In 2022, users protect their data in every possible way: transfer important data to cloud storage, create hidden folders, or enable fingerprint login. When choosing a protection method, the main thing is not to overdo it. a graphic password on an Android e-reader and successfully forgot it - I had to suffer a lot with restoring access and resetting it. Fortunately, a little later Android introduced a great feature called Smart Lock . Smart locking works in its own way: many users liked it. We tell you what it is, how it works and why you should start using it.
What is Smart Lock and how does it work
What is Smart Lock
Smart Lock has replaced outdated methods of data protection - with the advent of Smart Lock, the same graphic password has sunk into oblivion. It also perfectly replaces fingerprint scanning. Smart locking allows access to a smartphone, leaving it unlocked if the owner is nearby, or locking it based on certain environmental factors. This method makes devices safer, and does not create unnecessary headaches for the user when unlocking.
You can select several conditions for the function to work
Smart Lock is conveniently customizable: thanks to the presence of parameters, you can set the necessary conditions at your discretion. Unfortunately, this option does not provide 100% protection, because the smartphone can simply be stolen in an unlocked state. Owners of Android smartphones prefer not to take risks and choose proven methods of protection, so they often ignore Smart Lock.
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How to disable it?
So, let's consider the opposite situation. Somehow, the smart protection function was magically activated, but it only bothers the user. In this case, we recommend that you do not bother with the algorithm of actions above, but do the following:
- Open “Settings” – “Security”.
- In the “Trusted Agents” section, delete Smart Lock.
Ready. You don’t even have to disable blocking conditions separately. And that's all for us, thank you for reading.
How does Smart Lock work?
With Smart Lock, your smartphone evaluates the safety of the conditions around you and determines whether to lock your device or not. Various sensors are used to assess whether the smartphone is in your pocket or in a given location. The function also analyzes the owner's voice or trusted devices nearby . If these conditions were initially selected in the settings, then the owner of the smartphone does not need to unlock his smartphone again to confirm. What parameters can be used to configure Smart Lock ?
With these conditions the smartphone will remain unlocked
- Location . You can choose one or several at once. When you are in these locations, the smartphone will not ask for identification. This setting requires GPS to be enabled for location detection. You can add several addresses at once.
- Trusted devices . When you select this item, the smartphone will detect nearby trusted Android devices, and when found, a safe environment will be determined. The smartphone will be in an unlocked state. For example, if you have a smart watch. This is convenient while driving a car so as not to be distracted.
- Physical contact . As long as the smartphone is in your hands or just with you, it will be unlocked. Works when the smartphone is in a bag or pocket.
- Face and voice recognition . The smartphone will hear and analyze your voice. If facial recognition is enabled, you will need to scan yourself using your smartphone instead of a password. To activate by voice, just write down a sample phrase.
How Google's smart lock works
Smart Lock protects the owner's accounts and devices from outside interference. The blocking is activated whenever signals come not from the gadget user, but from other persons. The device responds to:
- owner's face;
- voice;
- “familiar” gadgets (for example, smart watches) that are nearby;
- geolocation (for example, at home or at work the device will not be blocked).
You can configure the blocking settings yourself. You no longer have to enter a password every time you use your gadget. If one of the elements matches, the blocking is disabled automatically.
You can even combine the passwords of any devices in Google cloud. The browser on PC supports this feature.
How to set up Smart Lock
Smart Lock is activated in a few simple steps
The function is very easy to configure. We tell you what you need to do to enable Smart Lock on your smartphone.
- Go to Settings and select "Security & Location".
- Select one of the device lock methods.
- Go to Trust Agents and select Smart Lock.
- Go to Smart Lock and turn on the slider.
- Select the required parameter by which protection will be carried out.
How to make the Samsung phone turn on when you open the case?
To activate the function, you need to go to “Settings” -> “Additional functions” -> “Accessories” and turn on “Automatic unlocking”. If you have new questions, we are ready to answer them. Hello, in settings, opening
covers.
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How to view Smart Lock passwords
Disable Smart Lock for passwords
Smart Lock is also used to store passwords, for example, in Google Chrome on Android. It's very easy to view them.
- Go to Google Chrome.
- Click the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select Settings, then Smart Lock for Passwords.
- Click View Saved Data.
In our Yandex.Zen you can find even more life hacks for using a smartphone!
How to block Samsung with your voice?
To do this, tap the Blue Box icon in the Google Assistant interface. Select the Three Dots button and select Settings. Under Devices, tap your phone. Enable: Voice matched access and unlock with voice commands.
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Why you should disable smart lock
The most compelling reason to disable technology (both a smart lock and a password manager) is a security breach. In the case of the password and other data manager in Google Chrome, everything is more sad. If someone else takes possession of the device and manages to unlock the screen, they may be able to steal personal information (payment methods, passwords, etc.). However, to access this option, you need to enter the device password (PIN code or pattern set in the security settings). A smart lock is also not a very secure solution. At least one of its options is physical contact detection. The device simply will not be able to detect who the contact is with: the owner or a third party and, accordingly, can unlock the screen.
The second reason is faster discharge of the device. We are talking about the smart lock Smart Lock. After all, if you activate the “Safe Places” function, you will have to constantly keep the GPS turned on, which will consume more energy.
Question to the expert
What devices support a smart lock?
Android devices support this technology starting from version 5.0 Lollipop.
Which version of Chrome supports autofill?
This function appeared in browser versions of 2013 (24.0.x – 25.0.x and later)
Can I use Smart Lock autofill in browsers other than Chrome?
There are alternative features in other browsers, but Smart Lock, developed by Google, is only present in Chrome.
4.8/5 — (34 votes)
Principle of operation
This feature allows the user to select a number of options that make entering the security key easier.
The phone is unlocked when the selected conditions are met in the external environment:
- A specific location (or indicating several points on the map at once). While in a certain location, your smartphone or tablet will not prompt you to enter an unlock code. It should be remembered that for this to work you will need GPS turned on, and it affects the rapid loss of battery charge;
- Trusted devices. Define other Android gadgets as “trusted”. When near them, the smartphone will determine the environment as “safe” and no blocking will be required. Please note that not only your other gadgets, but also the devices of loved ones can be trusted;
- Holding smartphone in hands . The phone is able to determine its position in space. As long as it is in your hands, you will not need to enter a password or pattern. This condition is not entirely secure, because biometrics are not used here (unless the smartphone has a fingerprint scanner).
Another feature is the ability to quickly log in to any program using your Google account data.
A pop-up window for accelerated authorization will appear in the program, which opens a window for entering your login and password.
Authorization example
It is also available for Chromebooks. In the option settings, you should specify the Android smartphone you are using as a trusted gadget.
Advantages and disadvantages of the program
Like any protection program, Smart Lock has its pros and cons.
Advantages
- the user is given a wide choice of means of unlocking: using a face, data encryption, a PIN code or an invented pattern. Of course, you can install multi-level protection. using two methods at once;
- If all of the above tools seem unreliable and inconvenient to use, Google came up with a “smart lock”. Such a lock itself removes restrictions at the moment when one of three actions is performed: the smartphone is in a safe zone, the system “recognizes” the owner’s face, and a trusted device is nearby.
How to delete an account from a Samsung phone or tablet
Flaws
There are several points that may make you refuse to use a smart lock on a Samsung phone:
- a cunning “safe place” blocking can have the opposite effect - it is in such a place that an attacker can steal a smartphone and gain access to data;
- A “smart lock” will also not be able to withstand a safe zone or a trusted device.
That is, all the disadvantages of Google's security program stem from its advantages. The program frees the owner and makes it easier to use the gadget, but requires additional caution from him.
Disable for passwords
To disable Smart Lock in Android on a Samsung smartphone you need to:
- go to “Google Apps” - “Smart Lock for Passwords”;
- In the “Automatic login” item, move the slider to the inactive position.
In order to add an exception and disable autofill for a specific application, go to “+ Add application” and enter exceptions.
Disable blocking
It is not always convenient for a smartphone to unlock itself when one of three specified conditions is met:
- entering a “safe zone” - the user specifies an area or a specific place that the system perceives as one in which the user and his data are not in danger;
- the appearance of a trusted device nearby - it could be a paired Bluetooth device, an NFC tag;
- the application recognized the owner's face after bringing it to the screen.
If constant unlocking bothers you, “smart lock” should be disabled. This procedure does not require the use of a third-party application, everything is within the smartphone system.
