Smartphone users from Google Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus and Nokia complained that on Android 10, Smart Lock mode stopped working the same way as before. For some users, after the update, even with active smart unlocking, the device began to request biometric verification or a password, which was not previously observed, while for others this function disappeared from the firmware, as well as the ability to activate it. Let's figure out what this smart unlock is, how it works and why users are so worried about its disappearance.
Smart unlocking appeared a long time ago, but was practically not in demand. Until I broke
What is smart unlock on Android
Smart unlock, or Smart Lock, is a system of several unlocking methods on Android, which are designed not to protect users, but to make interaction with smartphones in situations where possible easier. For example, it allows you not to block the device if it is connected to a trusted Bluetooth – accessory like a smart watch or a fitness bracelet, the presence of which in close proximity confirms that both gadgets are with their owner, which means that and there is no one to defend against.
Smart Lock on Android 10
Most of all, smart unlocking is loved by motorists who do not want to enter the smartphone password while driving.
I noticed that Smart Lock on my Nokia 7.1 stopped working right after I updated to Android 10. It doesn't work at home, in the car, or when connected to a Fitbit Versa or Surface Pro 7 wristband. But it worked on Android 9. It has been several months since the update, but Smart Lock has not been restored, which is very annoying for me. Hey Google, it would be nice for you to somehow react and let us know if you are working on a solution to our problem or not, – wrote one of the users.
Why Smart Lock doesn't work
Surprisingly, pretty soon Google developers made a statement that they had nothing to do with it, and the manufacturers were to blame for the Smart Lock malfunctioning. But if in the case of OnePlus and Samsung smartphones this answer can still work, then in the case of Nokia devices that run on the stock version Android, and Google Pixel, which is produced and supported by Google itself, no longer. However, most likely, the developers of the search giant themselves realized this, and therefore preferred the owners of the 'pixels' in the same vein not to answer, so as not to discredit themselves.
A quick analysis of the situation showed that the problem with Smart Lock is quite common. True, where her legs grow from is really difficult to say. After all, on my Honor View 20 this function works quite well, keep the device unlocked when connected to a smart speaker and fitness bracelet. Therefore, we can assume that it is not about the OS. But, on the other hand, in the Magic UI firmware, smart unlocking is moved outside the Google section, as it was before, which gives reason to think that this is its own implementation Honor, independent of the search giant.
How can you unlock Android – smartphone
The smart unlock function is quite extensive and, in addition to Bluetooth – accessories, it allows you to use other verification methods:
- Face unlock;
- Voice unlocking;
- Unlocking with a graphic key;
- Unlocking in trusted locations;
- Body unlocking (the smartphone is not locked while it is with you).
Yes, these methods are not about reliability, but about convenience. After all, it is much easier to reproduce the pattern key than an 8-digit password, and the voice of a stranger can always turn out to be so similar to yours that the smartphone will simply take and unlock it. Therefore, the key purpose of Smart Lock is convenience, which is especially appreciated by motorists. It is very convenient, when you get into the car, to automatically connect your smartphone to the on-board computer and unlock. As a result, all that remains to be done in order to activate the smartphone is to press the power button and get to the desktop without entering passwords and without using biometric verification. This is not only convenient, but also safe, since entering a password while driving can distract the driver's attention and pose a danger to himself and others. However, now users do not have such an opportunity, and it is not known when it will appear again.