The lock screen on your smartphone serves as the initial gateway to your digital life. Historically, Android devices locked the bottom-left and bottom-right corners of the lock screen to static, non-negotiable tools—typically fixed to Google Assistant (or Phone) on the left and the Camera on the right. For millions of users who rely on different daily utilities, these unchangeable shortcuts represented wasted screen space.
Starting with Android 14 and enhanced in Android 15, Google introduced native Lock Screen Shortcut Customisation on stock Android and Google Pixel devices. You can now reassign both corner buttons to a broad variety of handy utilities—such as a quick torch toggle, digital wallet for tap-to-pay, QR code scanner, calculator, or Do Not Disturb switch—and activate them securely using an intentional touch-and-hold gesture.
Available Lock Screen Shortcut Options
Android provides an extensive selection of quick-access tools that can be mapped to either corner:
- Torch: Turn your device’s LED flash on and off instantly without unlocking your phone.
- Google Wallet: Open payment cards, loyalty passes, and transit tickets for rapid contactless access.
- QR Code Scanner: Launch the native scanner immediately to join Wi-Fi networks or view restaurant menus.
- Camera: Fast-launch the camera viewfinder (can be mapped to either corner).
- Mute / Do Not Disturb: Toggle silent mode or activate your active Focus profile silently.
- Device Controls: Access smart home controls (Google Home lights, thermostats, and cameras).
- None: Clear the shortcut completely if you prefer an uncluttered, minimalist lock screen aesthetic.
How to Customise Shortcuts via Wallpaper & Style Settings
Customising your shortcuts is integrated into the core customisation engine in Android 14 and Android 15.
- Press the power button or double-tap your screen to wake your phone.
- Unlock your phone and go to your Home screen.
- Tap and hold any empty area of the Home screen until the context menu pops up.
- Tap Wallpaper & style.
- At the top of the screen, tap the Lock screen tab to switch from the Home screen preview to the Lock screen configuration panel.
- Scroll down through the styling options and tap Shortcuts.
- You will see two tabs: Left shortcut and Right shortcut.
- Select Left shortcut, scroll through the carousel of available functions, and tap your desired utility (for example, Torch).
- Tap the Right shortcut tab and choose your preferred secondary utility (such as Wallet or QR code scanner).
- The interactive lock screen preview at the top of the display updates immediately to reflect your choices.
Simply exit the Settings app; your lock screen configuration is saved automatically.
Alternative Navigation via the Android Settings App
If you prefer navigating through the primary system settings menu:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap Display, then tap Lock screen.
- Scroll down and tap Shortcuts.
- Configure your left and right corner buttons and return to your home screen.
How to Trigger Lock Screen Shortcuts Reliably
To prevent accidental activations when carrying your phone in a pocket or handbag, Android does not launch shortcuts with a single tap. Instead, it requires a deliberate Touch and Hold gesture:
- Wake your phone display so the lock screen is visible.
- Locate the target shortcut icon in the bottom corner (e.g. the Torch icon).
- Press and hold your finger firmly on the icon for approximately half a second.
- A satisfying haptic vibration pulses against your fingertip, accompanied by an expanding circular visual ripple animation.
- The shortcut executes immediately—such as turning on the LED flash or opening your camera viewfinder.
Security and Authentication Protections
Android balances convenience with strict biometric security:
| Shortcut Type | Authentication Behaviour | Security Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Torch / Mute / Camera | Operates immediately without requiring fingerprint or PIN. | Contains no private data; camera operates in sandbox mode without exposing existing photo albums. |
| Google Wallet | Requires fingerprint or face unlock before displaying full card details. | Protects credit card numbers and financial transaction histories from unauthorised viewers. |
| Device Controls (Smart Home) | Can be configured to require authentication before unlocking smart doors. | Prevents bystanders from unlocking front-door smart locks without device ownership. |
Troubleshooting Lock Screen Shortcuts
If lock screen shortcuts fail to respond or disappear from your display:
- Lock Screen Clock Size Conflict: If your lock screen layout is crowded by third-party widgets, open Wallpaper & style and verify that clock style settings are not hiding system indicators.
- Touch Sensitivity in Pockets: If your phone triggers shortcuts accidentally, ensure Tap to check phone and Lift to check phone are calibrated in Settings > Display > Lock screen.
- Manufacturer Custom UI Skins: On Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI, access shortcut settings via Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Edit Lock Screen, where Samsung provides custom app launching beyond system tools.
Customising lock screen shortcuts puts your most frequent everyday utilities right under your thumbs, eliminating unnecessary unlocking steps throughout the day.