Set screen lock on an Android device

You can set up a screen lock to help secure your Android phone or tablet from unauthorised access. Each time that you turn on your device or wake up the screen, you’ll be asked to unlock your device, usually with a PIN, pattern or password. On some devices, you can unlock with your fingerprint.

Important:

• Some of these steps work only on Android 10 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
• Some of these steps require you to touch the screen.

Set or change a screen lock

Important: To ensure your automatic and manual backups are encrypted with your screen lock, use a PIN, pattern or a password. Learn how to back up or restore data on your phone.

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Security.
   • If you can’t find 'Security': To get help, go to your phone manufacturer’s support site.
3. To choose a type of screen lock, tap Screen lock.
   • If you’ve already set a lock: You’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern or password before you can choose a different lock.
4. Tap the screen lock option that you'd like to use.
5.  Follow the on-screen instructions.

Screen lock options

No lock

• None: Your phone stays unlocked. This gives no protection, but you can get to your home screen quickly.
• Swipe: Swipe your finger across your screen. This gives no protection, but you can get to your home screen quickly.

Standard locks

• PIN: Enter four or more numbers, but a six-digit PIN is recommended for added security. Longer PINs tend to be more secure.
• Pattern: Draw a simple pattern with your finger.
• Password: Enter four or more letters or numbers. A strong password is the most secure screen lock option.

About auto-confirm unlock

You won’t need to tap the enter key to unlock your phone with auto-confirm unlock. To turn it on, you need to choose a PIN code that's six digits or more. For increased security, the length of PIN codes longer than six digits isn't visually hinted at on the screen.

You can turn auto-confirm on or off as long as your PIN code has more than six digits.

Important: If you opt in to auto-confirm unlock, it may decrease the security of your device.

You can set up auto-confirm unlock in the security settings.

1. On your phone, go to Settings.
2. Tap Security  Screen lock.
   • If you can’t find 'Security': To get help, go to your phone manufacturer’s support site.
3. Turn Auto-confirm on or off.

Disable screen lock

Important:  Disabling screen lock leaves your device with no protection. 

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Security.
   • If you can’t find 'Security': To get help, go to your phone manufacturer’s support site.
3. If you’ve already set a lock, you’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern or password.
4. To remove your current screen lock method, tap None.

Related resources

• Create a screen lock
• Set up a fingerprint, PIN, pattern or password