Fixing the Missing Smart Lock Feature on Android 14

• Smart Lock missing on Android 14? It’s now called Extend Unlock. Check Security settings for the renamed feature.
• Try deleting Settings app cache and data to force a refresh if Smart Lock still missing.
• Last resort is wiping all app data for Google Play Services to reset Smart Lock and other Google features.

The launch of Android 14 introduced exciting new capabilities like customizable lock screens, smarter notifications, and more intuitive gestures. However, some users have reported a frustrating omission – the disappearance of the handy Smart Lock feature. This tool allows you to keep your device unlocked when you’re in a trusted location, with a linked device, or when it recognizes you’re carrying it. So understandably, its absence has caused headaches for many.

But don’t despair, Android fans. In this post, we’ll walk through proven troubleshooting steps to restore this time-saving capability. We’ll explore system tweaks, app settings, workarounds, and more. By the end, your Android 14 device will reclaim the intelligent convenience Smart Lock provides.

Unlock your phone’s full potential and say goodbye to constantly entering your passcode. Join us as we dig into Android 14’s inner workings to vanquish this annoying bug. With a few simple fixes, you can once again enjoy seamless access and tighter security with the return of Smart Lock. Let’s unlock the path to maximum productivity and convenience!

Restoring Smart Lock on Android 14

The Smart Lock feature has mysteriously vanished after some users upgraded to Android 14. This handy tool automatically keeps your phone unlocked when certain conditions are met, like being in a trusted location or connected to a linked device. If you can no longer find Smart Lock, don’t worry. There are a few straightforward troubleshooting steps to bring it back.

Solution 1: Smart Lock is Now Called “Extend Unlock”

If you can’t find Smart Lock after updating to Android 14, it’s because the feature has been renamed. Google changed it to “Extend Unlock” in the latest OS version.

To locate it with the new name, go to:

Settings > Security & Privacy > More Security Settings > Extend Unlock

Tap through to see if the familiar Smart Lock options are there, like keeping your device unlocked at home or when connected to trusted devices.

If Extend Unlock is missing entirely or doesn’t have the expected Smart Lock settings, try the next troubleshooting fixes. But in most cases, Google simply changed the name which is why it seems to have disappeared.

Renaming existing features often confuses users after a major Android update. But rest assured Smart Lock is still present, now called Extend Unlock. Toggle it on to keep your phone unlocked when safe conditions are met.

Soution 2: Delete Settings Cache

Another potential fix is to clear the temporary data stored for the Settings app. Over time, corrupt or outdated cache files can cause problems like Smart Lock disappearing. Here are the steps to delete the Settings cache on Android 14:

1. Open your Apps list in Settings and select “See All Apps.”
2. Locate and tap on the Settings app listing.
3. Choose “Storage & Cache” on the next screen.
4. Select “Delete Cache” to clear stored temporary data for Settings.
5. Restart your device and check if Smart Lock has returned in the Security section.

Deleting the app cache forces the Settings menu to reload fresh data, which may resolve the issue. It’s a quick and easy trick to try if simply toggling Smart Lock off and on doesn’t bring it back. Remove any potential conflicts by wiping the Settings cache.

Solution 3: Delete Settings Data

If clearing the cache didn’t restore Smart Lock, the next troubleshooting step is deleting the Settings app data. This erases all stored data and resets the app back to default. Follow these steps:

1. Open your Apps list in Settings and select “See All Apps.”
2. Locate and tap on the Settings app.
3. Choose “Storage & Cache” > “Delete Data” on the next screen.
4. Confirm by tapping “Delete” on the pop-up prompt.
5. Restart your device when finished and check if Smart Lock is now available in Security.

Deleting app data forces Settings to start fresh, which can fix problems like Smart Lock going missing after an Android 14 update. It wipes all customizations and login details though, so you’ll have to redo certain settings. But it’s worthwhile to attempt if the feature is still not appearing. Erase Settings data as a last resort troubleshooting step.

Solution 4: Delete Google Play Services Data

The last resort is deleting all data for Google Play Services, the background system app that handles Smart Lock and other Google features. Here are the steps:

1. Open your Apps list in Settings and select “See All Apps.”
2. Locate and tap on Google Play Services.
3. Choose “Storage & Cache” > “Manage Space” on the next screen.
4. Select “Clear All Data” on the bottom.
5. Restart your device after it completes and see if Smart Lock is now working in Security.

Deleting Play Services data resets all connected Google apps and services on your device. It’s a last ditch troubleshooting step that often resolves persistent issues. Backup any important data first. Then wipe Google Play Services and reboot. With any luck, this nuclear option will force Smart Lock to reappear on your Android 14 phone or tablet.

Conclusion

Don’t let a buggy Android 14 update derail your productivity. With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can restore the convenient Smart Lock feature that mysteriously disappeared. Toggling the Extend Unlock setting, clearing app cache and data, and resetting Google Play Services should get Smart Lock back up and running.

Regain seamless access to your apps and info without constantly entering your passcode. Keep your device unlocked in trusted locations or when linked to safe devices. Smart Lock offers intelligent convenience that makes Android a joy to use. A small software glitch won’t stop you from unlocking its full potential.

Hopefully these proven fixes provide a straightforward path to vanquish this annoying issue. Let us know if you have any other questions and we’ll help get Smart Lock functioning flawlessly again on your Android 14 device.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Modifying device settings may void your warranty or cause data loss or other issues. Proceed with caution and at your own risk when applying these troubleshooting techniques to restore Smart Lock on your Android 14 device. We are not responsible for any potential damage or problems that may occur. Consult official support channels if you have concerns.