Unlocking the Power of Smart Lock: A Beginner's Guide for Android Users

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Dec 06, 2023 • Filed to: Remove Screen Lock • Proven solutions

Google constantly comes up with features to simplify the way users interact and complete tasks on the Android platform. One of the most important features that techies loved to debate about was the Smart Lock Android, a secure password manager functioning in sync with a Google account on the Android phone.

Part 1: What is Android Smart Lock?

smart lock android

Android Lollipop added a feature called Smart Lock, and the feature was devised as a smart tool to prevent the Android phone from locking once it was initially unlocked. In other words, the feature overrides an Android phone's Lock Screen feature, thereby saving users the need to enter passwords every time the device locks.

If you're at home, it's likely your android phone is locked out if you haven't accessed at for some time. Smart Locks solves the problem in many ways. It allows you to allocate trusted places. Once you within range of the trusted places, your phone won't lock. Trusted devices come next. Smart Lock is assigned to Bluetooth and Android NFC unlock devices.

smart lock android

smart lock android

Finally, trusted face unlocking is the ultimate face recognition system that unlocks your Android device as soon as you look at it across the front-facing camera. A face unlock first introduced with Android Jelly Bean and has been significantly improved in later versions.

Turning On Smart Lock

The feature is enabled by first accessing settings. For example, in a Samsung Galaxy S6:

Tap on Settings, which is the gear symbol.

smart lock android

  • • Click on Personal and tap on Security.
  • • Go to Advanced and tap on Trust agents and make sure Smart Lock is turned on.

smart lock android

  • • Under Screen Security tap Smart Lock.
  • • Here, you need to enter your Screen Lock. If you haven't done so, set up a password and PIN by following the on-screen prompts. The screen Lock is needed every time you have to change the Smart Lock settings.

smart lock android

Within Smart Lock, there are three options for setting the system. You can set up trusted devices, trusted face, and trusted places individually, combining two or all three at the same time. You can choose just one trusted face, but you have the option to set up as many trusted devices and trusted places as needed.

smart lock android

Part 2: Turn On Smart Lock For Android with Trusted Devices

You can decide on a trusted device to be paired with Smart Lock Android.

smart lock android

For example, you can set up a Smart Lock for Bluetooth in your Android Bluetooth settings. It can also be done for Android NFC unlock devices. Examples include the Bluetooth system in your car, NFC unlocks, android sticker on the car's phone dock, or Bluetooth in your watch.

  • • Go to Settings.
  • • Tap on Security and then Smart Lock.
  • • Existing paired options are listed under Trusted Devices.
  • • Initially, trusted devices will show None.

smart lock android

Tap on Add Trusted Devices.

smart lock android

The next screen is the Choose Device Type.

smart lock android

Since you have already paired Bluetooth, it will ask you to choose the device from the list.

smart lock android

  • • As an example, let's take the case of LG HBS800. It may show Not connected until you add it.
  • • It will show up under Trusted devices in the Smart Lock menu.
  • • When you turn the added device on, Smart Lock now unlocks the Android mobile.

smart lock android

Similarly, other Bluetooth and NFC unlock android supported gadgets can be added under the list of Trusted Devices.

Part 3: Turn On Smart Lock For Android With Trusted Locations

You can also add locations or addresses to Smart Lock Trusted Locations, and the phone unlocks automatically as soon as you arrive at the desired location. For example, you can set up your home or work address under Trusted Locations.

Check current settings first.

smart lock android

On a new Android phone, visit Settings>Personal.

smart lock android

Then Lock Screen and Security.

smart lock android

Then Secure Lock Settings.

smart lock android

Tap Smart Lock.

smart lock android

Tap on Trusted Places.

smart lock android

Tap on Add Trusted Places

smart lock android

  • • Initiate the Google Maps app on the Android phone. Make sure the Internet and GPS are on.
  • • Pick a place.

smart lock android

  • • Click on Settings.
  • • Click on Edit home or work. You can now add or edit the required addresses.
  • • As an example, click on the Enter work address.
  • • You now have the option to type in the address or use the address listed on Google Maps as the required work address.

smart lock android

  • • A successful addition is listed and can be edited under the Edit work address.
  • • Close the Google Maps app.
  • • The work address is automatically propagated and configured with Smart Lock settings.
  • • Go back to Settings> Security> Smart Lock> Trusted Places.
  • • The work address you added is now listed under Work.

smart lock android

  • • However, it is not yet configured as a Smart Lock option. Tap the location once, and it is enabled.
  • • The switch along the address to the right turns blue, indicating it is enabled.
  • • The work address is now listed under Trusted places for Work.

smart lock android

  • • The phone is now configured for the work address and will unlock whenever you are at the location.
  • • Since it works on Google Maps, the feature works through an Internet connection.

Part 4: Turn On Smart Lock For Android With Trusted Face

smart lock android

The feature recognizes your face and then unlocks the device. Once you set up the device to recognize your face as a trusted face, it will unlock the device as soon as it recognizes you.

smart lock android

PRECAUTION:  At best, this can be the first level of security, as one who resembles you to some extent can unlock the device. Photographs are not stored in the system. The device does hold necessary data to recognize your face, and the security level is determined by how good the device is configured. The data is not accessed by any app or loaded onto a Google server for backup.

Setting Up Trusted Face

  • • Go to Smart Lock and tap Trusted Face.
  • • Tap on Setup. Follow on-screen instructions.

smart lock android

The device begins to gather data about your face. The trusted face icon appears. As a backup, in case Smart Lock does not recognize your face, use the manual system by applying the PIN or password to unlock the device.

smart lock android

In case Trusted Face is not required, tap on reset Trusted Face appearing under the Trusted Face menu. Tap on Reset to reset the option.

How To Improve Facial Recognition In Your Bluetooth and Android NFC Unlock Devices

smart lock android

  • • If you feel facial recognition is not up to the mark, go to Smart Lock and tap on a Trusted face.
  • • Tap on Improve face matching.
  • • Tap on Next and follow instructions on the screen to complete the task.

Smart Lock Android is a great feature and is only going to improve on time. With added security measures being introduced by Google for Bluetooth and NFC unlock android devices, including configuration to Google maps and Gmail, the feature may be one of the most important features to overcome constant blocking of devices even in protected places.

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