Set screen lock

Some of this information applies only to devices running Android 5.0 and higher. If your device is running 4.4 or lower, the Menu icon looks like this Image. If your device is running 4.3 or lower, the Settings icon looks like this Image.

You can secure your phone or tablet by setting a screen lock. Each time you turn on your device or wake up the screen, you’ll be asked to unlock your device. You can also set Smart Lock options so that your device automatically unlocks when it's connected to your watch or recognizes your face. Learn how to use Smart Lock.

Set up or change a screen lock

  1. Open your device's Settings menu Image.
  2. Under "Personal," touch Security.
  3. Under "Screen security," touch Screen lock. If you’ve already set a lock, you’ll need to enter the pattern, PIN, or password before you can choose a different lock.
  4. Touch the screen lock you’d like to use and follow the instructions.

Screen lock options

You can choose from the following screen locks, listed from least secure to most secure.

None
Select this option if you don’t want a lock screen. It provides no protection, but lets you get to the Home screen or Google Now quickly.
Slide
Slide your finger across the screen to unlock your device. It provides no protection, but lets you get to the Home screen or Google Now quickly.
Pattern

Pattern lets you draw a simple pattern with your finger to unlock the device.

PIN

PIN requires four or more numbers. Longer PINs tend to be more secure.

Password

Password requires four or more letters or numbers. This is the most secure option, as long as you create a strong password.

Set trusted devices and face matching

You can use the Smart Lock settings to keep your device unlocked when it's connected to your Bluetooth watch or recognizes your face. Learn how you can unlock your screen through connected devices you trust or face-matching.

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Elena is an Android expert and author of this help page. Leave her feedback below about the page.

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