Smart Lock allows you to use your Bluetooth security key or set up the security key built in to your phone.
Google Smart Lock Positive Reviews
Useful, mostly, but broken in iOS 15.2Well, for me it's broken with the iOS 15.2 upgrade - and it brings back the issues I've always had with it:
No support. As in, no one in Google's support organization has any clue about what this app does. No support group discussions as far as I can tell ("Smart Lock" is too generic to really find anything).
That's not surprising, because while I've figured out how it works/what it does in my use case, there's really no clear documentation on it - like what it even does, really.
I'd be more likely just to reinstall it, but the steps aren't really clear and fiddling with my access tokens isn't good when I have work to do. Getting a new phone last month I had to turn off 2SV for my account to kill ALL my keys and re-enroll them to get the new device. Glad I'm an admin!
When it works, it's helpful and works reasonably well. But, stupidly frustrating to understand and set up..K. M. PetersonVersion: 1.7.4
Too many steps to use phone as second authentication factorPros: can use iPhone’s security chip as authentication hardware key
Cons: I have to open my gmail app, tap the yes button and then type in my iPhone lock key.
Why can’t they simply tap into iPhone’s Face ID to skip all these steps? I might as well type in my google password to login. Yes, it’s more secure. But it does not save me the trouble of having to type in password (in this case my iPhone lock key)..WytVersion: 1.6
Great update - my iPhone is a security keyThis is a great update. I like the new design and how the functionality of the app is clearer now.
The best thing about this is that now I can use my iPhone as a security key. This is a huge step forward to make it easier for people to protect their accounts. I’ll still keep my hardware keys as a backup..DasaliVersion: 1.6
Doesn’t work at allTried to use this as a second factor most of the time i get an error and can’t even try to use it. when it does work it always fails saying bluetooth isn’t turned on. it is..Bostongeek02191Version: 1.10
New Update Brings Necessary Security to GoogleThe new update now lets you use your phone as a physical security key when logging into google services on Chrome. Greatly appreciated and really helps with security concerns for the amount of data Google has on us..FrankdawsonVersion: 1.6
Works fine after disabling content blockers in safariInitially had issues but after disabling content blockers in my safari settings it works. I must have some third party extension blocking a Google domain..NitrogenxVersion: 1.13
Built in security keys are a game changerIt’s awesome with this update to use my iPhone as my security key when logging into my Google account. Much better security than SMS as a second factor and way more convenient than carrying around a separate security key dongle..Josh EstelleVersion: 1.6
AmazingGet this app if you wanna be safe. I recently got almost hacked by hackers from Saudi Arabia but this app helped me change my password fast and alerted me their were people actually trying to get in. If you have this and twostep you will be virtually safe..SK1LL3R SaintVersion: 1.7
Broken with iOS 18Can’t use anymore because crashes when opening with latest iOS update..Lenabena1908Version: 1.13
Thank a goodness’s!Yessss laws, finally something that can finally keep me safe from all these cyber hacks omg B thanks to google and the folks who helped design this app you are attributing to a great cause privacy! I appreciate you tremendously!
“Phillip Rhodes”.TazzminajVersion: 1.6.2
USB AWorks perfectly with my old standard USB A key. Touch to the back of my iPhone 14 pro. No need for any cables or converters. Up and running in minutes..SyzdothVersion: 1.12
I ll write full review as soon as I ll test full functionalityI hope it’s perfect tool for 2fa auths on iOS system..Nikusha KalatoziVersion: 1.6
Works wellWorks well, but the instructions are perhaps a tad wanting. A few points: you can’t register the Bluetooth key from an iPhone. You have to register both keys on Google’s site using a computer (using the USB cable to connect the Bluetooth key.) If your device is already registered with Google, you don’t need to use the key, and the app simple tells you that you are already set up. The key is for registering a new device. For a new device, you first need to log into Google with your password, and it will then launch the app, which will take you through pairing the key. (You can’t pair the key from the settings app)..Spinoza26Version: 1.5.5
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Google Smart Lock Negative Reviews
Far too complicated and confusing to get working rightI added my iPhone as a security key and was able to use this app as my 2FA to approve logins. I’d get a notification, say yes, and move on with my day.
Stupidly, I purchased and added a titan security key from google thinking I should have one in case I lose my phone. This has completely destroyed the use of my iPhone as a security key - now push notifications to approve logins on my phone also make me use the titan security key. Every. Single. Time. Remind me what the point of adding my phone as a security key was if I need to use another security key?.Count VladimirVersion: 1.9
Blocked Security FeatureI’ve enabled this 2-step verification from Google after purchased Google one subscription to ensure it will be more secured. But, the smart lock has stopped working today to verify my login request from other device so I had to log off from this smart lock app since I cannot login to “Google Account” page to disable this feature.
Once I log off from this Smart Lock, then it doesn’t allow me to login again stating that you have enabled “Advanced Protection” turned on so you can’t sign in right now. Well, this is that stupid app suppose to protect my access if log off from this application how else am I suppose to login and authenticate.
It’s a classic dead lock error which google doesn’t fix it and they sent an email about someone from google support will contact in 3-5 business days.
This is atrocious! Why the heck we should purchase a “Google One” and lock our own accounts just because this app doesn’t work in iOS..AravindKSelvamVersion: 1.6
Frequently requires multiple attempts and sometimes doesn’t workFrequently requires multiple attempts and sometimes doesn’t work. Almost every time I open the app from the alert it never pulls up the screen to approve. The Bluetooth often times out and doesn’t work. Not sure if it’s the phone or the device trying to login. Also not sure why this needs to be Bluetooth anyway. Should at least Govea users the option to try to verify over internet?.Locked out 22222Version: 1.9
Does NOT work on iPhone XRLogging into Chrome on Mac triggers a notice on iPhone but clicking “yes” in smart lock to finish login just goes into a long pause then “could not find device nearby”. What does that even mean?? Obviously my Mac reached my phone to trigger the notice. They should be talking at this point. Deleted the app.
The outrageous part is that chrome on my Mac insists that this is the first go to method to do 2 factor and there’s no way to change that. Really?? FIX IT if you insist this is the first go to method. I see from comments it’s been a problem for over a year..ElwaillyVersion: 1.7.5
Doesn’t workDoesn’t work. Set it up fine. Later was inexplicably logged out of google domains. Cannot use the app to log back in. Have tried everything. No way to receive support... without logging in. Their support forums are full of this, but no solutions. Guess I won’t be using Google anymore. Hope I don’t get any important emails at my Gmail account! Unfortunately it was my primary account. Not even sure I will be able to set up the $40 USB key I ordered that still has not arrived. Hope they accept returns!.EzarNycVersion: 1.6
Does not work for iPhone XR!WARNING: this does not work for iPhone XR on the latest OS. When attempting to sign into my Google account on my iMac, I receive the sign in notification on my iPhone. However when I click the notification and open the Smart Lock app, I just get a loading spinner for a minute or two. Then, I get an error message that says “Smart Lock could not find a nearby device” and the only option is to change my Google password. I’ve been searching for a solution but cannot find one. HELP..SchmefyoVersion: 1.6
Delayed alerts cause issuesI use this for both personal and business accounts that I run and administer. The delays with login alerts sent via this app are significantly delayed. I’d much prefer to have the text based security codes that were previously the norm.
Google has a long way to go with this app in order to make it functional for business use. I would discourage people from using this app until it’s been corrected..Heavy News ReaderVersion: 1.8
Block other security keysFor no reason sometimes Google will ask you to use THIS app and ignore other security keys already plugged in your computer if you have configured both in your account.
This totally destroy the point of having multiple security keys and phones. If I lost my phone, I won’t be able to login my account using other security keys. How ridiculous!.WylhtVersion: 1.9
UnreliableWhen it works, it’s fine but too often it doesn’t. It will receive a notification for 2FA but will hang and be unable to find my Mac even though it’s connected via Bluetooth. This brings up another question: why the ef does this app need to talk to my Mac over Bluetooth? No other 2FA app I’ve used does and they all work way more reliably than this one!.Brett M.Version: 1.8
Added protection where??I used this app for my emails and every single one was stolen from the app! I can’t get them back either because they get so far as to signing me in with my iPhone key but then I have to continue recovery of the account when I’m just trying to get my emails and then during the recovery process they end up telling me they can’t validate that I am the account owner. 7 different emails had been hacked from that one app and are now unrecoverable! It’s a joke!.ShortDawn420Version: 1.6.2
Doesn’t do it’s jobSetting up a passkey in iOS 16 is pretty easy, but this app and the Google website make it impossible. When I try to set up the passkey Smart Lock tells me to download Smart Lock from the App Store and follow its instructions. 🤦♂️
Also, the app doesn’t seem to have back buttons so I have to kill it to go back to the main menu (there might be a back button in some cases, but it invisible if it is there)..Dread Lord CyberSkullVersion: 1.9
Stop making life more complicatedLike every other app invented, this dumb idea was brought up to add another step of mediation btw the work I am required to do to eat and myself, because having to click on a couple extra buttons is what makes this VC speculation based economy function, to the detriment of every person who could care less if their work email was hacked. I hate it here..O.o.0.o.0.OVersion: 1.7.4
Not a happy camperI’ve had a difficult time trying to access my account due to passkey issues. I can’t figure out how to undo this settings. I’m locked out of the account and when I attempt to download this app it goes in a glitch mode. The app just opens and closes..ReyesnTexasVersion: 1.13
Crashes every time I manually launchThe app does seem to work when it’s invoked from a logon page or the like, but launching it directly from the home screen results in a .5 second flash of the UI and then a crash. This behavior survives reboots of the phone. IOS 18.0.BinkleyzVersion: 1.13
Worthless AppThis stupid app won’t allow a sign/register my accounts using the USB key (which I’d prefer), because it wants me to use THIS EXACT APP in order to validate my sign in! How can I sign into this Smart Lock app using another Smart Lock app, when this is the only smart lock app I have/use? It won’t provide the USB key option or any other option to sign into it.
Pathetic is not the word..Tacit-BudVersion: 1.7.3
Crashes, no help availableI’m moving from an iPhone 6S to an SE 2, both at iOS 15.2. I’m locked out of Google Voice with 2FA. When I try to authenticate with Smart Lock and a Bluetooth Titan Security Key, Smart Lock crashes every time at the step where I’m about to enter the Titan’s PIN. Google has no help available to address this situation.3glotVersion: 1.7.4
New phone no longer worksNot worked for some time. Possibly due to iOS update. Impossible to get support from google. Note I have 2 paid accounts with google. A personal and business. Still impossible to get support. Google use to be great and now it’s worse than Microsoft….T o d d 792Version: 1.8
Good idea, but…Honestly? Great idea, except for when you end up in a closed loop the developers didn’t think of, and you are completely unable to log in, with constant redirects and critical security alerts.
Will try again, when improved..Kirillzubovsky_usVersion: 1.7.4
Broken. Crashes on openingIn IOS 18, this app crashes a fraction of a second after opening. The only way to get it going is to restart the iPhone. Google Authenticator also doesn’t work making signing into Google very frustrating. Google needs to fix this pronto..SrornatVersion: 1.13
Googles PrioritiesGoogle Smart Lock has been broken on iOS 18 for weeks. If you have to authenticate a google account, good luck. You would think a company like Google would value its users ability to safely log into their accounts. It’s 2024, every account is tied to an email address..ReviewNickname261Version: 1.13
Crashes on iOS 18App used to work on iOS 17 but note crashes upon launch. Also feels like app lacks some features that companies like Microsoft and etymology have worked out. Not a great app experience..WinzloVersion: 1.13
Buggy, “Something went wrong” is all getThis has become completely useless. It used to work then stopped. Now, no matter how many times I reinstall and/or re-enroll all I get is “Something went wrong” and that’s it. No other message, no pointers, nothing..CmladVersion: 1.9
BrokenI cannot even open this app. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling several times. If someone has some ideas how to get this app to work, I would appreciate as I would like to change my google account..SinfullywetVersion: 1.13
Constant glitchesNever works correctly. Constantly has issues of some sort. Leads me to waste time and/or be locked out of my account..Демид19Version: 1.9
UnusableThe codes it generates don’t work. I’ve tried several different ways to sign in and I’ve had to downgrade the security of my google account just to be able to login because I can’t get past smart lock codes.GhdjrjgktkdjvjdkcksVersion: 1.13
Epic fail on IOSAll it says it “something went wrong” and trying to load after account selection and stuff in forever loading … uninstalled, reinstalled, access and privacy reset doesn’t help.Ixh82!Version: 1.9
IOS 18 crashesApp crashes immediately when I open it. I’ve gone through every suggested step to fix this including deleting and redownloading the app. It still has this issue. Please fix this..Swag on upVersion: 1.13
Good luck setting up a YubikeyToday google refused to send SMS codes and forced me to install this app for security codes. Went through the motions and it does not detect my yubikey. All I get is the default page the NFC opens. I cam this a cheap attempt at accessing data on my phone..TunepongVersion: 1.9
It just doesn’t workI’ve deleted it, reinstalled it, followed the instructions, did everything I know how to do and it always fails to do anything!! Piece of Google junk. I really think it gathers my data and nothing else..Imntacrook2Version: 1.9
Don’t useNot usable. Got the 13 mini for kid. Try to generate a key for lock can’t use it on my phone as it does t work across to other. Can’t log into lock on kids phone as the physical key doesn’t read at all.Mordecai oneVersion: 1.9
Bad appThis app didn’t work properly every time I tried to use it. Only sms option works without problems. Please fix this..SashaBelgradeVersion: 1.8
Does not work with iOS 15.2Google Smart Lock works great until iOS 15.2. It will crash every single time when it goes to access Bluetooth. The app needs to be updated to work properly..BigZ243Version: 1.7.4
Useless— doesn’t workThis app is useless. The google titan security key says you need to use this app to pair with Bluetooth. But this app does not give the option to pair with Bluetooth. Instead it circles you in an endless loop, where to log into smartlock you need to....already be logged into smartlock..Emily000999888777666555Version: 1.7
Won’t connect to chrome bookUseless for use with chrome books because iPhone Bluetooth is not compatible with chrome books. What a bummer.HjsjjzuuVersion: 1.6
Is this expected to begin working again?Mysteriously fails to understand that this iPhone has a built in key, or to communicate back to my Mac when authorization is accepted. Another abandoned Google product?.EtceteralVersion: 1.9
When it doesn’t work, it ruins your lifeThe Smart Lock requires that you use it as your primary security method. If it doesn’t work, you can’t get into your account and that’s that. Don’t use this. Use literally any of the 20 other ways to secure your account..Another reviewer 1134576Version: 1.6
Too badIt actually blocks me to login from some devices
I had to remove iphone security key setting from my account.YoojinpapaVersion: 1.8
Not openingApp doesn’t even open anymore so now have to figure out how to work my lock with put it.UpsetgradVersion: 1.13
Doesn’t work with 13.3Safari keeps asking to INSERT the key, I tried everything (including steps offered on the Google website), it is impossible to login if you are using Advanced Protection. I didn’t have any problems on my phone (using iOS 13.2). UPDATE: Apparently, 13.3 added support for the Yubikey (NFC + Lightning) but completely removed any support for the Bluetooth Titan key offered by Google..Teo0321Version: 1.5.5
Not compatible with chrome bookI have an acer chrome book r11 and iPhones do not connect with chrome books via bluetooth for some odd reason. There seems to be a compatibility issue which renders this app useless because I can’t use the app to login to my chrome book or new devices.HjsjjzuuVersion: 1.6
Doesn’t workI’m a software engineer so I consider myself pretty sophisticated with tech. Before Smart Lock, I already had 2FA on, but I was using it the Gmail app on my phone for the 2nd auth. This worked perfectly. Then this trash Smart Lock app came out, and the geek part of me wanted to try the latest and greatest thing. However, this trash doesn’t work at all. I tried signing in to my Google account on my desktop, and the Smart Lock got a push notification asking me to verify, so I press “yes”, but then the app just hangs… forever 🤦♀️
If I can give 0 stars I would.
This was a lesson in “if it aint broke, do that change it”.AlbscuiVersion: 1.9
Doesn’t work at allLocked out of my account because I decided to download this stupid thing. Nothing happens when you tap on a notification. Is this a web app? Expected better from google..CmdshepardVersion: 1.12
Limited number of accountsCannot add more than 3 accounts..🇨🇦 🇮🇳Version: 1.9
Crash Crash CrashOn iOS 18.x, the moment you open the app, it crashes..Va3limVersion: 1.13
CRASHES as soon as I open it!!CRASHES as soon as I open it!! I tried deleting and reinstalling. I tried shutting down device and restarting. NOTHING WORKS!.AnoraZVersion: 1.13
Constantly CrashesThe app keep crashing on start.HelloWorld1237Version: 1.13
Crashes upon openThis app all of a sudden started crash immediately upon opening. I use an iPhone 14, on the latest iOS.
It started just on my iPhone and was working on my iPad, but it just started crashing on my iPad too..PoyntieVersion: 1.13
Crash on iOS 18No one is fixing it an no update for a long time..NO HANDS!Version: 1.13
Crashing on iOSCrashes on iOS 18 phone and iPad..Rayban,MVersion: 1.13
Doesn’t support 18.0!App keeps crashing upon open..MarshallBunnyVersion: 1.13
IOS 18It seems that the app doesn’t support the latest iOS update (18)..SassySpice89Version: 1.13
Stopped workingLike a similar user, this app stopped working for me with an iPhone update. The message I get is that an error occurred and to try again later. I contacted Google but they could not resolve my issue as it’s a bug with the app. I am using an alternative key to get into my account. This is incredibly annoying..MiyakochannVersion: 1.8
Crashes when pairing with security keyWhen it gets to the pin entry the app closes immediately. Impossible to use..BenaltairVersion: 1.7.4
Lock by GoogleI am locked out of my business account because I have to get a code from Google Smart Lock and because I cannot log into Smart Lock without a code. Yet I know both my ID and my password. There is no phone support for a paid business account..JohnnySongheesVersion: 1.7.3
IT ONLY WORKS ON CHROMEIt says it only works on chrome right before you hit done. Why would you make an iOS application that only works on chrome?
For the for the grand mistake, developers you only receive a 1. This must be a joke. Ridiculous.Dewmeister75Version: 1.7
HorribleIf you are using g suite and without secure keys. Be aware that the app does not work! If you disable app it will disable all 2 step security protocols and will lock you out of g suite and admin console even if you have known trusted devices. Google support team no help at all as for being redirected to multiple areas to resolve the issue..Nicholai514Version: 1.6
Bluetooth Titan key does not work with AppleI use an iPhone 8 and followed the instructions exactly to add the Bluetooth Titan Key to my iPhone. It adds to the smart lock app just fine. But when I test it by pushing the button to pass the authorization token it just times out. Tried countless times to get it working even called Google support and surprise surprise, they don’t have anyone there to support their device! (Slow clap here Google) so after spending about 6 hours trying to get it working and Google saying the only option I have is to replace or refund I give up. Both the USB and Bluetooth Titan keys work fine when directly connected to a PC so that’s all I am doing now. Oh and I tried it on both my iPad and iPhone and doesn’t work. But works for my sons Samsung. So if u have an iPhone, u may want to steer clear for now..SicB0yVersion: 1.5.2
Does NOT work on iPadGot the Titan USB and Bluetooth keys both paired to my account. Works to sign in using Bluetooth LE on iPhone, but doesn’t work at all on iPad.
If using Safari, a pop-up asks for the USB security key to be inserted. There’s no way to select a Bluetooth security key. I tried turning off the Safari option to request desktop site from the Settings app, but got the same behavior.
I even tried it with Chrome. It does bring up a dialog saying it will use a security key using the Smart Lock app, but it just opens the App Store to the Smart Lock page regardless if it is installed or not. It occasionally opens the Smart Lock app, but there’s never any prompt to use the Bluetooth LE security key.
No idea who’s to blame for the issue, but it’s darned annoying!.MyownmoxieVersion: 1.5.5
Does this work with Yubikey?It automatically opens to a animation of Googles Titan key and asks to bring pairing process by pressing button, this must not work for other NFC enabled security keys?.KesenwVersion: 1.5.1
Can't even use the app...When I open the app, it says that I'm "all set" if my account is there. But that's all. Can't do anything. Very useless. 🤷🏼♀️.LauBrissetteVersion: 1.1
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