How to lock your phone screen using secure technology.

Getting your lock screen security right isn't just smart, it's essential. Let’s explore lock screen technology options so you can balance defence with convenience.

These are the most common ways to lock and unlock your phone, and they’re often the foundation for more advanced features.

PIN codes are numeric passwords used to lock your phone screen. It’s important to choose a strong PIN, skipping easily guessable sequences like “1234” or your birthdate. A longer, random PIN makes your phone much more secure.

Passwords are alphanumeric codes that offer higher security than PINs. A complex password should contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The longer the better, as this contributes to its strength.

Pattern locks allow you to unlock your phone by drawing a specific pattern on a grid of dots. They’re convenient, but pattern locks can be vulnerable if the pattern is easily visible or predictable. Thinking beyond simple shapes by making your pattern longer and more complicated can improve security.

This is the most basic lock screen method, requiring only a swipe or slide across the screen. It stops you from accidentally calling someone or opening an app while your phone's in your pocket, but it doesn’t prevent someone else from unlocking your device.

Your phone can use your unique body to verify your identity. Let’s look at how it works and the advantages and disadvantages.

If you want speed and convenience when you need to get to your home screen, you can use your unique fingerprint to unlock your phone. Google Pixel Imprint technology recognises your finger quickly, capturing detailed images and comparing them against stored templates.

Unlock your phone quickly using just your face with this type of lock screen technology. Google Pixel phones have sophisticated facial recognition systems that are fast and secure.

The unique patterns in the iris of your eye can be the key to securing and unlocking devices. While this is highly accurate, it's not widely available on most smartphones today.

With voice recognition, you use your voice to unlock your phone. However, since voices can be recorded or copied, this method may not offer the same level of protection as others.

Most modern smartphones come with built-in security features, so that your data remains private and your experience stays simple.

Extend Unlock allows your Pixel phone to automatically unlock in specific situations¹, such as when you’re at home (Trusted Places) or connected to a familiar device, like your smartwatch or car system (Trusted Devices). It’s useful for hands-free moments, but it’s important to be thoughtful about when and where you use this feature so your phone only unlocks when it should.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your lock screen. Enabling 2FA significantly enhances your overall security.

Lockdown mode turns off biometric unlock, so your phone requires a PIN, pattern, or password instead, providing extra security in sensitive situations. Pressing the Power and Volume up buttons on Pixel devices provides access to Lockdown mode when you need additional protection. Emergency SOS features focus on getting help when you need it most, allowing you to quickly call for help and share your location directly from the lock screen².

Modern phones can come with screen-off fingerprint sensors. This means you can unlock your phone by simply placing your finger on the designated area of the screen, even when the screen is off.

Pixel devices have a carefully engineered security ecosystem that combines hardware, software, and intelligent integration. It's like having a security team working behind the scenes to protect your digital life.

The dedicated Titan M2 security chip is essentially a tiny, specialised computer designed to keep your data private. It adds an extra layer of hardware protection on Pixel devices by guarding your data against threats and handling sensitive features like secure key storage for banking apps and lock screen authentication.

This biometric sensor allows you to use your fingerprint to unlock your device right through the display itself. It works quickly even when your screen is wet, dirty, or covered with a screen protector.

3D facial recognition systems are a quick and reliable way to unlock your phone. Some Pixel devices use machine learning algorithms that continuously improve facial recognition accuracy while maintaining security standards.

Here’s how to lock your phone screen and choose security options for your smartphone.

Note: Some of these steps may only work on Android 10 and up.

1. Open your Settings app.

2. Select Security and Privacy, then find Device lock.

3. Tap Screen lock. If you already have screen lock technology enabled, you’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern or password to change your lock.

4. Choose the screen lock option you’d like to enable.

5. Follow the instructions to set up your chosen method.

Remember that a PIN, pattern, or password is crucial for encrypting backups.

Follow these instructions to enable fingerprint unlock:

1. Open your Settings app.

2. Tap Security and Privacy, then choose Device lock.

3. Find Face and Fingerprint Unlock.

4. Select Fingerprint Unlock.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions. If you don't already have a screen lock, you'll be asked to add a backup PIN, pattern or password that you’ll use sometimes instead of your fingerprint.

6. Follow the instructions to scan your fingerprint using the sensor or the screen.

Here’s how to turn off fingerprint lock:

1. Open your Settings app.

2. Tap Security and Privacy, then choose Device lock.

3. Find Face and Fingerprint Unlock.

4. Select Fingerprint Unlock.

5. Scan your fingerprint or use your PIN, pattern, or password.

6. Tap Delete next to a fingerprint to remove it. 

Here are the best practices for using lock screen technology:

• Choose strong credentials. Use a PIN that’s six or more numbers long, a password that contains a mix of characters, or a strong biometric authentication option.

• Keep things updated. Regularly change your passwords and make sure your phone has downloaded the latest software updates.

• Go for something unique. Avoid using the same PIN or password for your lock screen and other accounts.

• Layer your security. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.

• Review your trusted devices. Regularly update your Extend Unlock and Trusted Device configurations. Remove devices you no longer use or trust.

Choosing the right lock screen technology is crucial in protecting your personal information. Pixel devices give you plenty of options to stay secure based on your lifestyle, privacy needs, and what feels comfortable for you.