12 Best Google Pixel Lock Screen Settings You Must Try

The lock screen on Google Pixel phones serves as more than just a security feature. It offers a range of functionalities, such as viewing notifications, identifying songs, checking the date and time, and even launching the camera. In this article, we will explore the best tips and settings to use and customize the lock screen on your Google Pixel phone.

Use Live Wallpaper on Lock Screen

Just like the home screen, you can set live wallpaper on your Pixel's lock screen. To change the lock screen wallpaper, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to Wallpaper & Style, then tap on Change Wallpaper.
3. Choose a wallpaper from the available collection. Tap on any wallpaper to preview it. If the wallpaper is yet to be downloaded, tap on the Download icon at the bottom.
4. Once downloaded, tap on the Lock screen button. Then, tap on the checkmark icon to apply the wallpaper.
5. A pop-up will appear. Select Lock screen from the options. If you want to use the same wallpaper for both the home screen and lock screen, tap on Home and lock screen.

Change Lock Screen Clock Style

Previously, Pixel users were stuck with a large clock on the lock screen. However, with newer updates, you can now switch to the regular clock style. Here's how:

1. Go to Settings > Display > Lock screen.
2. Turn off the toggle next to Double-line clock.

Add Lock Screen Message

Android phones, including Google Pixel phones, allow you to add a custom text message on the lock screen. This can be useful for displaying contact information or emergency contacts, or simply for fun with friends. To add a lock screen message:

1. Go to Settings > Display > Lock screen.
2. Tap on Add text on the lock screen and type your custom message.

Show or Hide Notifications on Lock Screen

Whether you prefer to view notifications on the lock screen or want to maintain privacy, Pixel offers both options. Here's how to set the privacy for notifications:

1. Go to Settings > Display > Lock screen.
2. Tap on Privacy and choose the desired option.

Wake Screen for New Notifications

If you prefer to receive notifications on the lock screen, you can set your screen to wake up when new notifications arrive. To enable this feature:

Go to Settings > Display > Lock screen. Enable the toggle next to Wake screen for notifications.

Enable or Disable Lock Screen Shortcuts

Pixel phones offer shortcuts for smart home device controls and wallet on the lock screen. You can enable or disable them by going to Settings > Display > Lock screen. Turn on or off the toggles next to Show wallet and Show device controls.

(Note: Check out the best tips to customize Android 12.)

Launch Camera on Lock Screen

Although Android 12+ does not provide a camera shortcut on the lock screen, you can still launch the Camera by pressing the Power button twice. If this method does not work, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Gestures.
2. Tap on the Quickly open camera option and enable the toggle for Quickly open camera on the next screen.

Show Songs Playing Nearby

Google Pixel phones come with a feature that recognizes sounds playing nearby and displays the song and artist name on the lock screen, similar to Shazam. To enable this feature, open Settings > Display > Lock Screen > Now playing. Enable the toggle for Identify songs playing nearby.

View Lock Screen by Tapping or Lifting Phone

You can quickly view the time, notifications, and other information on your lock screen by either tapping the screen or lifting the phone. To enable or disable these features:

Go to Settings > Display > Lock screen. Tap on Tap to check phone or Lift to check phone and turn them on or off based on your preference.

Enable Always-on Display

With the Always-on display feature, you can have the date and time, weather, and notification icons always visible on your Pixel's screen, even when you're not using it. To enable it:

Go to Settings > Display > Lock screen. Turn on the toggle for Always show time and info.

(Note: On Pixel 4 phones, tap on the Idle lock screen and turn it on.)

Change Lock Screen Time

To adjust the automatic lock time on your Pixel's screen, go to Settings > Display > Screen timeout. Select the desired timeout time.

Turn off the Lock Screen

If you prefer not to use a lock screen on your Pixel phone, you can turn it off. However, please note that turning off the lock screen will disable all forms of lock screen security, such as PIN, pattern, fingerprint, etc.

1. Go to Settings > Security > Screen Lock.
2. Enter your existing passcode or pattern, then choose None.

Protect Your Phone

In addition to using a lock screen, it is essential to enable and utilize other privacy settings on your Pixel phone. You can also switch to privacy-focused browsers and learn how to hide apps on an Android phone.

By following these tips and settings, you can make the most of your Google Pixel's lock screen features and customize them to suit your preferences. Explore the options and enhance your user experience with these handy settings.