Ever heard of Google Smart Lock? If not, then you have come to the right place. This article will discuss what Google Smart Lock is, how it works and in what devices you can take advantage of this Google feature.
What Is Google Smart Lock?
Google Smart Lock is Google’s smart security that covers three main areas: Android, Chrome OS, and Google Chrome. So basically, Google Smart Lock makes unlocking easier, whether your device or passwords while keeping everything safe and secure. Just as long as this device is you use Google’s services or any associated device.
For Android, Google Smart Lock gives users several options to keep their device secure which includes keeping your phone unlocked when certain criteria is met.
When it comes to Chrome OS, Google Smart Lock lets you unlock your computer using your mobile phone so you won’t need to type in your password anymore.
For Google Chrome, Smart Lock helps you manage your passwords and syncs it across Chrome and Android.
Learn how to turn Google Smart Lock on and take advantage of these features on all of your relevant devices.
Google Smart Lock For Android
As mentioned above, Google Smart Lock for Android keeps your phone unlock when a certain criterion is met so you won’t need to enter your pin, fingerprint or your face to unlock your device.
To activate this feature, you first need to locate the “Smart Lock” option within your Android device settings menu. It is usually located in the “Security &location” area. If you weren’t able to find this, Android devices has an option for you to search your settings. Simply type-in “Smart Lock” on the settings menu and it should pop up on your screen.
Once you have the settings on your screen, you will be asked to enter your device’s password. After this, you will see different options which include:
On-Body Detection
This smart lock feature detects when your device is in your hand or your pocket and keeps it unlocked once you’ve unlocked it at least once. This means that while you’re in movement, your device is kept unlocked so you won’t need to put in your pin the next time you pick it up. But once you put your phone down or stay still for a couple of minutes, you will be prompted for your password again.
Trusted Places
This feature keeps your device unlocked whenever you are on a specific location. You can set the location easily by its address or by manually setting it on the maps. Once your phone detected you are in your specified locations, your device will not require you any authentication. This can be useful especially if you set your specified location to your home or office.
Trusted Devices
Pairing your mobile phone to any trusted Bluetooth device will not require you to any authentication. This is useful whenever you are paired with your headphones while on the gym or when you are connected to your car’s speakers.
Trusted Face
Trusted Face is only available on certain devices because it works the same way as face unlock. Just simply look at your device and it unlocks it for you. Although if your device doesn’t have a face recognition technology, this option is not for you.
Voice Match
When this option is turned on, your device will unlock itself whenever you make use of Google Assistant, simply by saying, “Hey Google” or “OK Google”. Once your device is trained to recognize your voice, you won’t need to unlock it via Google Assistant.
Google Smart Lock For Chrome OS
To Set up Smart Lock on your Chromebook, just open the settings menu and search for “Screen Lock” option, click the “People” tab. Once in, enter your password and click the “Set up” button. Your Chromebook will find your Android phone instantly, just as long as both devices’ Bluetooth is turned on.
Smart Lock makes your Android phone your wireless key so you won’t have to type in your password pretty much every time you open your Chromebook.
When your Android device is nearby (within a hundred feet) and unlocked, Chrome OS will show a green open-lock icon on its sign-in screen and will prompt you to click the photo instead of asking for your password.
Keep in mind that this feature will only work for an Android device with Lollipop (released on 2014) or higher. Smart Lock can also work even on multiple Chromebooks just as long as all of device is connected to the same Google Account.
Google Smart Lock For Google Chrome
In this modern age, pretty sure you are registered to a bunch of different websites. It is quite hard to keep up with all of these log in credentials so pretty sure you have these stored somewhere like LastPass or maybe you memorized all of them.
With Smart Lock, Chrome can now remember every password you enter in different websites, so there’s no need for you to type it in every time. And whenever you log in to a new website, Google Chrome will ask if you want to save these credentials. Google Smart Lock vs LastPass, the latter requires more steps.
Password Sync Feature
Also, all the passwords stored on Chrome are synced with Android apps. For example, if you are logged into Chrome, your Spotify password is detected by Google Smart Lock. You will be automatically logged in. Just simply open Spotify, and you are in.
This feature is automatically enabled on Chrome browsers, both in Android and Operating systems. You can disable this feature by simply going to your Chrome settings. Click on the “Passwords” tab or simply search for “Smart Lock for Passwords” on your mobile device.
