Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Screen Lock Settings Guide

The new Samsung Galaxy Note 4 only has 5 screen locks to choose from: Swipe, Pattern, PIN, Password, and Fingerprint. Obviously, the company didn't include the Face Unlock feature, which is also absent in the Galaxy S5. No one outside Samsung knows why it was removed but it is obvious that the company is promoting the Fingerprint scanner, which is a better way to secure the phone using biometrics.

This post will guide you through setting up the screen lock on your Samsung Galaxy Note 4. It is a very easy procedure but since we are all newbies, I find it necessary to write this simple guide.

Accessing Screen Lock Settings

1. From the Home screen, tap the Apps icon.
2. Find and tap Settings.
3. Scroll to QUICK SETTINGS section and then tap Lock screen.
4. Tap Screen lock.
5. Now choose which screen lock you want to use on your phone.

Swipe Screen Lock

It is the easiest, most convenient but less secure screen lock as anyone can just swipe the screen to unlock the phone.

1. Tap Swipe if you want to use it.
2. Every time you unlock your phone, you will be prompted to swipe the screen.

Pattern Screen Lock

You need to draw a patter by connecting the dots on the screen. It is a good security measure but can easily be cracked if someone sees the pattern at a glance.

1. Tap Pattern if you want to use it.
2. Now draw the unlock pattern by connecting the dots on the screen. 
3. The phone will prompt 'Pattern recorded' once you finished drawing the pattern.
4. Tap Continue.
5. You will then be prompted to draw the pattern again. 
6. The phone will then present to you  'Your new unlock pattern'.
7. Tap Confirm to continue.
8. As a fail-safe, you will be required to setup your backup PIN in case you forgot the pattern. So, enter a 4-digit number you can easily memorize.
9. Tap Continue.
10. Confirm your backup PIN by entering the numbers once again and then tap OK.

If you want to change the pattern, just repeat the steps and enter your new pattern.

PIN Screen Lock

If you want to use it, you need to have a 4-digit number that only knows about. Every time you unlock the screen, you will be prompted to enter it.

1. Tap PIN.
2. Enter the 4-digit number you want to use as you PIN.
3. Tap Continue.
4. Now enter the numbers again to confirm.
5. Tap OK.

To change your PIN, just repeat the process.

Password Screen Lock

This is the most common security measure. There is no limit as to how many characters you want to use but it must be at least 4 characters and includes, at least, 1 letter.

1. Tap Password.
2. Now enter numbers and/or letters you want to use as your password.
3. Tap Continue.
4. Enter the combination again to confirm.
5. Tap OK.

If you want to change your password, repeat the steps and enter a different password.

Fingerprint Screen Lock

The fingerprint scanner is new in mobile world so people are actually excited to secure their phones using their biometrics. To setup fingerprint screen lock on your Note 4, follow these steps:

1. Tap Fingerprint.
2. The Disclaimer pops up. Read it if you want and hit OK.
3. You will see instructions on the screen on how to capture your fingerprint. You will be prompted to swipe your finger several times.
4. Tap OK to continue.
5. As a backup, you will be required to setup your password in case the fingerprint scanner wouldn't work.
6. Enter your nominated password and tap continue.
7. Re-enter your password to confirm and then hit OK.

Removing All Screen Locks

To make it even easier and faster for you to use your phone, you can remove all screen locks on your phone. Just follow these steps:

1. From the Home screen, tap the Apps icon.
2. Find and tap Settings.
3. Scroll to QUICK SETTINGS section and then tap Lock screen.
4. Tap Screen lock.
5. Tap None.

Conclusion

Sometimes when you're in a hurry in using your phone, you wish you never setup a screen lock. However, don't take any chances. It would always be an advantage if you setup a screen lock to protect your investment and privacy in case you lose your phone. If you have issues or problems with your Android phone, don't hesitate to email me at harold@droidista.com.