Security

How-To Enable Pattern Lock Security On Your Android Device

Groovy Android Security Tips

A small measure of security can go a long way to keep people off your phone and away from your personal information.  On nearly all droid devices there is a pattern lock feature that can be enabled, much like the password protected welcome screen on the iPhone.  What groovy geek would let their device go without security?  Let’s jump right into the how-to.

Note that all of the screenshots for this how-to were taken using a Samsung Galaxy S (Sprint Epic 4g).  Actual setting locations may vary depending on your device.

Step 1

Press the Menu button.*  On my Samsung Galaxy the button is on the bottom-left of the phone just below the touch screen. 

*Your device may not have this button, in which case just leave a comment below if you have trouble finding settings.

samsung galaxy epic 4g android menu button

Step 2

Tap the Settings button to access your settings.*

*Settings can also be accessed from your App Drawer. (Application list)

android settings samsung galaxy

Step 3

Tap Location & security.

location and security menu android

Step 4

Tap Set unlock pattern.

enable unlock pattern android

Step 5

Draw the secret “connect-the-dots pattern that you would like to use for unlocking your phone.

You can draw a pattern as simple or as complicated as you like.  Think of it as a password to log in to your phone.

You’ll be asked to draw it twice to confirm. 

set pattern password android

Done!

Now whenever you phone “sleeps” or the screen turns off it will lock up.  But instead of just sliding an icon a certain direction, you’ll be required to draw the exact pattern you did earlier.

require patter to open android

If at some point you forget what the pattern password is, you can use one of your synced accounts to regain access to your device.  The “Forgot Pattern?” button will appear after several failed attempts at entering the correct pattern.

forgot pattern button on android

If you have your device connected to your Google account it will allow you to regain access by entering your account credentials.  Groovy.

unlock account using google when you forget your password

Conclusion

Regardless what Type of device you are using, it is ALWAYS a good idea to keep your personal information safe behind a lock.  Take a note that this isn’t a “Full-proof” protection method, someone may still be able to access your data by connecting it to a computer.  However, a pattern lock provides a great first line of defense that will keep your data safe from any “average joe” who might “find” your device if you happen to lose it.

7 Comments

7 Comments

  1. Vadim

    September 2, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    I’m waiting for the bio-metrics screen lock! All these things have cameras so why not hold it up to your eye and do an iris scan? Or voice scan? Or thumb print scan! Now that would be groovy!

  2. chewbie

    September 2, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    the pattern has come under criticism lately for being easily guessable by looking at the finger marks on one’s phone – then again I’ve been using it since the first days of Android, on my G1 – it’s way better than unlocking your phone with a predefine swipe and if you set up an unlock pattern that’s not too hard to do, it’s unobtrusive and safe

    • TimO2020

      September 2, 2010 at 4:27 pm

      Exactly. Its all about layered security. Plus if you use the phone a lot my guess is there will be plenty of smudge marks all over the phone anyway.

  3. danny

    September 9, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    awesome

  4. Fitim

    December 8, 2010 at 11:35 am

    My Samsung I5800 is show in scren “to unlock, sign in with your google account”. how can I remove this. I have not created any accaunt in google ?
    please help me :)

  5. ti

    April 26, 2011 at 7:32 am

    i lock with pattern but i forgot the pattern and when i click on Forgot Pattern button it suggested me to type the goole account, butt unfortunatly I forget it too .how can I do for.?

    • grooveDexter

      April 26, 2011 at 8:28 am

      If you forgot your pattern, and Google account… You might have to do a factory reset. This won’t delete photos, but it will clear off all of your apps.

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