Android: Add a Trusted Device for Smart Lock

Smart Lock keeps your Android phone unlocked as long as it stays connected to a Bluetooth device you trust, such as a car system, a smartwatch, or a paired speaker. Without a registered trusted device, the phone locks itself normally after the screen times out, even if you are sitting right next to the paired accessory.

The feature works through a Bluetooth connection check. As soon as the connection to the trusted device drops, Android re-enables the lock screen and asks for your PIN, pattern, or password again on the next wake-up.

To add a device, open Tap on Settings ➔ Tap on Security & privacy ➔ Tap on More security & privacy ➔ Tap on Extend Unlock ➔ Tap on Trusted devices ➔ Tap on Add trusted device and follow the on-screen instructions to pair or select the device.

Trusted devices only extend the unlocked state; they do not replace your screen lock method entirely. If the paired device is lost or given to someone else, remove it from the trusted devices list immediately, since anyone within Bluetooth range of that device could otherwise unlock your phone without a PIN.

For sensitive accounts or work devices, a security policy may block Smart Lock entirely. In that case the Trusted devices option stays visible but has no effect, and a separate PIN or biometric unlock is required regardless of the connection.