Are you having problems with the Smart Lock smart unlock system on your Android phone? The latter refuses to recognize the trusted locations that you have previously defined? Here are five solutions to overcome the main problems encountered on Smart Lock..
Put an end to problems linked to trusted places
The Smart Lock tool was launched in 2014 when Android 5 Lollipop was launched. This device was developed to help smartphone owners secure access to their device while avoiding having to enter a PIN code or place their finger on the fingerprint sensor of their phone.
In general, the use of Smart Lock does not pose any difficulty but nevertheless requires a specific configuration. In this link you will find all the information you need to activate Smart Lock on your Android phone..
In real conditions, this safety device proves to be very effective. Most of the features included in this tool meet the needs of users. This is the case, for example, with the position detection system or the option of verified Bluetooth devices that work perfectly well, regardless of the mode of use.
Activate GPS
The problems focus mainly on the Verified places function. Indeed, some people complain that they cannot automatically unlock their phones when they are in so-called secure places such as their accommodation or their office. This is all the more annoying as it is certainly the most practical function of Smart Lock..
Before embarking on a complete reinstallation of Smart Lock, first check whether the Location function of your smartphone is activated.
- Open your phone settings
- Click on Security and location
- Select the Location option found in the Confidentiality section
- Activate the switch at the top of the window
- Check the High precision box in the location mode section
To verify that the GPS function on your smartphone is working properly, open Google Maps and tap the white target icon in the lower right corner. The blue dot on the map should show your exact location. If there is a problem, please refer to this article: Troubleshoot GPS signal issues.
Re-register your addresses as a secure location
As we have just seen, Smart Lock allows you to define a specific location such as the office or the house in which your phone will remain permanently unlocked. This setting must be made by the user with the greatest care.
The Place of Trust function has a margin of error of approximately 50 meters. In the event of a problem, the simplest solution is to re-register each previously defined location. It may sound absurd, but it works in most cases.
- Open your smartphone settings
- Click on the Security section then on the Smart Lock button
- Select the Trusted places or Verified places option
- Tap the row for the location that is not working properly
- Select the Edit option
- Zoom to the maximum on the map
- Move the pin very slightly on the map trying to be as precise as possible
- Press the Update button
This change will force the Smart Lock tool to update the address of your trusted place. Take a test to see if it works. In general, try to put the pin near the place of your home.
Delete your browsing history
Android regularly archives your GPS positions. This location data can interfere with trusted places. To avoid this type of mishap, the best solution is to delete the browsing history.
- Go to your smartphone settings
- Click on Google then on Location
- Select the Location history option
- Tap the Manage History link
- This will open Google Maps
- Scroll down the window and click the Delete all location history button.
The Smart Lock tool is based on a key element of Android, namely the Google Play Services system. This application must have the possibility of accessing the GPS position of your smartphone for Smart Lock to function correctly and in particular the function of trusted locations.
- Open your device settings
- Click on Applications then on Display applications or on All applications
- Tap Google Play Services
- Select the Permissions option
- Make sure the Position switch is on