In case you want to harden your phone's security for anything you might be doing today 1/30/26. This post is for you

The recent FBI raid on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home where her phone, Garmin watch, and laptops were seized is a wake-up call for everyone, not just journalists. Whether you’re protecting sensitive sources or just your personal privacy, there is a massive legal loophole you need to close: Biometrics.

In the eyes of the law, your passcode is a "testimonial" (protected by the Fifth Amendment), but your fingerprint or face is often treated like a physical key that can be legally compelled.

Here is how to effectively "arm" your phone against forced biometric entry, regardless of what device you carry.

1. The Universal "Panic Button" (Any Phone)

If you see law enforcement at your door or are in a high-risk situation, the single best thing you can do is Power Off or Restart the device.

Every modern smartphone starts in a BFU (Before First Unlock) state. In this mode:

Encryption keys are not loaded into memory.
Biometrics are hardware-disabled.
The phone must have the passcode to decrypt anything.

2. Google Pixel (Android 15 & 16)

Pixels have the most streamlined "Lockdown" feature, but you need to know how to trigger it instantly.

The Shortcut: Press and hold Power + Volume Up. Tap Lockdown.
What it does: Instantly kills Fingerprint/Face Unlock and hides all notifications from the lock screen. It stays this way until you enter your manual passcode once.
Pro Tip: With Android 16, ensure Identity Check is enabled in your security settings. This adds a biometric "speed bump" for changing sensitive settings, even if the phone is already unlocked.

3. Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

Samsung hides its most important security feature. You have to "unlock" the button before you can use it.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Secure lock settings > Toggle on "Show Lockdown option."
To Use: Now, when you hold your power menu (or use the power icon in Quick Settings), a Lockdown Mode button will appear.
Action: Tap it to disable biometrics and "Extend Unlock" (Smart Lock) immediately.

4. iPhone (iOS 17 through iOS 26)

Apple provides two ways to "kill" FaceID/TouchID without turning the phone off.

Method A (The Squeeze): Press and hold the Side Button + either Volume Button for two seconds (until the "Slide to Power Off" screen appears). Hit "Cancel." FaceID is now disabled until you enter your passcode.
Method B (The 5-Tap): Rapidly click the Side Button five times. This triggers the SOS screen and immediately kills biometrics.
Deep Hardening: For those at extreme risk (like the Natanson scenario), go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode. This is Apple’s high-security "extreme" mode that blocks message attachments and wired connections.

5. Move to an Alphanumeric Passcode

If you are still using a 4-digit or 6-digit PIN, you are vulnerable to "brute-force" tools like GrayKey.

Recommendation: Switch to a long alphanumeric password (letters, numbers, and symbols).
Why: It is much harder for forensic tools to crack, and it reinforces the legal protection of your "testimonial" knowledge.

Stay Safe