What counts as an unlock of your smartphone?

In addition to understanding your screen time, many phones also provide you with information about how often you unlock your device. But what exactly is considered an 'unlock'? It may seem simple, but there are some nuances that sometimes make it difficult to say exactly when an unlock is registered. Basically, anything you actively do to access your phone is registered as an unlock, whether it's through fingerprint, facial recognition, or a pin. However, there may be differences depending on your phone and settings.

✓ What is considered an unlock?

  • Opening your phone with your face or fingerprint: Every time you unlock your device via facial recognition, a pattern, fingerprint, or pin.
  • Instantly open an app via a notification: For example, if you open a WhatsApp message from your lock screen.
  • Activate your device for a search: Even for a short search or opening an app, such as checking the weather forecast.
  • Using the phone without interaction: Activate your device to take a look at the time or the weather, after which the device remains active.
  • Unlocking during a phone call: For example, to quickly search for something or send a message.

╳ What doesn't count as an unlock?

  • Turn on screen without unlocking: Pressing the power button to illuminate your screen without actually unlocking the phone.
  • View notifications without unlocking: Like reading an incoming message on your lock screen, without actually unlocking the phone.
  • Using smart features: For example’ Raise to Wake', where your phone turns on when you pick it up, without further use.
  • Voice assistants without unlocking: Like Siri or Google Assistant, where you don't have to physically unlock your device (Williams, 2023).
  • Accept incoming calls: Take a phone call or WhatsApp call without unlocking your device.

The measurements of unlocks are never entirely accurate. For example, some phones may unintentionally register an unlock, such as when Face ID is accidentally activated when picking up your phone. There are also differences between Android and iOS devices: with some Android phones it can already count as an unlock when you quickly view your home screen, while with iPhones only actual interactions with apps are recorded.

Although the data on unlocks is not always exact, it does give you a good insight into how often you use your phone. Think of it as a " microhabitat meter." The number of unlocks not only says something about your screen time, but also about how often you interrupt your day for a short check. If you want to be more aware of your smartphone, start by reducing unnecessary unlocks. These short, impulsive moments are often the biggest distractions in your daily routine.