How to Customise Lock Screen Shortcuts on Android

The lock screen on your Android smartphone is designed for rapid interactions before unlocking your phone. By default, most Android devices place Phone and Camera shortcuts in the lower-left and lower-right corners. However, if you rarely initiate calls from the lock screen or prefer faster access to a flashlight, QR code scanner, or smart home controls, modern Android releases (Android 14 and newer, as well as Samsung One UI) allow you to customize both corner shortcuts to fit your daily needs.

Customising Shortcuts on Google Pixel and Stock Android

On devices running stock Android 14 or 15 (including Google Pixel smartphones):

1. Press and hold any empty area of your device’s home screen.
2. Tap on Wallpaper & style in the popup menu.
3. At the top of the screen, tap the Lock screen tab.
4. Scroll down and tap on Shortcuts.
5. Tap on Left shortcut and choose your desired tool:
   • Flashlight: Instant torch illumination without opening Quick Settings.
   • QR Code Scanner: Fast camera scan for restaurant menus and Wi-Fi codes.
   • Device controls: Direct access to smart lights and thermostats.
   • Do Not Disturb: One-tap focus silence.
   • Wallet: Quick payment card selection.
   • Mute: Fast phone silencing.
6. Tap on Right shortcut and assign a second utility (such as Camera).
7. Exit to lock your phone and test the new shortcuts.

Customising Lock Screen Shortcuts on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung One UI offers even deeper customization, allowing you to launch virtually any installed application from the corners:

1. Open Settings and tap on Lock screen.
2. Tap on the Lock screen edit preview.
3. Tap on the circular Bottom Left or Bottom Right icon.
4. Select from system utilities (Flashlight, Calculator, Voice Recorder) or choose any installed third-party application (such as WhatsApp, Spotify, or Maps).
5. Tap Done in the top-right corner to save your changes.

How to Trigger Lock Screen Shortcuts Reliably

To prevent accidental activations while your phone is in a pocket or purse, Android uses a deliberate swipe or long-press activation mechanism:

• On Google Pixel devices: Press and hold the corner shortcut circle until you feel a firm haptic pulse.
• On Samsung Galaxy devices: Swipe the corner icon inward toward the center of the display.