What is Google Smart Lock and how does it work?

Google Smart Lock, also known as Extend Unlock, allows you to access your devices much faster when you’re not too worried about security. For example, if you’re at home, you probably don’t want to enter your passcode every time you pick up your phone. Here’s a quick look at how to use Google Smart Lock and set it up on your Android phone or Chromebook.

Note: Some of the steps in this article were put together using a Google Pixel 8a running Android 15 and an ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 running Chrome OS 135.0.7049.128. Remember that some steps might differ depending on your device and software.

What features does it offer?

Google Smart Lock offers a whole host of different features, allowing you to use it in plenty of situations.

• On-body Detection: Provided you’ve already entered your PIN or passcode once before putting it back in your pocket or bag, Google Smart Lock will not require you to enter it again when you take it back out.
• Trusted Places: Here, you will have to create a location that you trust. This could be your home or office, and you won’t need to enter your passcode when you are there.
• Trusted Devices: This option allows you to select Bluetooth devices you trust. This means that when your phone is connected to these devices, you will not need to enter your passcode to unlock it.
• Voice Match & Trusted Face: These two options are being phased out and are only present on much older Android devices. However, they work by allowing you to set up your voice or face to use your phone without a passcode. The voice match option won’t always leave your phone fully unlocked, but it will allow you to access some of your device’s features.

The pros and cons of Google Smart Lock

Google Smart Lock, or Extend Unlock, makes it easy to get into your devices, bypassing screen lock security. It’s a very convenient feature, as you can set it the phone not to require a PIN, password, or fingerprint to unlock the device if certain requirements are met.

For example, you can set it to not require identity verification when you are at home, or if you’re wearing a smartwatch and the phone is connected to it, or when the phone detects it has been on your body continuously. Under any of these circumstances, you will only be asked to enter the PIN, password, or fingerprint once, the first time.

As convenient as this feature is, you need to keep in mind that it may come with some security risks. For example, if you have a smartwatch as a trusted device, you could theoretically leave your phone on your desk while you go grab a cup of coffee. As long as the smartwatch stays connected to the device, anyone could pick up your device and unlock it.

How to set up Google Smart Lock on your Android device

It’s easy to set up and use Google Smart Lock or Extend Unlock on your Android device. Let’s go over the steps together.

How to set up Smart Lock on Android:

1. Head over to your device’s Settings.
2. Go to Security & privacy.
3. Select More security & privacy.
4. Choose Smart Lock. On some devices, it is now called Extend Unlock.
5. Enter your passcode or another screen lock.
6. Choose either On-body detection, Trusted places, or Trusted devices.
7. Follow on-screen instructions.

How to use Google Smart Lock on a Chromebook

The feature works a little differently on Chromebooks, and it allows you to unlock it simply by connecting to your Android device. You will need to sign in to your Google Account on both devices.

How to set up Google Smart Lock on a Chromebook:

1. Go into the Chromebook’s Settings.
2. Go into Connected devices.
3. Next to your Android phone, select Set up.
4. Select your Android device and click on Connect.
5. Enter your password. Then hit Done.
6. Hit Done again.
7. Go back to Connected devices.
8. Select your Android device.
9. Toggle Smart lock on.

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