How to set a screen lock on my device? (Android 9, Android 10, Android 11 or Android 12)

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

NOTE: For Android 10 and later products, the Lock screen & security setting has been changed to Security.

How to set up and use a screen lock pattern on your Xperia

To set up a screen lock pattern

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock → Pattern.
2. Draw a screen lock pattern, then tap NEXT.
3. Re-draw the pattern, then tap CONFIRM.
4. Select an option for how you want notifications to be shown, then tap DONE.

To change a screen lock pattern

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock.
2. Draw your screen lock pattern.
3. Tap Pattern.
4. Draw a new screen lock pattern, then tap NEXT.
5. Re-draw the pattern, then tap CONFIRM.

To unlock your device using a screen lock pattern

1. Activate the screen.
2. Draw your screen lock pattern.

To remove up a screen lock pattern

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock.
2. Draw your screen lock pattern.
3. Tap None → YES, REMOVE.

How to set up and use a screen lock PIN

To set up a screen lock PIN

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock → PIN.
2. Enter a screen lock PIN (at least 4 digits), then tap NEXT.
3. Re-enter the PIN, then tap CONFIRM.
4. Select an option for how you want notifications to be shown, then tap DONE.

To change a screen lock PIN

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock.
2. Enter your screen lock PIN, then tap the next icon (arrow).
3. Tap PIN.
4. Enter a new screen lock PIN (at least 4 digits), then tap NEXT.
5. Re-enter the PIN, then tap CONFIRM.

To unlock your device using a screen lock PIN

1. Activate the screen.
2. Enter your screen lock PIN.

To remove up a screen lock PIN

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock.
2. Enter your screen lock PIN, then tap the next icon (arrow).
3. ​Tap None → YES, REMOVE.

How to set up and use a screen lock password

To set up a screen lock password

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock → Password.
2. Enter a screen lock password (at least 4 characters), then tap NEXT.
3. Re-enter the password, then tap CONFIRM.
4. Select an option for how you want notifications to be shown, then tap DONE.

To change a screen lock password

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Screen lock.
2. Enter your screen lock password, then tap the next icon (arrow).
3. Tap Password.
4. Enter a new screen lock password (at least 4 characters), then tap NEXT.
5. Re-enter the password, then tap CONFIRM.

To unlock your device using a screen lock password

1. Activate the screen.
2. Enter your screen lock password, then tap the on-screen keyboard Enter key.

To remove up a screen lock password

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security > Screen lock.
2. Enter your screen lock password, then tap the next icon (arrow).
3. ​Tap None → YES, REMOVE.

How to set up and use a fingerprint to unlock your Xperia

If you have set up a screen lock pattern, PIN or password you can activate fingerprint unlocking. If you haven't, you will be requested to set up a pattern, PIN or password as a backup screen lock method before you can activate fingerprint unlocking.

To activate fingerprint unlocking (with a backup screen lock method)

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Fingerprint Manager → NEXT.
2. Draw your screen lock pattern, or, enter your PIN or password and then tap the next icon (arrow).
3. Tap NEXT.
4. Touch the fingerprint sensor lightly with a finger. Lift it after you feel a vibration. Repeat touching the sensor until the fingerprint is added.
5. Tap DONE.

To activate fingerprint unlocking (without a backup screen lock method)

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Fingerprint Manager → NEXT.
2. Choose your backup screen lock method by tapping Fingerprint + Pattern, Fingerprint + PIN, or Fingerprint + Password. 
3. Depending on your choice in step 2, draw a pattern or enter a PIN or password, then tap NEXT.
4. Re-draw the pattern, or, re-enter the PIN or password, then tap CONFIRM.
5. Select an option for how you want notifications to be shown, then tap DONE.
6. Tap NEXT.
7. Touch the fingerprint sensor lightly with a finger. Lift it after you feel a vibration. Repeat touching the sensor until the fingerprint is added.
8. Tap DONE.

To unlock your device using a screen lock password

Touch the fingerprint sensor lightly with your finger until your device unlocks.

To add another fingerprint for unlocking

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Fingerprint Manager.
2. Draw your screen lock pattern, or, enter your PIN or password and then tap the next icon (arrow).
3. Tap Add fingerprint.
4. Tap the fingerprint sensor lightly and multiple times with a finger. Lift it after you feel a vibration.
5. When the fingerprint is added, tap DONE.

To delete a fingerprint for unlocking

1. Find and tap Settings → Lock screen & security → Fingerprint Manager.
2. Draw your screen lock pattern or enter your PIN or password, then tap the next icon (arrow).
3. Tap the wastepaper basket icon beside the fingerprint you want to delete.
4. Tap DELETE.