What Is Google Smart Lock, And How To Use It

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Google Smart Lock is an intelligent system of unlocking Android devices when they are close to the user or user’s living places or any other trusted places. For example, if you are an Android user and have configured Google Smart Lock on your phone, you don’t need to enter your pin, pattern, or password to unlock it. Your device gets automatically unlocked when it locates you or any other location that you have set. You will need to set a screen lock before activating it on your phone. Let’s see the ways to set Google Smart Lock on an Android device and Chromebook.

Features of Google Smart Lock

Let’s have a look at the features that you are going to get with Google Smart Lock on your device.

On-body Detection: This feature requires you to use a pin or password to lock the device before you keep it in your pocket or bag. Your device gets automatically unlocked when you take the device again without needing a pin or password.
Trusted Devices: When you connect your phone through Bluetooth to another trusted device, your device gets automatically unlocked.
Trusted Places: If you ...
... want to get your device unlocked at a specific location like your home or office, you can mark these locations as trusted places, and your device will automatically unlock when you are near those places.
Voice Match & Trusted Face: You will find these features on older Android phones. If we talk about both these features, you can set your voice or face to get your phone unlocked without needing the passcode.
Ways to set up Google Smart Lock on an Android phone

Configuring Google Smart Lock is not complicated. You can set it on your phone easily. Don’t forget to set up a screen lock before you get started in the process. After you set a screen lock, you can now begin.

Take your phone and open the Settings app.
Under settings, choose security and location and then click on the Smart Lock option. Alternatively, you can search for it in the Settings’ search bar.
Type the passcode or pin.
Now you will see the features we have discussed above, including On-body detection, Trusted places, and Trusted devices. So, select any of them.
If you want to configure the Trusted place feature, go through the on-screen guidelines to complete the setup.
Ways to set up Google Smart Lock on a Chromebook

You can also take advantage of Google Smart Lock on your Chromebook. But here, it doesn’t work the same as an Android device. You will have to connect your phone to unlock the Chromebook. You will also have to log in to your Google account on your Chromebook and Android device. The Chromebook should have Chrome OS 71 or greater, and an Android device should have Android 5.1 Lollipop or greater. After getting ready with all these requirements, follow the below instructions.

Choose the time located below the Chromebook screen.
Now choose Settings.
Locate your Android device under the connected devices section and then tap the setup button.
Fill in the password and use the on-screen directions.
After getting a verification message on your smartphone, find the option you wish to turn on in the enabled tab.
Finally, follow the instructions available on the screen to finish the setup.
The advantages and disadvantages of Google Smart Lock

Now you know the advantage of Google Smart Lock as it allows you to access your phone without entering any password or pin. On the other hand, you can also share passwords on many devices, making performing daily tasks easier. Apart from all the advantages, there are some security risks associated with it. It is safe to use trusted location features to unlock the device, but when you opt for On-body detection and Trusted devices feature, they can be risky as they can allow someone to use your unlocked phone. To disable the feature, you can go to the setting under your Google account on both your Android phone and Chromebook.

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