By default, Android devices emit a distinct, short audio click every time you press the physical power button to lock the screen, and again when you wake and unlock it. While intended as auditory confirmation that the device has successfully entered or exited a secure state, this constant clicking is highly disruptive in quiet environments like libraries, classrooms, or during meetings. If you rely on the haptic feedback (vibration) or simply the visual cue of the screen going black, the auditory lock sound is entirely redundant and often annoying.
This guide explains how to completely disable the Screen Lock Sound system-wide on an Android device, ensuring your phone locks and unlocks in absolute silence.
Disable Screen Lock Sounds
To stop the operating system from triggering this specific audio file during power state transitions, you must modify the granular sound settings.
- Open the main Settings app on your Android smartphone.
- Scroll down and tap on Sound & vibration.
- Scroll down towards the bottom of the menu. On many devices (like Google Pixels), you will see the options directly; on others (like Samsung Galaxy devices), you may need to tap on System sound or Advanced to reveal the granular toggles.
- Locate the toggle switch labeled Screen locking sound (or “Screen lock/unlock”).
- Tap the switch to toggle it to the Off (grey) position.
Verify the Audio Lockdown
Disabling this switch immediately instructs the Android audio HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) to ignore the power button state-change events that previously triggered the sound file playback.
To verify the change is successful, ensure your phone’s media and ringtone volumes are turned up (i.e., do not put the phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Vibrate” mode). Press the physical Power button on the side of your device to turn the screen off. It should go black instantly without making a single sound. Press the Power button again to wake it; it will remain completely silent. You have successfully eliminated the auditory disruption of locking your device.