How many times a day do you pick up your smartphone to look at something? If you keep your device secure, you probably unlock your device a huge number of times a day, either with your face, your fingerprint, password or by swiping the screen. Google launched the Smart Lock feature in 2015 when it announced Android 5 Lollipop.  

Since then, all later versions of the operating system have the functionality. Despite this, many users are still unaware of how to use the application to save time when unlocking the phone, ensuring secure access to the device. In today's article, you will find out what the smart lock is, how it works, what types there are, and how you can activate this technology on your Android. Don't miss out! 

What is SmartLock 

You must have heard of Smart Lock, if not yet... this function allows the automatic unlocking of the cell phone in certain places - for example, when you are at home it is permanently unlocked and when you are on the street, it asks you to enter the password. You can keep your Android smartphone or tablet unlocked in whatever situations you want — including when it's in your pocket!  

In short, when you use Smart Lock, you don't need to unlock your screen using a PIN code, design pattern, alphanumeric password, fingerprint or face unlock. It is worth noting that not all devices have these sensors and the settings may change. Functionality is customizable from the main settings panel. It is customized just like phone and internet bundles, which you can choose as per your need. 

To explain in a very simple way, Smart Lock serves to prevent you from having to unlock your cell phone screen at times when there is no need to act with so much security or fear. In this case, you do not need to use the password, alphanumeric code, PIN, or facial and biometric recognition to access the contents of your cell phone. 

When you configure Smart Lock, you can even make it easier for other people to use the device, without you having to unlock it all the time. It is an interesting alternative for those who have children, who use their cell phones for the most varied activities and constantly let the screen lock. 

But it is worth reinforcing something that can make the technology risky: the feature must be only valid in security circumstances, which we will talk about later. In addition, it is also important that we look at the other side of the scenario. It is not uncommon for us to accidentally unlock our phone or forget to lock it again in some situations. In these cases, Smart Lock works like a security feature, automatically locking the screen if you notice that the phone is not being used and that it is not a “safe environment” to keep it unlocked. 

Smart Lock Types 

Smart Lock offers the option to temporarily unlock device access in five different scenarios, which are configurable during feature activation. Some of the situations involve specific sensors, such as proximity or facial recognition, and therefore may not be available on all devices. 

Body detection 

With this option, the device will remain accessible whenever the user is holding or carrying the cell phone, as long as the device has already been unlocked once. So if your phone is unlocked for use and put back in your bag while walking, you won't need to unlock it again the next time you pick it up. Whenever your phone is turned off or not moving for a while, Android will require authentication again to unlock the device. 

Trusted places 

The user can define specific locations, by company name, address, or even location on the map, where the smartphone will never display a lock screen or require simpler authentication than the occasional one. This way, by selecting the trusted places, the user can avoid authentication where it is usually not needed, but keep your phone secure in all other areas. 

Trusted devices 

Smart Lock can be activated to recognize Bluetooth pairing. This way, the device will skip the lock screen whenever it is connected to a specific device, such as the car audio system or the gym headphones, ensuring that the device is under the user's control. 

Voice matching 

This option may be discontinued on newer devices, but on older Android systems it can still be found. The function usually allows you to activate your voice to interact with some Google Assistant functions without having to unlock the device for a while, but it will not keep the device fully unlocked like the other options. 

Trusty face 

This option is only present on very old Android devices and is no longer offered on newer devices. This facial recognition system was created in 2011 and has never been very reliable or secure. Therefore, Android has replaced the option for more modern and effective face unlock mechanisms, such as autonomous entities themselves, which are not connected with Smart Lock. 

How to enable SmartLock 

First, make sure you have a screen lock — a password or design. If you don't have one, you need to register once to have access to automatic unlocking. 

Open the Android “Settings” app; Tap “Security & Location” and then “Smart Lock”; Enter your PIN, design pattern, or alphanumeric password; Choose one of the four options and follow the onscreen instructions. Are they: 

• Pocket Detection — Unlocks when the sensor says “pocket”; 
• Trusted Places — Unlocks in multiple registered places; 
• Trusted Devices — Unlocks with Smartwatch, for example; 
• Voice Match — Unlocks when your voice, and only yours, say “OK Google”; 

After Smart Lock is set up, when you turn on the screen, you will see a pulsating circle at the bottom, around the “Lock” lock icon. It will need to be unlocked after four hours of non-use (touching the screen) or after restarting (shutting down). 

Having a smart lock is a good choice 

Is it worth having Smart Lock active on your mobile device? Certainly, the Smart Lock feature is extremely interesting and a real revolution in terms of artificial intelligence, as many of them work like patterns learned by the cell phone. But, they can leave your phone vulnerable in some circumstances, which we made a point of pointing out to you throughout the content. Also, you can only use some of them, which are the ones that best suit your profile. So, it's worth trying it out before deciding whether or not it's valid for your interest. Also remember to access a secure internet, such as DSL internet, to avoid data leakage.