Quick Answer
Set up Phone Hub (Better Together) first, then go to Settings > Security and privacy > Lock screen > Smart Lock and turn it on. As long as your Android phone is unlocked and within Bluetooth range, your Chromebook lock screen will show a Smart Lock icon that skips the password prompt.
How Smart Lock Works
Smart Lock checks whether your linked Android phone is nearby and unlocked whenever you open your Chromebook’s lid or wake it from sleep. If both conditions are met, you can sign in by clicking your account avatar instead of typing your password. If your phone is locked, out of Bluetooth range, or turned off, Smart Lock simply falls back to asking for your password as normal.
Fix Steps
Step 1: Link your phone with Phone Hub first
Smart Lock depends on the same Better Together connection used by Phone Hub. If you haven’t linked your phone yet, go to Settings > Connected devices > Set up and complete that pairing before continuing.
Step 2: Open Smart Lock settings
Go to Settings > Security and privacy > Lock screen, then find Smart Lock in the list. You may need to re-enter your password to access this section.
Step 3: Turn Smart Lock on
Toggle Smart Lock to on. Your Chromebook will confirm the connection to your phone and explain that it will check your phone’s lock state each time you sign in.
Step 4: Keep Bluetooth enabled on both devices
Smart Lock only works while Bluetooth stays on for both your phone and Chromebook. If you regularly turn Bluetooth off to save battery, Smart Lock won’t be able to detect your phone.
Step 5: Test it
Close your Chromebook’s lid or let it sleep, then wake it back up with your unlocked phone nearby. You should see a small phone icon next to your account, letting you click through without a password.
Still Not Working?
If Smart Lock never appears at the sign-in screen, confirm Bluetooth is on for both devices and that your phone is unlocked, not just showing its screen. If the connection keeps dropping, try unpairing and re-pairing Phone Hub from Settings > Connected devices, since a stale Bluetooth pairing is the most common cause.
FAQ
Is Smart Lock less secure than a password?
Smart Lock relies on your phone being both unlocked and in close Bluetooth range, which most people find an acceptable trade-off at home, though you can leave it off and use only a password if you prefer stricter security.
Does Smart Lock work if my phone is in another room?
No. Bluetooth range is limited to roughly the same room, so Smart Lock stops working once your phone is too far from the Chromebook, and the sign-in screen will ask for your password instead.
Can I use Smart Lock and a PIN at the same time?
Yes. Setting up a PIN as a backup sign-in method still works alongside Smart Lock, so you have a fast fallback whenever your phone isn’t available.
