Updated: 02/01/2021 by On an Android or iOS smartphone, there are many options for protecting
your device from unwanted use. Using the security options usually requires a password, code or passcode, pattern, or biometric input by the device's owner to unlock the device. If you want to stop using a passcode and remove these security precautions, select your type of mobile device from the list below and follow the steps. Note Biometric security methods, like Face ID or fingerprint scanners, generally require a passcode as an alternative method of unlocking your device. You cannot disable the passcode while keeping biometric security measures in place as the only option. To disable the passcode on an Apple iPhone or iPad, follow these steps. Android devices may be unlocked by swiping, drawing a pattern, entering a PIN, typing a full-length
password, or with biometrics, like fingerprint or facial recognition. For Android devices with biometric locking methods, follow these steps to disable them. For Android devices without biometric locking methods, follow these steps to disable them.Removing a passcode from an
iPhone or iPad
On earlier iPhone models with Touch ID, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.
On iOS devices without Face ID or Touch ID, go to Settings > Passcode.Removing
a passcode from an Android device
You can set up a screen lock to help secure your Android phone or tablet. Each time you turn on your device or wake up the screen, you’ll be asked to unlock your device, usually with a PIN, pattern, or password. On some devices, you can unlock with your fingerprint. Important:
- Some of these steps work only on Android 10 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
- Some of these steps require you to tap the screen.
- Call captioning only works on Pixel phones.
Set or change a screen lock
Important: To ensure your automatic and manual backups are encrypted with your screen lock, use a PIN, pattern, or a password. Learn how to back up or restore data on your phone.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Security.
- If you don’t find “Security,” go to your phone manufacturer’s support site for help.
- To pick
a kind of screen lock, tap Screen lock.
- If you’ve already set a lock, you’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password before you can pick a different lock.
- Tap the screen lock option you’d like to use. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Screen lock options
No lock
- None: Your phone stays unlocked. This gives no protection, but you can get to your Home screen quickly.
- Swipe: Swipe your finger across your screen. This gives no protection, but you can get to your Home screen quickly.
Standard locks
- Pattern: Draw a simple pattern with your finger.
- PIN: Enter 4 or more numbers. Longer PINs tend to be more secure.
- Password: Enter 4 or more letters or numbers. A strong password is the most secure screen lock option.
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No matter which Android phone you own, chances are a lock screen will be the first thing you see every time you power on your device. Whether you have to dismiss this screen with just a swipe or by entering a pattern, PIN or password or performing a fingerprint scan, it delays access to your apps by at least a few moments.
If you aren’t too worried about the privacy of your device and don’t want to waste precious seconds swiping or tapping at your screen every time you want to use it, then completely disabling the lock screen is just a few simple steps away.
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Most Android phones don't immediately require a lock screen on setup, so these steps are best used if you set one up and don't know how to get rid of it.
While we recommend that you do use a lock screen, if you value ease of use over security, just follow these steps.
1. Open Settings. You can find Settings in the app drawer or by tapping the cog icon in the bottom-right corner of the notification tray.
3.
Tap "Screen lock".
4. Select None. If you have an existing secure unlock (pattern, PIN, password or fingerprint scan), you’ll be prompted to enter it before you can disable the lock screen.
You have now removed your lock screen completely; when you power on your phone in the future, you will be immediately taken to whatever screen was active when you last used the device.
Keep in mind that if you previously were using a secure unlock method of some sort, anyone will now be able to access your device if they obtain it. You might want to consider installing Google Find My Device (opens in new tab) or a third-party security app that will allow you to track, lock, and (if necessary) erase the contents of your device should it be lost or stolen.
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A self-professed "wearer of wearables," Sean Riley is a Senior Writer for Laptop Mag who has been covering tech for more than a decade. He specializes in covering phones and, of course, wearable tech, but has also written about tablets, VR, laptops, and smart home devices, to name but a few. His articles have also appeared in Tom's Guide, TechTarget, Phandroid, and more.