Help

After you install Lockwatch, open the app and switch on the alert emails. You will need to subscribe (the first 7 days are free and you can cancel anytime). If you don't have a lock screen, you will be asked to set one up.

Once you have set up the alert emails, try locking your phone and deliberately entering the wrong unlock code to test it.

• You must enter a minimum of 4 digits or dots for each unlock attempt. This is the minimum length required by Android.
• If you enter the correct code within 10 seconds of a failed attempt, Lockwatch will cancel the alert to avoid false alarms from simple mistypes.

How do I uninstall Lockwatch?

1. Open the Lockwatch app.
2. Swipe to the bottom of the first tab (General).
3. Touch the last help tip to quickly deactivate and uninstall Lockwatch.

How do I remove the lock screen?

The lock screen is a feature built into your phone. Uninstalling Lockwatch will not remove it. To remove the lock screen, open your phone's security settings, select Lock Screen, and select None.

How do I reset the lock screen code?

If you have forgotten your unlock code, try entering an incorrect code 5 times. A "Forgot password" option should then appear, allowing you to reset your unlock code using your Google account.

If this doesn't work, the process may vary by device. Try searching for instructions for your specific model, e.g. "Galaxy S26 forgot unlock code".

What happens if I enter the wrong code too many times?

When you activate Lockwatch, Android warns that Lockwatch might “erase all the phone's data”. This is due to a permission Lockwatch uses to monitor incorrect unlock attempts. Lockwatch does not contain any code to wipe your phone, so this will never happen.

Does Lockwatch work with fingerprint or face unlock?

It depends on the Android device. On some devices there is no way to intercept fingerprint and face unlock events. If the thief tries guessing your backup code, the app will still work.

Can Lockwatch turn on GPS automatically?

Android does not allow apps to use GPS if it has been turned off by the user. You need to leave GPS on so that Lockwatch can use it when needed.

What if I have already purchased a subscription?

If the app is not recognising your subscription, make sure you are signed in to the same Play Store account that you originally subscribed with. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Does Lockwatch wait 10 seconds before taking a photo?

Lockwatch starts capturing immediately when the wrong unlock code is entered, but waits until 10 seconds have elapsed before sending anything. If the correct code is entered within that time, the alert is cancelled. This avoids sending alert emails when the owner simply mistypes their unlock code.

How can I prevent alert emails from appearing on my lock screen?

You can hide email notifications from the lock screen using Android's lock screen settings. Alternatively, use your email client to create a filter that automatically marks the emails as read or moves them to another folder.

Why am I not getting any emails?

Check your Spam or Junk folder, as your email provider may be filtering them out. If you find them there, mark them as Not Spam so future emails are delivered to your inbox. Alternatively, try a different email address.

Some phone manufacturers customise Android in ways that can prevent apps like ours from working correctly. We are unable to fix these issues, but you can try reporting them to your device manufacturer.

My phone was stolen. What should I do?

We don't have any access to your phone, so we are unable to locate it on your behalf.

• Check your inbox and Spam/Junk folder for a Lockwatch email.
• Try using the Find Hub to locate your phone. It may not work if the thief has already powered it off or swapped the SIM card.

If you receive a Lockwatch email with a photo, contact your local police station with the evidence.

Why does Lockwatch need so many permissions?

Each permission is used for a specific purpose:

• Camera – used to take a photo using the front camera when the wrong unlock code is entered.
• Location – used to determine the location of the phone so we can include it in the email.
• Microphone – used to record a sound clip of the intruder when the wrong unlock code is entered.
• Telephone – used to detect when a new SIM card is inserted so the app can alert you.
• Contacts – used to determine your email address when first starting the app.
• Device Administrator – used to monitor screen unlock attempts. When activating Lockwatch, Android will warn that it may "erase all the phone's data". Android shows this warning for all Device Administrator apps. Lockwatch contains no code to wipe your phone.