14 DAY TRIAL // Do you own an Android 5.0 Lollipop device and a Chromebook? If that’s the case, you'll be pleased to know they can be made to work together in concert.
Google first talked about a new ability at the Google I/O conference, saying that Android phones will soon be able to act as a wireless key for Chromebooks. But when Android 5.0 Lollipop got released into the wild, we failed to see this particular feature.
It turns out that Lollipop wasn't actually to blame here, as Chrome OS had to catch up with the novelties.
The good news is that Smart Lock for Chromebooks is currently available, well sort of. It’s only accessible through the Dev channel in Chrome OS, and even there, it isn't yet enabled by default.
You’ll have to go through a set of steps in order to be able to transform your Android 5.0 Lollipop device (might be a tablet or a smartphone) into a key for opening your Chromebook.
Note that you’ll have to be logged into the same account on both devices for this to happen.
Before detailing the steps, take into consideration that you shouldn't be attempting to turn on the Smart Lock if you’re not an experienced Chrome OS Dev Channel user, because you could potentially end up harming the system. Ok, since we have that out of the way, here are the instructions.
1. Type “Chrome://flags” into your Chrome browser
2. Enable “Easy Unlock” and “Easy Sign-On”
3. Restart the device. Smart Lock should be on the system
4. Go to Advanced Settings to be found under the Settings page
5. Turn on/off your new Smart Lock feat.
