Samsung Galaxy J5/J5 Prime – How to Change Lock Screen

Setting up your lock screen is the first thing you should do when getting a new phone. This is how you can layer your security measures as well as customize lock screen settings.

The Galaxy J5 and J5 Prime smartphones let you play around with quite a few options. Check these out below.

Enable Pattern Lock

1. Tap the Apps icon
2. Tap Settings
3. Select Lock screen and security (first option under the Personal tab)
4. Tap Screen lock type
5. Tap Pattern

From the new screen, you’ll be able to draw your desired unlock pattern between any of the nine dots. Release the finger when done. You’ll have to draw the pattern again to confirm.

After confirming the pattern you’ll also be able to set a backup PIN code. This can be used to bypass the pattern in case you forget it or if the phone’s touchscreen is not working properly.

Set Notifications

After setting a lock screen type and making the desired customizations, you can also choose to select what alerts will be displayed when the lock screen is in effect.

Show Content

This shows everything that pops up with the lock screen on text messages, app updates, missed calls, etc.

Hide Content

This alerts you to new changes to certain apps or incoming messages but it doesn’t show details, such as the content of the new message.

Do Not Show Notifications

This option keeps every notification hidden until you unlock the screen.

You can go back to change these settings whenever it’s convenient. You may also want to change the PIN code and pattern periodically, for extra security.

Secure Lock Settings

Some people customize their lock screens even further. Under the Lock screen and security menu, you will notice the Secure lock settings option. If you tap to select it, you can make changes to the Auto lock or instant lock settings.

Lock Automatically

This makes it so that the lock screen feature takes effect after a certain amount of idle time. You can set it for a few seconds or a few minutes.

Lock Instantly with Power Key Switch

This is pretty much obvious. Enabling the feature allows you to initiate the lock screen when pressing the power button.

Smart Lock

Enabling this feature will unlock the device for you when certain trusted locations are detected. These could be home or office networks. It can also respond to devices such as your headset.

In order to enable the Smart lock feature, you must first set up a lock pattern or PIN password. If you’re always in proximity to trusted locations or devices, the phone’s lock screen function won’t be turned on, unless you choose to do so manually.

A Final Thought

Whether you want to trust the Smart Lock or use any security measures whatsoever is up to you. However, using at least a pattern or a PIN code is recommended. That way, your phone is safe from prying eyes when you leave it unattended. You also have less to worry about if your phone gets lost or stolen.