Set up a screen lock on your Galaxy phone or tablet

To ensure your Galaxy device's security, you can set up a screen lock to use a password, PIN, or pattern. That way, even if someone gets their hands on your device, they won't be able to access it.

From Settings, swipe to and tap Lock screen and AOD. Tap Screen lock type. Select your desired type of lock, and then follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

Here are the basic screen lock types:

• PIN: Select a PIN to unlock the screen.
• Password: Create a password for unlocking the screen.
• Pattern: Create a pattern that you draw on the screen to unlock.
• Swipe: Swipe the screen to unlock it.
• None: No screen lock.

Note: After entering your PIN or password, you will need to tap OK or Done when prompted.  If you select a PIN 6 digits or longer, you'll have the option to confirm your PIN without tapping OK.

You can also set up Biometric security so you can unlock your Galaxy device with your face, your fingerprints, or even your eyes!

1. From Settings, swipe to and tap Security and privacy.
2. Tap Biometrics. Select your desired type of lock, such as Fingerprints, and then follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
3. Here is a basic rundown of the available biometric options:
   • Face recognition: Use facial recognition to unlock your device.
   • Fingerprints: Use fingerprint recognition to unlock the screen.
   • Iris: Use iris recognition to unlock the screen. Only available on select devices.
   • Intelligent Scan: Use face and iris recognition together for better accuracy and security. Only available on select devices.
4. Once you've set up a biometric security feature, make sure that you have it set on your Lock screen. For example, you need to have Fingerprint unlock activated if you want to unlock your phone with your fingerprints. To do so, just tap your desired biometric feature, and make sure the appropriate switch (i.e. Fingerprint unlock, Face unlock) is turned on.

For extra protection, you can set up secure lock settings, such as an automatic screen lock when your Galaxy phone is idle. However, these settings won't show up until after you've already created a Lock screen.

From Settings, tap Lock screen and AOD, and then tap Secure lock settings. Enter your current lock screen credentials. Then, turn your desired Secure lock settings on or off by tapping the switch.

• Make pattern visible: Choose whether or not the pattern appears on the screen when you draw it. This option will only appear if you have a pattern set as your Lock screen.
• Auto lock when screen turns off: Set a time limit for when your device will lock, such as 5 seconds, 15 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes.
• Lock instantly with Side button: Set your phone to lock instantly when you press the Side button.
• Auto factory reset: After 20 incorrect attempts to unlock your device, it will be reset to factory default settings, and all data will be erased, including files and downloaded apps.
• Lock network and security: Keep network and mobile data functions locked while your device is locked, making it easier to locate and protect if it’s lost or stolen.
• Show Lockdown option: Display a Power button option that turns off Smart Lock and notifications on the Lock screen.

Not only does the Lock screen display time and notifications, it also lets you access apps and features without unlocking your Galaxy phone or tablet.

From Settings, tap Lock screen and AOD. Use the following settings to customize your Lock screen's appearance:

• Screen lock type: Select your preferred lock type.
• Extend Unlock: Use the Extend Unlock feature. Please see the next section for more details.
• Secure lock settings: Set up extra protection for when your device is idle. Please see the previous section for more details.
• Always On Display: Enable Always On Display for your Lock screen.
• Touch and hold to edit: Touch and hold your Lock screen to begin editing it.
• Roaming clock: You can set your home time zone. Your home time zones and local time zones will be displayed when you are roaming.
• Widgets: Choose the widgets that will appear on the Lock screen.

The Extend Unlock feature keeps your device unlocked by recognizing different signals, such as your home’s wireless router, your car’s Bluetooth system, or your Galaxy watch. This way, you won't need to enter your PIN, password, or other credentials.

To set up Extend Unlock, navigate to and open Settings, then tap Lock screen and AOD, and then tap Extend Unlock. From here, enter your lock screen credentials. The following options are available:

• On-body detection: After you unlock your device, it stays unlocked while it's in motion, like when you're walking with it. Your device will stay unlocked for up to 4 hours or until you put it down. Tap the switch next to Use On-body detection to enable this feature.
• Trusted places: After you unlock your device, it stays unlocked as long as you're at or close to a trusted place. It will lock after 4 hours or when you leave your trusted place. To register a location, tap Add trusted place. Search for an address, browse the map, or choose a suggested address. Tap OK to add it to trusted places.
• Trusted devices: After you unlock your device, it stays unlocked when it's connected to a trusted device, like a Bluetooth watch or car system. Your device will stay unlocked for up to 4 hours or until it disconnects from all trusted devices. To register a device, tap Add trusted device, and then tap Pair new device. Connect your desired Bluetooth device the way you normally would. You can also select a device from the list, if one is available. When Smart Lock is active, you can force your device to lock anytime. Just open the Power menu and tap Lockdown.