Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Tired of using a password to unlock your Chromebook? Try your Android instead!

By

Toshiba Chromebook 2 keyboard corner
Image used with permission by copyright holder
They may not share a name, like Microsoft’s soon-to-be Windows 10 for PCs and mobiles, but Android and Chrome OS are really two peas in a pod. Google has been going the extra mile lately to transfer every bit of functionality from the popular former to the fledgling latter, bringing among others always-on “Ok Google” voice commands to Chromebooks.

Also, a neat little feature called Smart Lock. Introduced in the desktop operating system’s Dev channel way back in April 2014 under the alternative moniker Easy Unlock, this is ready for primetime at last. It’s therefore enabled in version 40.0.2214.93 of the Stable channel, and the setup efforts are minimal.

Recommended Videos

The catch however is it’s only supported by a very small fraction of in-use Android smartphones. Specifically, those running the newest system iteration, numbered 5.0 and dubbed Lollipop. There’s also no tablet compatibility offered whatsoever.

What does Smart Lock do exactly? As the name suggests, it provides a smart, safe, intuitive alternative to the traditional password normally used to secure Chromebooks.

By synching your Chrome OS laptop to a nearby Android handheld via Bluetooth, you activate the “smart lock,” and can then sign in to or unlock your Chromebook by simply keeping the phone around. Which, in turn, needs to be unlocked, of course.

Here’s the link to the straightforward step-by-step guide to turning the function on and off, and if it feels the execution lacks a bit of polish, it’s because it does. But it barely moved out of beta, so both Smart Lock’s device support and capabilities should grow with future Stable channel Chrome OS updates.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Adrian Diaconescu
Adrian Diaconescu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Adrian is a mobile aficionado since the days of the Nokia 3310, and a PC enthusiast since Windows 98. Later, he discovered…
Chromebook vs laptop: Which are the differences?
A person using an Acer Chromebook 14.

Many people consider Chromebooks to be the sleeker, quicker, and even simpler cousin of the traditional laptop. Unlike a Mac or Windows system, a Chromebook mostly relies heavily on the internet for everyday tasks.

Since they’re also typically less expensive, you might be wondering how a Chromebook compares to a regular laptop, including the best laptops around. What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop? Are Chromebooks a waste of money or an affordable diamond in the rough? Let's find out.
What is a Chromebook?

Read more
How to update Chromebooks and Chrome OS
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 11.6, Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD, Chrome OS, Platinum Titan.

If you have one of the best Chromebooks and it works properly, chances are it is properly updated. Why? When Chromebooks get internet access they update automatically on a regular basis. However, if you're facing common Chromebook problems, you'll know that making a manual check to get your Chromebook updated is useful. Also, just because technology says it will do something, it doesn't always mean it will. Here's how to update your Chromebook in case it doesn't do so automatically.

Read more
How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook
A woman uses the trackpad of the HP 14-inch 2-in-1 touch laptop.

Taking a screenshot on your PC can be incredibly useful. Whether you need to remember some info from a certain website, or you need to get a screen grab of your bank accounts, your desktop or laptop, be it Windows or macOS, can take a screenshot using just a few keyboard shortcuts. That’s all well and good, but what about the many Chromebook users the world over?

Read more