How to Fix Smart Lock issue After Update to Android 10?

Google has released its much-awaited and most popular Android OS version called Android 10 in September 2019. It’s the 10th iteration of Android OS that brings plenty of system improvements, new features, and more. However, one of the most important and useful features has been ditched by Google with the Android 10 update. The Android 9.0 Pie or previous generation users prefer the Android Smart Lock feature which is now missing. Check out How to Fix Smart Lock issue After Update to Android 10.

Google’s Smart Lock option allows you to unlock your device screen lock until the system/device detects that it’s on your hand. It features On-Body Detection, Trusted Places, Trusted Face, Trusted Voice, Trusted Devices, Chromebook Smart Lock, Save Passwords with Smart Lock, etc. While the Trusted Face works similar to the Face Unlock feature and the Trusted Voice works like voice assistants. But after upgrading to Android 10, all the device models and users have been affected.

How to Fix Smart Lock issue After Update to Android 10?

If you’re one of the Android 10 users and feeling that the Smart Lock feature was quite useful. You can try out some of the possible workarounds to get back or fix the Smart Lock completely. However, we do not guarantee that these solutions will work for your device or not. Most importantly, Google has ditched the Smart Lock feature completely from the Android 10 system. So, plenty of users may not see any Smart Lock option in the Settings menu.

1. Turn on GPS:

Make sure that the GPS is enabled on your Android 10 handset. So, the accurate and stable GPS tracking and navigation will be helpful for you to use Trusted Places within 50 meters which is quite good. Just go to the device Settings > Location > Location Method > Set it to High Accuracy option.

2. Update Location Status:

It’s quite necessary to update your preferred location status on your device via the Google Maps application. Open Maps > Tap on Compass icon > Allow permissions > the GPS navigation system will detect your current or accurate location. Once done, you will see a blue dot in the Google Maps which is locating your current position.

3. Clear Location History to Fix Smart Lock issue Android 10

If you’ve used more than one Android device on the same Google account or using multiple Android phones with the same Google ID, then you will need to remove all those device location history from the Location services. Just leave your primary or current device under the Location History option for better user experience. To do this, go to the device Settings > Location > Google Location History > Advanced > do it accordingly.

4. Remove Other Google Accounts

It’s quite necessary and possible that you’re using multiple Google accounts on your smartphone. So, if you’re facing issues with the Smart Lock feature or Trust Places option, then you will need to remove other Google Account from your phone except for the primary one.

Head over to the device Settings > Accounts > Tap and select any secondary Google account > Tap on Remove Account > Confirm it.

5. Give Location Permission to Google Play Services

For an Android device, Google Play Services and Android WebView System are one of the most important apps to run the handset properly. So, make sure that both these apps are updated to its latest version and you will require to give the location permission to Google Play Services.

Head over to the device Settings > Apps & notifications > Select All Apps > Scroll down and select Google Play Services > Tap on Permissions > Turn on the Location toggle.

6. Allow Modifying System Settings to Fix Smart Lock issue Android 10

You will need to allow modifying system settings for the Google Play Services app to run the smart lock feature properly. In order to do this, go to the phone Settings > search for “Modify System Settings” > Select the first search result > Select Google Play Services > Turn on the Allow modifying system settings toggle.

7. Turn off the Battery Optimization for Google Play Services

Some times, the battery optimization mode can also work as a doze mode to save the battery juice and it simply disables all the background activities including internet connection and location services, if required. So, make sure that the battery optimization mode isn’t enabled under Google Play Services.

Head over to the device Settings > Search for the Battery Optimization by typing on the search bar > Select the first search result > Scroll down a bit and select Google Play Services > Set it to Not optimized. Alternatively, you can go to the Settings > Apps & notifications > All Apps > Search for Google Play Services > Battery Optimization > Choose Not optimized.

8. Clear Cache & Data of Google Play Services

Mostly, the unnecessary cache and temporary files can be stored on the system or Google Play Services app that needs to be deleted to run the system properly. Go to the device Settings > Apps & notifications > All Apps > Scroll down and tap on Google Play Services > Choose Storage > Tap on Clear Storage > Similarly, tap on Clear Cache.

Once done, make sure to reboot your handset and check whether the Smart Lock feature is working or not.

That’s it, guys. We hope you’ve found this troubleshooting guide useful. If you’ve any queries, let us know in the comments below.