Adding a trusted device on Android, often utilizing features like "Extend Unlock" or "Smart Lock," allows your phone to stay unlocked when it's connected to a specific Bluetooth device you designate as safe.
Here's how to add a trusted device based on the provided steps:
Steps to Add a Trusted Device
To begin, you'll need to ensure the device you want to trust (like a smartwatch, car Bluetooth, or speaker) is near and potentially paired with your phone already. The process primarily relies on Bluetooth connectivity for most trusted devices.
- Enable Bluetooth: On your Android device, make sure that Bluetooth is on. This is essential for detecting and connecting to the device you want to add.
- Open Settings: Find and open your device's main Settings app.
- Navigate Security Settings: Tap on Security & privacy. Then look for More security & privacy or a similar option. Within this menu, find and tap Extend Unlock (this feature might also be called Smart Lock on some Android versions). You may need to enter your screen lock method (PIN, pattern, or password) to access these settings.
- Access Trusted Devices: Tap Trusted devices. This section lists devices you can add or have already added.
- Add New Device: Tap Add trusted device. Your phone will likely scan for available Bluetooth devices.
- Select the Device: On the list of detected devices, tap the device you want to add as a trusted device. Confirm any prompts if necessary.
Once added, your Android phone should remain unlocked whenever it's connected via Bluetooth to this trusted device. Remember that the effectiveness of this feature depends on a stable connection between your phone and the trusted device.
For more details, you can refer to the official Google support page.
