You’re relaxing on the couch when a text comes in. For the 50th time today, you have to fingerprint, PIN, or face-scan your phone just to read it. It’s a small hassle, but it adds up.
Android’s Extend Unlock (formerly Smart Lock) helps reduce that frustration by keeping your phone unlocked in “safe” places you choose. After you unlock your phone once, it stays unlocked as long as certain trusted conditions are met. Extend Unlock doesn’t remove your lock screen, but it keeps your phone open while you remain in a trusted context. To lock your phone immediately while Extend Unlock is active, tap the Lock icon on your lock screen. This forces a lock and requires your PIN or biometric to unlock again.
Here’s how you can set it up:
On-Body Detection: Once you unlock your phone, it stays unlocked while it senses motion—like when you’re holding it or carrying it in your pocket. When you set it down, it locks itself again.
Trusted Places: Choose geographic locations such as your home or office where the phone stays unlocked. The phone uses GPS to confirm you’re in your “safe zone.”
Trusted Devices: Pair a Bluetooth device, such as your smartwatch, fitness tracker, or car’s audio system, as “trusted.” While that device stays connected, your phone remains ready to use.
Extend Unlock offers convenience, not enhanced security protection. GPS accuracy can vary, so your phone might stay unlocked close to your designated area, like a neighbor’s house. And On-Body Detection can’t tell the difference between your pocket and someone else’s hand. Use this feature for convenience, and with good judgment.
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