How to set or change the screen lock on an Android phone

In short

On a Google Pixel, open Settings, Security and privacy, Device unlock, Screen lock. On a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings, Lock screen and AOD, Screen lock and biometrics. Enter any current lock, choose PIN, Password or Pattern and enter it twice. The PIN screen on our Pixel recommended six digits.

5 of 6 steps show a real screenshot from our Pixel 10a.

Steps

1. 1

   Open Settings and tap Security and privacy

   On our Pixel it is below About phone. If you cannot find it, search the settings for Screen lock.

   Done
   
2. 2

   Tap Device unlock

   Under Security, Device unlock shows the current lock; ours said Swipe, with a warning sign. The Set a screen lock card at the top leads to the same place.

   Done
   
3. 3

   Tap Screen lock

   The line under it shows the current type, Swipe on ours. If a PIN, pattern or password is already set, the phone asks for it first.

   Done
   
4. 4

   Choose the type

   Ours offered None, Swipe (marked Current screen lock), Pattern, PIN and Password. A PIN is four or more digits. A password is the most secure choice. A pattern is the easiest to watch over your shoulder.

   Done
   
5. 5

   Enter it twice

   Type the PIN, pattern or password, then type it again to confirm. Android blocks screenshots of this screen, so ours came out black. It read: PIN must be at least 4 digits, but a 6-digit PIN is recommended. We typed nothing and backed out.

   Done
6. 6

   Add a fingerprint or face

   Back on Device unlock, Fingerprint and Face are below Screen lock; ours said Add fingerprint and Add face. They make unlocking quick. The PIN stays as the fallback and is asked for after a restart.

   Done
   

If you do not see this option

• You have a Samsung Galaxy Open Settings, Lock screen and AOD, Screen lock and biometrics. On our Galaxy A57 with One UI 8.5 the same page also has Lock screen notifications.

  

• Your phone has other menu names Android Help gives Settings, Security as the general route and says to check the phone maker's support site if there is no Security entry. Source: Set screen lock on an Android device

If this does not work

• The PIN screen is black in a screenshot Don't worry, that is Android protecting the screen, not a fault on your phone; ours did the same.
• The phone asks for a lock you forgot You need the current lock to change it. Without it, the only way back in is to erase the phone; see the guide linked below.
• None or Swipe not on offer? That is not your phone being stubborn. A work profile or a school or company account can require a screen lock on the phone. Ask whoever manages that account; you can still change which PIN, pattern or password you use.

Good to know

None and Swipe give no protection at all. Anyone who picks up the phone can open it, whether they found it on a café table or took it from a coat pocket.

With a PIN of six or more digits you can switch on auto-confirm, so the phone unlocks without tapping Enter. Google notes that this is slightly less secure.

Pick something you will remember, because if you forget the lock, the only way back in is to erase the phone: forgot your Android PIN or pattern: how to get back in.

More protection against theft: how to turn on theft protection on Android.

Google says that to encrypt your phone's automatic and manual backups with your screen lock, the lock has to be a PIN, pattern or password. A password needs at least four letters or numbers.

About this guide

Device

Android

Shown on

Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005)

App

Settings

Real screenshots

5 of 6 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Sources

• Android Help: Set screen lock on an Android device

Links checked October 2026. Menus and features can change with updates.

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