How to set up, change and remove lock screen on Android phone

💡 Need to know

• Your lock protects everything. PIN, pattern, or password keeps your data safe if your phone is lost.
• You’ll need the current code to change it. Android™ won’t let you switch or remove a lock without it.
• Biometrics are a shortcut—not a replacement. Fingerprint or face unlock still relies on your main screen lock.
• Work or school phones may have limits. Some security settings can’t be removed if managed by an admin.

When it comes to keeping personal information on your phone safe, setting up a lock screen is an essential first step. If you're not sure how to create one on your Android™ phone, we're here to help.

At Asurion, we help people learn more about their technology every day. From keeping your phone running like new to hidden laptop features you should be using, we make sure you get the most out of the devices you rely on. Here’s our guide on how to set up, change, and remove a lock screen on your Samsung Galaxy®, Google Pixel™, and other Android phones.

How to set up or change the lock screen on your Samsung phone

Samsung makes it easy to customize your security. To get started, go to Settings > Lock screen and AOD (or Lock screen on some devices) > Screen lock type.

From there, you’ll have several different Lock screen options to choose from:

• Swipe: This offers no actual security. It simply prevents accidental pocket dials by requiring you to swipe the screen to open the phone.
• Pattern: Draw a continuous line connecting a specific pattern on a 3-by-3 grid of dots.
• PIN: A numeric code. Be sure to pick a sequence of numbers you can easily remember, but avoid obvious choices like 1234 or your birth year.
• Password: This offers the highest level of security. Your password must contain at least four characters, including at least one letter, though longer is always better. (For tips on creating a secure code, check out our guide on how to create a strong password).

Select whichever security method you prefer and follow the onscreen prompts to set it up.

Adding Samsung Biometrics

Once you have a backup PIN or password, you can turn on biometric features for faster unlocking. Go to Settings > Security and privacy > Biometrics (or Biometrics and security on some Galaxy devices) to set these up.

• Face recognition: Allows you to unlock your phone simply by looking at the front-facing camera.
• Fingerprints: Use the fingerprint sensor built into the display or the side button, depending on your Galaxy model.
• Note for older devices: If you are using an older device like a Galaxy S8 or S9, you may also see legacy options for an Iris Scanner or Intelligent Scan.

How to remove the lock screen on your Samsung phone

If you want to remove your security completely (which we don't recommend!):

1. Tap Settings > Lock Screen > Screen lock type.
2. Enter your current lock screen code.
3. Tap None. (Note: If you're using a company phone, your administrator may block this action using software like Samsung Knox™ Manage).

How to set a screen lock on your Google Pixel and other Androids

The steps for setting up or changing the screen lock on a Google Pixel or standard Android device are slightly different than Samsung, but just as simple.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Security & privacy > Device unlock > Screen lock.
3. If you already have a lock set up, enter your current code to proceed.
4. Choose your preferred security method:
   • Swipe: Removes device protection and just requires a swipe to open.
   • Pattern: Enter a custom drawn pattern, tap Next, draw it again to confirm, and tap Confirm.
   • PIN: Type a memorable numeric code, tap Next, enter it again, and tap Confirm.
   • Password: Enter a strong alphanumeric password, tap Next, confirm it, and tap Confirm.
5. Once your code is set, your phone will prompt you to choose how you want notifications displayed on your locked screen. Select your preference and tap Done.

How to remove the screen lock on your Android phone

To turn off your security requirements:

1. Tap Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Screen lock.
2. Enter your current lock screen code.
3. Select None or Swipe.
4. A warning will pop up letting you know this deletes your biometric data (like saved fingerprints) and device protection. Tap Delete to confirm.