I'm officially 'un-locked' and ready to scroll, as long as I'm on my couch
Smartphone security causes me a lot of anxiety. Securing my Google Pixel 10 Pro is important because if it's ever stolen, the PIN code and biometric login are the only things standing in the way of complete access to my entire life.
On the other hand, unlocking my device is a serious hassle if I'm in a dark room or wearing sunglasses, and it would be much easier if I could access my device without all this to-do, particularly given the small chance of theft.
A feature on Android splits the difference, making it easy to access your device without the security protocols. That is, as long as you're in a safe location.
What is Extend Unlock?
The key to easy smartphone access at home
Extend Unlock is an Android feature that allows users to access their device without security features while in an approved location.
It used to be called Smart Unlock, but it was rebranded to Extend Unlock in 2023.
The feature is available on virtually all devices running Android 10 or later.
How does Extend Unlock work?
Safe locations and devices available
If you want to keep your devices unlocked in certain situations, you have a couple of options that make it as easy as possible to ditch the security protocols.
For one, you can set up a Trusted place, where your phone will remain unlocked within a specific radius. Just drop a pin, search for an address, or choose a location from your Google account, and you'll be able to access your device without unlocking it.
You can also set up Trusted devices, which will enable Extend Unlock whenever you connect to a particular Bluetooth-enabled device, like headphones or your car.
You need to have previously connected to the Bluetooth device to add it, though, so make sure you've done that.
There's also an option to enable Extend Unlock when your device is on your body and in motion. This simple toggle option will keep your device unlocked when you are walking, for example, so you can easily check your phone for directions without being slowed down by security.
It's worth noting that Extend Unlock does not give you unlimited access to your device without having to unlock it with PIN codes or biometrics. Your device will remain unlocked for four hours in trusted scenarios, after which, you will have to unlock it again.
How to enable Extend Unlock
Ditch the login and start scrolling
If you're tired of unlocking your device a hundred times in a row while sitting on the couch at home, it's time to make a change and turn on Extend Unlock.
The setup process takes a few extra clicks than your average setting, so follow along.
For starters, open the Settingsmenu. Then, give it a scroll and go to Security & privacy. Give that hearty scroll too, and at the bottom, you'll find the More security & privacybutton to get even more granular.
Another big scroll, and you'll find the Extend unlockoption, which will then prompt you to enter your PIN code for a little extra security. After all, you don't want anyone else changing these settings for you, right?
When you're in the Extend Unlock menu, you'll have the option to set up On-body detection(a simple on/off toggle), Trusted places(a toggle and a GPS map to add locations), and Trusted devices(connects to your past Bluetooth-enabled devices).
The importance of securing your device
Don't just leave it unlocked
Extend Unlock is a great way to cut back on security logins on your device, but you'll still have to log in at least once every few hours, which can be too much for some users. Still, we implore you: Do not leave your smartphone unlocked.
For one, there's a good chance your device is logged in to banking apps , social media accounts, and other sensitive sources of personal information, which gives the thief plenty of data to steal your identity.
Even if your device isn't logged in to all those services, thieves will still have access to your messages and photos, which is a privacy breach at best and another avenue to identity theft at worst.
More importantly, if you have tracking features enabled to monitor your phone if it gets lost, an unlocked device will allow the thieves to quickly turn that off, so your chances of getting your device back fall to zero.
Simply put, while securing and subsequently unlocking your device is a hassle, the potential risks of leaving it unlocked are not worth the convenience.
