The lock screen on your Android smartphone is designed to provide immediate access to essential tools without requiring you to enter your PIN, pattern, or biometric unlock. By default, Android traditionally locked the lower-left and lower-right corners of the lock screen to Phone and Camera shortcuts. However, in Android 14 and Android 15, Google introduced full customisation for lock screen shortcuts, allowing you to replace unused defaults with high-frequency everyday utilities like the torch, Google Wallet, QR code scanner, or Do Not Disturb switch.
Available Shortcut Actions on Modern Android
You can populate the left and right corner buttons with a diverse range of rapid actions:
- Flashlight: Instantly toggles the rear camera LED torch without pulling down the notification shade.
- Google Wallet: Immediately displays your contactless payment credit cards, loyalty passes, and transit tickets.
- QR Code Scanner: Launches the camera sensor in dedicated macro barcode scanning mode for restaurant menus and Wi-Fi codes.
- Do Not Disturb: Toggles quiet mode on or off with a quick touch-and-hold gesture.
- Camera: Fast-launches the photo viewfinder, ready to capture unexpected moments.
- Mute: Switches the ringer between audible chime and silent vibration.
How to Change Lock Screen Shortcuts in Android Settings
Customising your corner shortcuts takes less than a minute on devices running Android 14 or 15 (such as Google Pixel, Motorola, and modern stock Android handsets):
- Wake your Android phone and unlock it to access your home screen.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Wallpaper & style (you can also touch and hold an empty space on your home screen and select Wallpaper & style).
- At the top of the screen, tap the Lock screen preview tab.
- Scroll down and tap on Shortcuts.
- Tap on Left shortcut and choose your desired utility from the horizontal list (e.g., Flashlight).
- Tap on Right shortcut and select your preferred second action (e.g., Wallet or Camera).
- Review the live preview canvas at the top of the screen, then press the back arrow to save your choices.
How to Customise Shortcuts on Samsung Galaxy Devices (One UI)
Samsung Galaxy smartphones running One UI provide an equally direct configuration route:
- Open Settings > Lock screen.
- Tap the Edit button on the Lock screen preview card.
- Tap the small circular shortcut icon in the lower-left or lower-right corner.
- Select any installed app or system utility from the extensive application list.
- Tap Done in the upper-right corner to save.
Using Your Customised Shortcuts from the Lock Screen
To prevent accidental triggers inside pockets or bags, Android requires an intentional interaction:
- Wake your smartphone screen.
- Press and hold firmly on your chosen corner shortcut icon for approximately half a second.
- A subtle haptic vibration will confirm the trigger, and your utility (like the flashlight or QR scanner) will activate immediately.