The
lock screen in Windows Phone is mostly designed to prevent you from
accidentally brushing the touch-sensitive screen and dialing someone’s
number. But you can make it live up to its name by turning on the
password-protection feature. Then you’ll have to enter a four-digit
code (of your choosing) to use the phone. That said, there are still
some key things you can do when the phone is locked: answer a call,
dial 911, or snap a quick photo, for example. The lock screen appears
automatically if you haven’t touched the phone for a short period. You
can adjust how long.
1. Turn on Password Protection
On the Start screen, flick left to the Apps list, and then tap Settings.
Under System, tap Lock & Wallpaper.
Under
Password, tap the slider to turn on password protection. If it’s
already on, you’ll see a Change Password option. Tap it to enter a new
secret code.
Do one of the following:
If this is your
first time setting up a password, enter your new password in the New
Password field, and then reenter it under Confirm Password.
If
you’re changing a password, enter the current password in the Current
Password field and then enter the new four-digit code under New
Password.
Tap Done.
2. Change Lock Screen Settings
In Lock & Wallpaper settings, under Screen Time-Out, tap the menu and then choose a value between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.
Press the Back or Start button to exit.
Tip:
To make an emergency call when the phone is locked, just tap Emergency Call on the keypad and dial 9-1-1.
Tip:
It’s also possible to dial
a number by voice when the phone is locked. Tap Settings > Speech,
and then tap Use Speech When The Phone Is Locked.
