How to Lock the Screen on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to protect your Android’s lock screen with a password, PIN, or pattern.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Locking the Screen

  1. Image titled Lock the Screen on Android Step 1
    1
    Press the power button. This is the most common way to lock a screen on Android phones and tablets.
  2. Image titled Lock the Screen on Android Step 2
    2
    Press the power button again to unlock the screen. You will be prompted to enter additional data to access the home screen.
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  3. Image titled Lock the Screen on Android Step 3
    3
    Enter your PIN, password, or pattern. Once the information is verified, you will see the home screen.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Setting up a Screen Lock

  1. Image titled Lock the Screen on Android Step 4
    1
    Open your Android’s Settings
    Android 7 Settings
    .     You’ll usually find it in the app drawer or in the notification bar.
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    2
    Scroll down and tap Security. It’s usually under the “Personal” header. If you don’t see it, look for a menu item called Lock Screen in the current menu.
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    3
    Tap Screen lock. It’s under the “Device security” header.
  4. Image titled Lock the Screen on Android Step 7
    4
    Select a lock method. If your Android’s screen is already protected by a password, pattern, or PIN, you’ll have to enter it now before you can select a new method.
    • Swipe: This allows you to unlock the screen simply by swiping it. This method does not actually provide any security.
    • Pattern: The screen will be protected by a pattern you draw with your finger.
    • PIN: A numeric PIN number will be required to unlock the screen.
    • Password: Lets you create a password with letters, numbers, and symbols to protect your screen.
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    5
    Follow the on-screen instructions to create a pattern, PIN, or Password. The steps vary by phone or tablet, but you’ll have to enter your desired code twice to confirm it. Once verified, your lock screen is ready to use.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I remove the PIN from my phone if I forgot it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can do a factory reset, but you will lose everything that is stored on the phone.
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Warnings

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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 51,185 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: January 4, 2018
Views: 51,185
Categories: Featured Articles | Android
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