While that may seem like a great way to go about doing it, the lockout proved to be frustrating if you just wanted to turn on some lights really quickly. Until this new OS version, you weren’t able to control your Google Home devices without getting past your Google Pixel lock screen. The Google Home control shortcut was also accompanied by a new Quick Settings tile that brings you to pre-determined device controls that you set up. It meant you could immediately access your Home controls without having to open the app and scroll through what could be tens of devices.
In itself – even with the feature locked out – the Google Home shortcut was a fantastic new addition to the Pixel’s lock screen. Initially, the Google Home shortcut was introduced in Android 12. This might come as an easier option for some since it requires no interaction with the phone at all. There’s no longer a need to enter your fingerprint.Īlternatively, you can also ask Google Assistant to turn on certain lights and devices from the lock screen. That’s it! Now you can turn on lights, start your smart vacuum, and even change the temperature right from your lock screen. On your Google Pixel, head to Settings by swiping down twice and tapping the settings cog.
Here’s how to allow the Pixel to control devices right from the lock screen. Even with that being the case, this ranks up there as one of the easiest settings to turn on for the Pixel.
This feature isn’t turned on by default, and it seems pretty hidden in the settings. To change how your Pixel goes about controlling your devices, you need to change a toggle in the settings. Android 13 has introduced an improvement to Android 12 that allows you to control Google Home devices from the Pixel lock screen shortcut without unlocking your phone.