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How to get the most out of Android Smart Lock: Tips, tricks, and more

Android Smart Lock offers alternatives to traditional passcode and biometric unlocking methods, providing convenient options with their own security risk

Samsung android phone on table
Image: Unsplash

UPDATE 6/10/2023: It appears that Google is in the process of replacing Smart Lock with Extend Unlock in Android 13 and onwards, reports Android Police. Extend Unlock is beginning to show up in Android device settings, and it is designed to work with Android 13 or later Source. The transition is still underway, and it remains unclear if Smart Lock will be entirely replaced or if it will coexist with Extend Unlock as the updates roll out.

Securing your phone with a reliable security method, such as a PIN, password, or keypad pattern, is a great way to protect your device. If you’re on Android, you can also use Smart Lock.

Biometric methods, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, are convenient, helpful options for unlocking your phone.

But Smart Lock gives you additional ways to manage your device.

Smart Lock offers different ways to unlock your device without using a passcode. Here’s everything you need to know about your options.

What is Smart Lock on Android devices?

Android smartphone on a deskmat with a dinosaur barfing a rainbow on it
Image: KnowTechie

Enabling a lock screen security method is essential for keeping your data safe. Many smartphone owners use their devices in places they know to be safe, like at home.

That’s a lot of PIN code entries, biometric unlocking, or even hard-to-remember pattern unlocks.

Smart Lock reduces the number of times you have to unlock your phone or tablet by keeping your device unlocked.

Those include using on-body detection to keep your device unlocked after you’ve opened it, leaving it unlocked in trusted places like your home, or if it is connected to a trusted Bluetooth device.

Smart Lock used to also have options for voice match and trusted faces, but those are less secure and are in the process of being phased out.

FeatureDescriptionBenefitsDrawbacks
On-body DetectionUnlocks the device as long as it detects movement (e.g., walking or running)Convenient, reduces the need for manual unlockingLess secure if snatched while in motion
Trusted PlacesUnlocks the device automatically when it detects the user’s trusted location (e.g., home or office) through GPSSimplifies access in safe locationsSecurity risk if unauthorized access occurs in a trusted place
Trusted DevicesUnlocks the device when it is connected to a trusted Bluetooth device (e.g., smartwatch, wireless speaker, or computer)Seamless access with routinely used devicesRisk of unauthorized access if trusted device is stolen or compromised

How to unlock your Android phone with on-body detection

On-body detection in Smart Lock comes in clutch for runners or if you use your phone as a grocery list.

It will keep your device unlocked as long as it detects movement, so you can keep using it.

Once it detects you have stopped, your Android device will ask for your password again to open your lock screen.

Here’s how to use on-body detection to unlock your Android phone:

  1. Go to Settings > Lock screen > Smart Lock and enter your PIN or password when prompted
Android lock screen settings menu
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tap On-body detection
Smart lock feature on android
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Switch on Use On-body detection and tap Continue
On-body detection feature on samsung
Image: KnowTechie

As the warning suggests, on-body detection keeps your device unlocked when it senses you’re moving.

If someone snatches your phone from you and keeps moving, they may retain access.

It will automatically lock if you drop your phone.

Unlock Android phone with Trusted Places

Trusted Places uses geolocation to keep your device unlocked in places you feel safe.

That could be your home, office, or any location you choose. You will need GPS to be enabled, so your battery will drain slightly faster.

Here’s how to use Trusted Places to unlock your Android phone:

Go to Settings > Lock screen > Smart Lock and enter your PIN or password when prompted
Android lock screen settings menu

Tap Trusted placesTrusted places on smart lock screen

Tap Add trusted placeTrusted places setting option on samsung phone

Locate the trusted location on the map and select it in the list belowFinding trusted places on android

Tap OK to add the entryAdding a trusted place on android

You’ll see options to Delete, Rename, and Edit when you tap an already-added place.

The entry will appear automatically in the list if your home address is connected to Google Maps. You can enable this as a trusted place by tapping it and choosing Turn on this location.

Using this Smart Lock feature comes with obvious drawbacks. If someone in a trusted place picks up your phone, they’ll automatically have access to your data.

While they can’t physically take your device far from the authorized location, they could send your private information wherever they want.

How to unlock an Android phone with Trusted Devices

The trusted devices Smart Lock feature keeps your phone unlocked whenever it’s connected to a trusted Bluetooth product, such as a smartwatch, wireless speaker, or computer.

Here’s how to use Trusted Devices to unlock your Android phone:

  1. Go to Settings > Lock screen > Smart Lock and enter your PIN or password when prompted
Android lock screen settings menu
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tap Trusted devices
Trusted devices on android
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Switch Bluetooth on and tap Add trusted devices
Trusted devices add-on android
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Select a device from the list or tap Pair new device and complete the pairing process
Choose device menu on samsung phone
Image: KnowTechie
  1. Tap Add when prompted
Add trusted device on android
Image: KnowTechie

Trusted Devices are an excellent option if you wear an Android Wear OS smartwatch daily. Your phone will still lock if it gets out of Bluetooth range, keeping you safe if you misplace it.

Unlock an Android phone with Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi unlocking is a less-secure solution, as anyone with the right motivation could spoof a wireless network and gain access to your device.

For this reason, Google doesn’t include the option in its operating system.

Some third-party solutions exist, but most apps only work with older versions of Android OS and produce unpredictable results.

We suggest avoiding any third-party apps that can control unlocking your device. You’re better off using a location or device-based trigger when automatically unlocking your phone.

Is Android Smart Lock safe?

Google android 11
Image: Google

Using Smart Lock is safer than having no protection, but enabling the feature comes with additional risks.

A motivated thief could use specific unlocking triggers, such as a trusted place, to gain access to your device and data.

When considering whether to enable Android Smart Lock, you should ask yourself: what’s more important, convenience or security?

UPDATE 6/10/2023: It appears that Google is in the process of replacing Smart Lock with Extend Unlock in Android 13 and onwards, reports Android Police. Extend Unlock is beginning to show up in Android device settings, and it is designed to work with Android 13 or later Source. The transition is still underway, and it remains unclear if Smart Lock will be entirely replaced or if it will coexist with Extend Unlock as the updates roll out.

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Matt is an Australian writer with a degree in creative and critical writing. Prior to commencing his studies, he worked in tech support and gained valuable insights into technology and its users. He is also an editor and author coach at Dean Publishing.

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