There’re several types of locks, PINs, and security features that you can use to help protect the data on your device. One of the easiest ways to protect your data is to set a screen lock. Some security features on your device require that you set a screen lock before you set up the security feature. Other security features, such as data encryption, use your screen lock to add an extra degree of security to your device.
If you use your device for business, your organization might have security rules in place. The organization might require you to enter a password to unlock your device or prevent you from using the Smart Lock feature.
Screen lock: A screen lock helps prevent someone else from unlocking your device and accessing your data. When you set up a screen lock, you can set whether the screen lock must be entered to turn on the device.
Some security features, such as Smart Lock, require that you set up a screen lock before you set up the feature.
There’re several types of screen locks to choose from. Each type is designed to provide a different level of security.
Password: A secure password can contain letters, numbers, and symbols. A password is designed to be a strong screen lock that is difficult for someone else to figure out.
PIN: A PIN must contain a minimum of four numbers. The more numbers there’re in your PIN, the more secure your screen lock.
Pattern: A pattern is a continuous line that connects four or more dots on a grid. You trace your pattern to unlock your device.
Swipe: A swipe gesture can unlock your device.
Fingerprint: You can touch the fingerprint scanner to unlock your device quickly. If you use this type of screen lock, you must also set up a backup screen lock (password, PIN, or pattern).
Smart lock: The Smart Lock feature lets you set up your device to remain unlocked when it’s connected to a trusted Bluetooth enabled device or NFC-enabled device when it recognizes your face or voice, or when you are carrying it in your hand, pocket, or bag. The Smart Lock feature also allows your device to remain unlocked when it\’s in a familiar location, such as your home or workplace.
The Smart Lock feature is a convenient way to access the data on your device, but it doesn’t confirm that the device owner is the person using the device.
You must have a screen lock set before you can set up the Smart Lock feature.
Encryption: By default, data on your device, including your account information, apps, music, pictures, and other downloaded files, is stored in a format that can be read only when your device decrypts the data. If you set up a screen lock and require that it must be entered to turn on your device, your password, PIN, or pattern is used to generate a new encryption key to decrypt your data.
SIM card lock: You can set up a PIN for your SIM card, which you can use to help prevent unauthorized use of your SIM card in another device. For example, if you lose your SIM card and someone tries to use it in another device, the SIM card can’t be used unless the PIN is entered correctly.
Network lock and unlock codes: To use a SIM card from another service provider, for example, if you’re traveling and want to use a local service provider’s network, you can request unlock codes (MEP codes) from your current service provider. After you insert the new SIM card, enter the unlock code.
If you exceed the number of allowed attempts to enter an unlock code, your SIM card allows emergency calls only. For assistance, contact your service provider.
Google™ account and factory reset protection: The factory reset protection feature uses your Google™ account information to help protect the data on your device. If your device is lost or stolen, the factory reset protection feature is designed to prevent someone else from being able to set up your device for use, even if that person tries to reset your device to its factory settings. The device must be set up using the same Google™ account information that was set up on the device before it was reset.
To use the factory reset protection feature, you must set up a screen lock and you must add your Google™ account to your device.