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User guide
Security
Locks, passwords, and protecting your data
There are several types of locks, PINs, and security features that you can use to help protect the data on your device.
If you use your device for work, your organization might have security rules in place. The organization might require you to
enter a password to unlock your device or might prevent you from using the Smart Lock feature.
Screen lock
A screen lock helps prevent someone else from unlocking your device and accessing your data. When you set up a screen
lock, you set whether the screen lock must be entered to turn on the device.
Some security features, such as Smart Lock, require that you set up a screen lock before you can set up the feature.
There are several types of screen locks to choose from. Each type is designed to provide a different level of security.
• Password: A secure password can contain letters, numbers, and symbols. A password is designed to be a strong screen
lock that is difficult for someone else to figure out.
• PIN: A PIN must contain a minimum of four numbers. The more numbers there are in your PIN, the more secure your
screen lock.
• Pattern: A pattern is a continuous line that connects four or more dots on a grid. You trace your pattern to unlock your
device.
• Swipe: A swipe gesture can unlock your device.
Smart Lock
The Smart Lock feature lets you set up your device to remain unlocked when it's connected to a trusted Bluetooth enabled
device or NFC-enabled device, when it recognizes your face or voice, or when you are carrying it in your hand, pocket, or
bag. The Smart Lock feature also allows your device to remain unlocked when it's in a familiar location, such as your home
or workplace.
The Smart Lock feature is a convenient way to access the data on your device, but it doesn't confirm that the device owner
is the person using the device.
You must have a screen lock set before you can set up the Smart Lock feature.
Data encryption
By default, data on your device, including your account information, apps, music, pictures, and other downloaded files, is
stored in a format that can be read only when your device decrypts the data. If you set up a screen lock and require that it
must be entered to turn on your device, your password, PIN, or pattern is used to generate a new encryption key to decrypt
your data.
Security
