Google already allows users to unlock their phones with a Pixel Watch through its Watch Unlock feature. Now, the company appears to be working on the reverse option. Code found in the latest Connected Phone & Watch app points to a new “Phone to Watch Unlock” feature. Once available, it could automatically unlock a Pixel Watch when its paired Pixel phone is unlocked.
The feature would make it easier to access your watch without entering a PIN or pattern. Users could simply unlock their phone and then start using their watch.
Google may also show proactive alerts when the feature becomes available. These could include messages such as “Automatically unlock your watch?” and “Unlocking your watch just got easier.”
Setting up the feature will require a one-time verification process. Users will first need to enter their watch’s PIN or pattern on their phone. After that, the phone could automatically unlock the connected watch whenever the user unlocks it. The feature may also remember the trusted connection when users upgrade to a new Pixel Watch.
If you get a new Pixel Watch, the trusted relationship with your phone could transfer automatically. This would remove the need to repeat the entire setup process. However, the feature may only work when pairing a Pixel phone with a Pixel Watch. Google has not confirmed whether it will support other Android phones or smartwatches.
The company has yet to reveal when Phone to Watch Unlock will become available. However, the timing could point to an upcoming Pixel Watch launch. Google is set to unveil the Pixel Watch 5 on August 12. Therefore, the new unlocking feature could arrive alongside the smartwatch.
For now, the feature remains hidden in the app’s code. Google could still change its plans before making it publicly available.
