Unlocking your phone is faster than ever thanks to ultra-fast fingerprint sensors and feature-rich Face ID. While convenient, unlocking your phone just to open an app sometimes seems unnecessary, especially when you're at home or using it frequently. This is where enabling Smart Lock on your Android device can help. Here's how to enable or disable Smart Lock on Android.
Smart Lock keeps your phone unlocked when connected to a trusted device or in a familiar area. There are a few different versions of Smart Lock on Android, and we'll walk you through all of them and more. So, let's get straight to it.
How to enable or disable “body detection” in Android Smart Lock
Enabling body detection in Smart Lock will keep your device unlocked as long as it's in your hand. Once you place your device on a stable surface, it automatically locks.
Read about how to enable on-body detection in Smart Lock for Android.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your Android device and go to Security.
Step 2: Under Device Security, tap Smart Lock. Then, enter your device's PIN.
Once verified, all Smart Lock options will be available. Tap the On-body detection option to enable it.
Step 3: Next, toggle the switch next to “Use On-body detection.” In the confirmation box, click “Continue” to proceed.
Once enabled, your device will stay unlocked for up to 4 hours as long as it detects any movements such as running, walking, hiking, etc.
However, it can't in any way distinguish you from another person. Therefore, if someone gets their hands on your device while it's unlocked, they can easily use it. To disable it, revisit the On-body detection option by following the steps above and turning off the switch next to it.
How to enable or disable Trusted Places in Android Smart Lock
If you spend most of your time working from home or in an office, it can be frustrating to have to unlock your phone every time you check something. You can add trusted locations like your home or office where your phone will stay unlocked to overcome this.
Read about how to add trusted places to Smart Lock on Android.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your Android device and go to Security.
Step 2: Under Device Security, tap Smart Lock. Then, enter your device's PIN if you have it enabled.
Step 3: Tap Add Trusted Place to access the places where your device should remain unlocked.
Step 4: Here, you can use the search bar at the top to search for a specific place you want to add. Alternatively, you can manually navigate the map to locate a specific location. Finally, tap the "Select this location" option to save it.
Likewise, you can add more trusted places if you wish. Once your device is unlocked, it will remain unlocked for up to four hours as long as you are near the trusted place. Note that you will need to keep GPS enabled on your phone for this feature to work.
If you want to disable trusted places in Android Smart Lock, open Smart Lock settings on Android, tap on the trusted places you entered, and select the delete option.
How to Enable or Disable Trusted Devices in Android Smart Lock
Enabling it will keep your device unlocked as long as your phone is connected to a Bluetooth device such as a smartwatch or Bluetooth headphones Or the car's infotainment system.
Read on to learn how to add trusted devices to Smar Lock on Android.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your Android device and go to Security.
Step 2: Next, tap on the Smart Lock option and enter your device's PIN to verify your identity.
Step 3: Click on the Add Trusted Device option, and you will see a list of Bluetooth devices added to your phone.
Note: If you want to add a new device, not in the list, click the Pair New Device option to connect to it first.
Step 4: Select a Bluetooth device to add as a trusted device. Select "Yes, Add" when prompted.
If you want to disable trusted devices from unlocking your phone, open Smart Lock settings on Android, tap on the trusted devices you've entered, and select the Remove trusted device option.
Smartly done
Smart Lock is undoubtedly a great feature for those who are always around people they trust and don't necessarily require their phone to remain locked all the time.
So, what are your thoughts on Smart Lock on Android? Would you be comfortable using it, or would you rather have your face or fingerprint registered every time you unlock your phone? Let us know.
