen