Banking apps: how to activate location protection mode

With the use of phone increasingly frequent in public places, the banking apps They each adopted their own intelligent protection mode to protect customers' money. These features automatically adjust the app's operation when the device is away from a source. environment considered safe, helping to reduce scams, unauthorized access, and losses in cases of robbery or theft, especially during periods of increased exposure, such as Carnival.

How do security modes work?

Os safe modes ( safe modeor, alternatively, protection mode) present in banking apps These features were created to address an increasingly common scenario: the use of cell phones in public environments and outside the user's routine. These features act as extra layers of protection that activate when the app identifies that the device is far from a location considered safe, such as the user's home or workplace. The idea is to reduce risks without completely preventing access to basic account functions.

In practice, a protection mode allows the client to define what constitutes a trusted environment. This can be done through... registration of Wi-Fi networks or specific addressesWhenever the phone disconnects from these references, the app starts operating at a more restricted level, with reduced limits for transfers, blocking of sensitive areas, or requiring additional validations for certain actions.

Among the main measures adopted are limiting the value of financial transactions, such as Pix and bank transfers, and requiring extra authentication for transactions above the defined limit. Biometrics, facial recognition, and other forms of confirmation help ensure that only the account holder can authorize more sensitive transactions, even if the device falls into the wrong hands.

These resources become even more relevant during periods of high traffic on the streets. Data from 19th Public Security YearbookData released in June 2025 indicates that most cell phone thefts in Brazil occur in public spaces. In the last year alone, more than 917 devices were stolen, reinforcing the need for extra caution during events such as... Carnival parades and large crowds.

By automatically limiting the app's operation outside of secure environments, the protection modes These tools help reduce losses and hinder quick fixes after thefts or robberies. More than just preventing the use of the app, they balance security and convenience, allowing the user to continue using the bank on a daily basis, but with stricter controls when the risk is higher.

how to activate

Next, we show you how to activate the safe modes available in some banking apps, features designed to protect your account when your mobile phone is offline environments considered safeWith just a few steps, it's possible to define transaction limits, restrict sensitive access and activate extra layers of protection, reducing risks in situations of greater exposure, such as when using the device in public places.

Inter – Vigilant Mode

O Inter Bank's Vigilant Mode It is a security feature created for Protect your account when your phone is outside of a secure environment.such as the client's home or workplace. It allows limit Pix values, Require extra validation for transactions above the limit. e Block sensitive areas of the app. in untrusted networks. If an operation exceeds the defined limits outside of a secure location, release only occurs after verification by ISAF, security system of Inter that may require Biometry, senha ou proof of life (liveness), reducing risks in situations where the device is lost or stolen.

How to activate Vigilant Mode in the Inter app:

Step 1: on the home screen of Super App Inter (Android e iPhone), tap on your profile picture and access the Security Center;

Step 2: connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network, such as that of your residence, is a requirement to begin the setup;

Step 3: select Vigilant Mode and register the current Wi-Fi network as a secure environment, and you can add other trusted networks and addresses;

Step 4: define the financial limits, as the maximum allowed value for Pix when you are outside of a safe location, and activate the additional authentication for transactions above that amount;

Step 5: choose which sensitive areas of the app Do you want to block outside the secure network, such as Investments, Loans and advanced adjustments of Cards;

Step 6: finalize the setup and follow the Vigilante Mode status directly by Security Centerwhich will automatically activate protection whenever the phone leaves a trusted network.

Itaú – Protected Mode

O Itaú's Protected Mode It is a security feature that helps to Protect your money in case your cell phone is stolen or lost., limiting the value of transactions when the user is outside of a safe placeThe functionality allows you to define trusted Wi-Fi networks, adjust Pix and transfer limits outside of these environments and reinforce security with additional validations, reducing the impact of blows in situations of greater exposure.

How to activate Protected Mode in the Itaú app:

Step 1: open the itau app (Android e iPhone) or Itaú Personnalité (Android e iPhone) and tap the shortcut Safety;

Step 2: select Protected Mode and tap Configure Protected Mode;

Step 3: choose the safe place Starting at trusted Wi-Fi networkslike the one in your house;

Step 4: set the transaction limit Allowed outside of this environment, and finalize.

Nubank – Street Mode

O Nubank Street Mode was created to Reduce risks when using the app in public places., limiting values ​​of Pix, transfers and payments when the user is outside of networks considered secure. The feature works automatically and requires additional authenticationas the facial recognition, for transactions above the defined limit.

How to activate Street Mode in the Nubank app:

Step 1: open the Nubank app (Android e iPhone) and tap on profile icon;

Step 2: access the area of Safety and select Street Mode;

Step 3: register one reliable Wi-Fi network as a safe environment;

Step 4: define the transaction limits for when you are away from this location;

Step 5: Confirm the settings so that the mode is automatically activated in public environments.

PagBank – Secure Wi-Fi

O PagBank Secure Wi-Fi is a feature that allows register trusted networks e limit financial transactions When the phone is connected to unknown networks. Outside of secure environments, the app reduces allowed values ​​and may demand... extra validationas the facial recognition, to complete operations, increasing protection against scams.

How to activate Secure Wi-Fi in the PagBank app:

Step 1: open the PagBank app (Android e iPhone) and access the Security menu;

Step 2: select the option Secure Wi-Fi;

Step 3: connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network and register it as secure;

Step 4: define the transaction limits for when you're outside of those networks;

Step 5: Complete the configuration so that the feature works automatically on untrusted networks.

XP Investimentos – Secure Space

O Secure Space at XP Investimentos It is a feature geared towards App protection outside of trusted locations, allowing you to register up to 10 secure addressesOutside of these areas, the resource reduces Pix and TED limits and can hide balance and investments, making it difficult to access sensitive information in case of theft or robbery of the cell phone.

How to activate Secure Space in the XP app:

Step 1: open the XP Investimentos app (Android e iPhone) and tap on profile name;

Step 2: go to Security Center;

Step 3: select Safe Space;

Step 4: register the reliable addresses;

Step 5: Name your address within the app;

Step 6: adjust the limit You wish to impose and save the settings so that restrictions are automatically applied when the app is accessed outside of secure locations.

What to do if you are a victim of robbery, theft, or fraud.

Upon noticing a Roubo, theft ou blightThe first step is Act quickly to protect your account.Please contact us immediately. booth through official channels, such as telephone exchange, chat in the app ou institutional websiteto request the app lockthe transactions and cardsThe faster the warning, the greater the chances of preventing unauthorized transactions.

Next, register a police report, preferably in a way online, providing details such as schedule, local and type of incident. This record is important both for legal purposes and for pursuing possible further investigations. internal bank analyses, especially in cases of Improper Pix transaction, unauthorized transfers or attempts to access the account after the crime.

Finally, review all the security settings As soon as you regain access or switch devices, change it. Passwordsactivate or reinforce Biometry, two-step authentication and, if available, configure environmental protection modes...such as limits outside of safe locations. These measures help reduce future risks and make the app more prepared for exposure situations, such as using a cell phone while... public places.

So, dear reader, were you already familiar with these? protection modes Are they present in banking apps? Write to us at Comment below.

See also other features

Cell phone at Carnival: tips to enjoy the revelry safely

Sources: Itaú e Inter.

Text review done by Jaime Ninice on 13/02/2026.