I’m a pretty big fan of what Google is doing with its Pixel Watch and Pixel phone line. These devices are some of the best ways to experience Android on a smartwatch or smartphone, and Google continues to make things even better. One particularly useful feature that Pixel Watch owners will be able to take advantage of is the Watch Unlock functionality, which Google is rolling out in late 2023.

It’s a pretty well-hidden feature, as Google doesn’t really actively advertise it. Also, unlike the Apple Watch, where the unlock feature is enabled by default, you have to manually activate the feature on the Pixel Watch.

Watch Unlock is a very handy feature that allows your smartwatch to effectively bypass your other lock screen security features. It’s great for those times when you need access to your phone but don’t want to go through the hassle of using facial recognition or entering your passcode or fingerprint. In other words, you can maintain the security of your phone in the event that it gets stolen or lost, but if you’re just at the office or at home, you don’t have to jump through those same hoops as long as your watch is nearby.

With Watch Unlock enabled, you can hold your watch close to your phone and it will unlock your phone. Depending on other settings you’ve selected (which we’ll talk about later), you’ll get immediate access to the screen you were last using. You can also swipe up to access your device, without having to enter an unlock code.