Your smartwatch could soon help with your Android phone’s lock screen authentication

Google appears to be developing a clever update for Android that would let your connected smartwatch vouch for your identity. This new system aims to make phone security much less of a hassle when you are out and about.

The change is an evolution of the Identity Check feature Google rolled out with Android 15 which adds extra security layers when your phone detects it is not in a trusted location like your home or office.

A hint in a string

How do we know this? Well, Android Authority has discovered code inside a recent beta version of Google Play Services (25.29.31 specifically). These are strings that suggest a nearby, unlocked Wear OS watch could act as a “trust signal” for your phone.

“With your watch connected, Identity Check automatically recognizes you while maintaining your security even when you’re not in a trusted location,” reads the string.

Your phone would recognise your watch is on your wrist and connected, treating it as proof that you are still the one in control. This could significantly cut down on the number of times you need to scan your fingerprint or punch in a code to perform certain actions.

Obviously the goal here isn’t to completely get rid of PINs or biometric security. Instead, the feature aims to find a smarter balance between protection and user convenience.

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That said, this is all based on clues from unreleased software. Google has not officially confirmed the feature or a potential release date. The final version could therefore look/function differently.