You May Soon Unlock Your Phone Using Your Galaxy Watch

Google is steadily tightening the integration between Android smartphones and Wear OS smartwatches. An upcoming security feature could now make life significantly more convenient for Galaxy Watch users. Recent developments suggest you’ll be able to unlock your paired Android phone using your watch. You won’t require a PIN, password, or biometric scan — and it works even when you’re outside your usual trusted locations.

Galaxy Watch users may be able to unlock their phones without a PIN or biometrics

This potential upgrade stems from improvements in Google Play Services beta version 25.29.31. In this update, the “Identity Check” feature appears to recognize connected Wear OS smartwatches as trusted proximity devices. First introduced with Android 15, this feature aims to safeguard devices against theft and unauthorized access, particularly in unfamiliar locations. It automatically kicks in when your phone is outside your predefined safe zones, such as your home or workplace.

Now, Google seems to be expanding the feature’s capabilities. If your Galaxy Watch is connected, unlocked, and near your smartphone, it may soon act as a signal that it’s safe to bypass your phone’s usual lock screen protections — even in places your phone wouldn’t normally trust. Right now, Android users have to manually enter a PIN or scan their fingerprint if they’re outside their trusted locations, even if their smartwatch is securely paired and nearby.

With this new update, the presence of your unlocked Galaxy Watch could essentially act like a physical security token, allowing you to unlock your phone quickly and securely on the go. Unfortunately, there’s no official word on when this feature will roll out. Folks over at Android Authority discovered the upgraded version of Identity Check in the latest Google Play Services beta, so it’s likely still in testing. We will let you know when we have more information.