What is Smart Lock for Android - Complete Reviews in 2024
Smart Lock for Android is a feature managed by Google Play Services that empower users with full control over when and where to unlock their devices. However, many Android users know little about this feature. If you want to learn its specific features, usage, and potential risks, focus on this post to get a comprehensive understanding of Google Smart Lock for Android.
In this article:
Part 1. What is Smart Lock Android
Features
As its name suggests, Smart Lock feature allows you to keep your phone unlocked for a long period while maintaining security. There are five features in Smart Lock.
On-body detection: This feature benefits runners, hikers, climbers, and bikers who are constantly moving. For these people, On-body detection will keep their devices unlocked as long as they are in motion. In this case, they don't have to enter the screen passcode or pin to unlock their devices.
Trusted places: This feature needs the Google location service to set some locations as your trusted places, such as your home or office. Your phone will remain unlocked for four hours in these trusted places.
Trusted devices: If you have some trusted Bluetooth devices such as fitness bands, your car's Bluetooth system, or an Android smartwatch, your phone will be unlocked once it's paired with one of these trusted Bluetooth devices.
Voice Match: When you have trained Google Assistant to recognize your voice, you can use your voice to unlock your phone if you cannot touch the screen.
Trusted face: You can unlock your phone using facial recognition. However, this method is not very secure and reliable because some phones can be duped by photos and 3D renderings.
Although Smart Lock has five features, many devices will only have part of the entire features. Some devices only support the first three features.
Usages
How to set up Google Smart Lock on your Android phone? Follow the steps below to activate one of Smart Lock's features.
Go to the Settings app > Lock Screen > Smart Lock.
Select one of these features based on your needs.
To turn on one or more of these features, tap the Switch symbol in the upper right corner. Then, tap CONTINUE to confirm it.
Pros and Cons
The biggest advantage of Android Smart Lock is its convenience in unlocking a phone. You don't have to use your sweaty hands to handle the screen lock manually when you are exercising. However, there are several risks in certain situations. For example, a thief may steal your unlocked phone when you take quick steps in the street. Sometimes, the Google location service may have bugs, so your phone may remain unlocked in a non-trusted place.
Part 2. Safer Alternative to Google Smart Lock for Android
If you want to avoid risking your phone's security for convenience, try PassFab Android Unlocker to unlock your phone when you forget the screen lock password. This tool can bypass Android screen locks without risks.
Download and install PassFab Android Unlocker on your computer. Launch it and click Remove Screen Lock in the beginning interface. Connect your Android device using a USB cable and select your device brand.
Please read the notes before you start unlocking your Android device. If you agree, click Start > Yes. Then, this program will start the removal process.
Wait for a few minutes, your screen lock will be removed. Here, click Done to finish the removal process.
Extended reading:
FAQs.
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Why is the Android Smart Lock not working?
First, low or dead batteries can result in Android Smart Lock not working. Second, unworkable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Third, outdated software or software glitches. Fourth, problems with your Google account.
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Why is the Android Smart Lock missing?
Some users reported this issue on Reddit. The main cause of this missing issue is a bug from the March update. You can fix this issue by rebooting or manually going through lockdown.
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How do you use Google Smart Lock on ChromeOS?
Go to Settings > Connected devices on your Chromebook. Click Set up next to the Android phone. Then, browse and select your Android device and click Connect. Enter your password in the pop-up window and click Done twice. Go back to the Connected devices section and click the connected Android device. Now, you can toggle Smart lock on.
Conclusion
Now, you can have a comprehensive understanding of what Smart Lock Android is. If you can stand its potential risks, you can use this Google unlock feature to get your Android device unlocked for different occasions.
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