This post was written by Ralph Starks, a blogger and traveler who enjoys exploring the world in the best ways possible.
Travelling with your favourite games can make journeys more enjoyable, whether you’re on holiday or away for work. But being out of your usual surroundings can put your personal details and mobile device at extra risk.
Networks you don’t usually use, unfamiliar apps, and new locations can all affect your safety while gaming on the go. These risks can be avoided with just a few straightforward actions.
Whether you enjoy playing card games like Solitaire or slots like Fluffy Favourites, let’s explore ways to protect you and your device on your travels.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi (or Use a VPN)
Public Wi-Fi in places like airports, hotels, or cafés might be convenient; however, it’s usually not very secure. Without proper protection, your personal and payment details can be left open to others on the network.
If you really need to use public Wi-Fi, connect through a trusted VPN (Virtual Private Network). This helps keep your information private. As mentioned earlier, your safest option is to stick to your mobile network, which offers stronger security while gaming.
Download Games Only From Trusted Sources
Stick to downloading games from the main app stores such as Google Play or Apple App Store. These official sources check apps for harmful content, helping to prevent issues like viruses or data theft.
As noted before, avoid clicking on links from emails, unfamiliar websites, or third-party stores, as these can hide malware. When in doubt about an app, take a look at its reviews and ratings. If other people have had problems, you’ll see warnings there.
Relying on trusted sources is a clear way to keep your device and personal details safer when you’re abroad.
Update Your Apps and Operating System
Before travelling, ensure your phone’s operating system and all your games are running the latest versions. Updates are released to patch any weaknesses and protect against new threats.
Where possible, enable automatic updates.
This makes it less likely you’ll miss a crucial fix while away. Up-to-date apps and devices give you the best chance of staying secure during your travels.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A unique, long password for each account is one of the best defences against unauthorised access. Mix letters, numbers, and symbols wherever you can. Struggling to remember them all? A password manager, as mentioned earlier, safely stores your details.
By switching on two-factor authentication (2FA), you add another layer of security even if someone else does manage to get your password. This extra step is usually done through a one-time code sent to your phone.
Following these steps, in turn, helps make your online accounts much harder for others to access unnecessarily.
Be Cautious of In-Game Purchases
Many people enjoy making in-game purchases while travelling. Double-check what you’re about to buy and pay attention to the total cost in GBP to avoid surprises.
Special offers and pop-ups might seem tempting; however, they can sometimes catch you off guard or be hard to understand. Setting your own spending limit in advance is a good move.
For payments, use secure methods and only save your card details if there’s a real need. This approach helps you protect your money and avoid headaches later in your trip.
Turn Off Auto-Connect Features
Auto-connect settings for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can link your phone to unknown networks or devices, often without you noticing. Disabling these settings before you travel is a simple way to stop unwanted connections.
Take a look at your device’s network settings and switch auto-connect off if you haven’t already. You can always manually connect to networks that you trust, keeping you in control.
Bring a Portable Battery or Power Bank
Train journeys, airport waits, or long days out can quickly drain your phone’s battery, especially if you’re playing games. Bringing a portable battery or power bank means your device stays charged wherever you are.
Pick one that’s easy to carry and has enough capacity for your needs. Being prepared with backup power ensures you won’t be caught out, so you stay online and secure.
Check App Permissions
Some gaming apps may request access to your contacts, photos, or location, which they don’t always need. It’s a good habit to review permissions through your phone’s settings and turn off anything that doesn’t seem necessary.
Keeping a close eye on permissions is another practical way to keep your personal info private when you’re travelling.
Enable “Find My Phone” and Backup Your Data
Setting up “Find My Phone” can be a real help if your device is lost or stolen while on the move. Take a minute to enable this feature so you can track your phone if needed.
Don’t forget to back up your important details, including contacts, photos, and even your game progress. Should anything happen, you’ll be able to restore what matters most. By taking these steps, you can travel with confidence, knowing your mobile gaming and personal details are as secure as possible.
