How to setup Smart Lock on Android 5.0

Android 5.0 didn't just come along for its pretty looks, It has some pretty neat features along for the ride too. What we have here today is Smart lock. If you’re like me, you have some form of security lock on your device. Whether it’s a PIN, a pattern lock or password. Now that’s all fine and dandy when your trying to keep nosey individuals out of your business but it can be extremely annoying when you’re the one frequently accessing your phone. So how do we get around this little problem? Well let me show you.

 Before this feature can work you must enable Location on your smartphone or tablet. This has to be done in order to setup trusted places. Simple way to do this is by pulling down your quick settings from your notification tray.

You’re gonna want to go to settings then security. Then you will need to setup some basic security either a PIN, pattern or Password.  If you don’t do that, the “Smart Lock” feature will remain grayed out.

Now that we have that out of the way, tap on “Smart Lock” You will be presented with a prompt asking you to confirm your  PIN/Pattern or Password. Once that’s out of the way you will be presented with 3 options, Trusted Device, Trusted Place and Trusted Face. 

Now it’s up to you to choose the option that works best for you.

 Trusted Device keeps your phone unlocked whenever you have it paired with a Bluetooth peripheral device for example smartwatch or Google glass or via NFC.

Trusted Place Will do the same thing whenever you are within range of selected locations. So for example if you set your home as a trusted location, your phone or tablet will never ask for a password/PIN or Pattern to unlock. Simply tap “Add trusted place and you will be presented with a map so you can manually add a location of your choice. If you already added your home and work locations via Google Now or Google Maps, then your good. Just toggle the respective switch.

 Trusted Face. Well I tried this one but never got it to work with my face……. Maybe it will for you. As its name suggests this works like the face unlock feature that was introduced with Android 4.0. Simply hold the phone up, the camera detects your face and unlocks without you having to punch in your credentials. That said, this isn't the most secure of options. Someone with a picture of you, a troublesome twin or just someone who looks like you will be able to unlock your phone.