Google Smart Lock, sometimes called Android Smart Lock, is a handy set of features introduced with Android 5.0 Lollipop. Solves the problem of constantly having to unlock your phone after it has been idle by allowing you to configure scenarios where your phone can safely remain unlocked for extended periods of time. The feature is available on Android devices and some Android apps, Chromebooks, and in the Chrome browser.
On-body detection
This smart lock feature detects when your device is in your hand or pocket and keeps it unlocked. Every time you hang up your phone, it will lock automatically, so you don’t have to worry about prying eyes.
trusted places
When you’re in the comfort of your own home, it can be especially frustrating when your device locks onto you. If you enable smart lock, you can fix it by setting up Trusted places, like your home and office, or anywhere you feel comfortable leaving your device unlocked for a period of time. However, this feature requires GPS to be turned on, which will drain the battery more quickly.
confident face
Do you remember the face unlock feature? Introduced with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, this feature allows you to unlock your phone using facial recognition. Unfortunately, the feature was unreliable and easy to fool using a photo of the owner. This feature, now called Trusted Face, has been upgraded to Smart Lock; with it, the phone uses facial recognition to allow the owner of the device to interact with notifications and unlock it.
trusted voice
If you use voice commands, you can also use the Trusted Voice feature. Once you’ve set up voice detection, your device can unlock when you hear a voice match. This feature is not completely secure as someone with a similar voice could unlock your device, so be careful when using it.
trusted devices
Lastly, you can configure Trusted Devices. Whenever you connect via Bluetooth to a new device, such as a smart watch, Bluetooth headset, car stereo, or other accessory, your device will ask if you want to add it as a trusted device. If you choose this option, every time your phone connects to that device, it will remain unlocked. If you pair your smartphone with a wearable accessory, such as the Moto 360 smartwatch, you can check texts and other notifications from the wearable accessory, and then respond to them on your phone. Trusted Devices is a great feature if you use a Wear OS device (formerly Android Wear device) or any other essential accessory frequently.
Chromebook smart lock
You can also enable this feature on your Chromebook by going into advanced settings. So if your Android phone is unlocked and nearby, you can unlock your Chromebook with a single tap.
Save passwords with Smart Lock
Smart Lock also offers a password saver feature that works with compatible apps on your Android device and in the Chrome browser. To enable this feature, go to Google Settings; here you can also activate the automatic login to make the process even easier. Passwords are saved to your Google account and are accessible as long as you’re signed in on a compatible device. For added security, you can prevent Google from saving passwords for specific applications, such as banking applications or other applications that contain sensitive data. The only drawback is that not all apps are compatible; that requires the intervention of application developers.
How to set SmartLock
The following instructions should apply no matter who made your Android phone: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.
On an Android device:
- Go to Settings > security or Lock screen and security > Advanced > Trust agents and make sure Smart Lock is turned on.
- Then, still in settings, look for Smart Lock.
- Touch Smart Lock and enter your password, unlock pattern, or PIN code, or use your fingerprint.
- You can then enable body-based detection, add trusted places and devices, and set up voice recognition.
- Once you have set up Smart Lock, you will see a pulsing circle at the bottom of the lock screen, around the lock symbol.
In a chromatography book with Os 40 or higher:
- Your Android device must be running version 5.0 or later, unlocked and nearby.
- Both devices must be connected to the Internet, with Bluetooth turned on, and signed in to the same Google account.
- On your Chromebook, go to Settings> Show advanced settings> Smart Lock for Chromebook> Set up.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
In Chrome Browser:
- When you sign in to a compatible website or app, Smart Lock appears and asks if you want to save your password.
- If you’re not prompted to save passwords, go to Chrome Settings > Passwords & Forms and check the box that says “Offer to save your website passwords.”
- You can manage your passwords at passwords.google.com.
For Android apps:
- By default, Smart Lock for Passwords is active.
- If not, go into Google’s settings (either within settings or a separate app, depending on your phone).
- Activate Smart Lock for passwords; this will enable it for the mobile version of Chrome as well.
- Here you can also turn on auto sign-in, which will allow you to sign in to apps and websites automatically as long as you’re signed in to your Google account.
