Smart Lock from Google and Xiaomi: understand smart locks and unlock devices

Have you ever wondered how your Xiaomi or Google Pixel smartphone automatically unlocks at home, in your car or when connected to trusted devices? Behind that magic is Smart Lock technology, a smart unlock system that combines convenience and security. But what is it really like how it works with the Xiaomi ecosystem, and what are the differences between Google and the Chinese manufacturer? In this article, we will go through all the nuances, from the principles of operation to the hidden features that manufacturers do not always advertise.

Many users confuse Google’s Smart Lock (the built-in Android feature) with Xiaomi’s smart door locks — they’re completely different things, even though both are classified as “smart security.” The former makes it easier to unlock your smartphone or tablet, and the latter protects your home from unauthorized access. We’ll talk about both so you can choose the best solution for your tasks. And you’ll learn how to integrate Xiaomi Smart Lock with Google Home and other ecosystems to manage everything from one app.

What is Google’s Smart Lock and how does it work?

Smart Lock is a security feature in Android developed by Google that automatically unlocks your device under trusted conditions. It was introduced back in 2015 as part of Android 5.0 Lollipop, but has evolved significantly since then. instead of constantly introducing PIN-A code, pattern lock or fingerprint, your smartphone remains unlocked when you are in a safe zone.

The function works based on several “triggers”:

• 📍 Trusted Places – geolocation unlocking (e.g. at home or work).
• 🔗 Trusted devices – Automatic unlock when connected to certain gadgets (for example, Mi Band or Xiaomi Buds headphones).
• 👤 Facial/voice recognition – biometric authentication (in some versions of Android).
• 🚗 On-body detection – the device remains unlocked while you hold it or carry it with you.

It’s important to understand that Smart Lock doesn’t cancel the main lock — it only temporarily weakens it in a safe environment, for example, if you leave a trusted location or disconnect from a trusted device, the smartphone will again require you to enter a password. This technology is especially useful for those who often forget. PIN-code or wants to save time without sacrificing security.

Smart Lock in the Xiaomi ecosystem: features and differences

Xiaomi offers two types of smart lock solutions:

1. The unlock function in MIUI is analogous to Google Smart Lock, but with integration into the Xiaomi brand shell.
2. Smart door locks are physical devices for home protection (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Door Lock or Aqara Smart Lock).

The first option works almost identical to the solution from Google, but with some nuances:

• 🔄 Supports unlocking on Mi Band (even in sleep mode).
• 📱 V MIUI 14+ added the option of unlocking by double tap on the screen in trusted conditions.
• 🔒 In some regions (e.g. Europe), some functions may be restricted due to requirements. GDPR.

Xiaomi smart locks are a separate category of devices that interact with the Mi Home or Home Assistant ecosystem.

• 🔑 Fingerprint opening, PIN-code or smartphone (by Bluetooth or NFC).
• 📲 Remote control via the app (for example, you can open the guest door even if you are not at home).
• 🔄 Integration with other Xiaomi devices (for example, the lock can turn on the light when the door is opened).

Smart Lock comparison from Google and Xiaomi: the difference table

An important nuance: Xiaomi smart locks (such as the Mi Smart Door Lock 2S) can work with Google Assistant, but this requires a Mi Home Gateway bridge or firmware with Matter support. Without this, integration with the Google ecosystem will be limited.

How to set up a Smart Lock on a Xiaomi smartphone

If you want to use a Smart Lock on a Xiaomi device, follow this step-by-step instruction. Note that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (the example uses MIUI 14).

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Smart Lock (can be called Smart Lock in Russian firmware).
3. Enter your current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
4. Choose one of the available methods: Trusted devices — add Mi Band, headphones or other device. Trusted places — specify the address on the map (for example, home or work); Face recognition — set up biometrics (if supported).

Save the settings and test the function.

Added a trusted device (such as Mi Band)

Set up geolocation for home/work

Checked the unlock manually (double tap on the screen)

VPN disabled (can knock down geolocation)

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If the Smart Lock is not working, check the following points:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old firmware may have bugs).
• 📶 Make sure that geodata is included and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (They are needed to determine the location and communicate with trusted devices).
• 🔒 Check if third-party screen locking apps are installed (they may conflict with Smart Lock).

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If you don’t have Mi Band unlocking, try reconnecting the bracelet: go to Settings → Connected Devices → Mi Band and select Forget Device, then plug it back in.

Smart locks Xiaomi: models, features and customization

Xiaomi offers several smart lock models, the most popular of which are:

• Xiaomi Mi Smart Door Lock – basic model with support for fingerprints and PIN-code.
• Xiaomi Mi Smart Door Lock 2S is an improved version with NFC, temporary passwords and integration with HomeKit (over the bridge).

To set up a Xiaomi smart lock, follow the following steps:

1. Install the lock on the door according to the instructions (this is the most difficult stage - a drill and a screwdriver may be required).
2. Download the Mi Home app (or Aqara Home for Aqara locks).
3. Add the lock to the app via Add the device → Security → Smart lock.
4. Set up the basic settings: Add administrator fingerprints. Create temporary settings. PIN-Guest codes. Set up door opening/closing notifications.

Xiaomi Home Security Camera

One of the most useful features of Xiaomi smart locks is the ability to remotely control, for example, you can open the door to the courier, even if you are not at home, through the Mi Home app.

1. Go to the lock settings in the app.
2. Select Remote Access and enable the option.
3. Generate a temporary PIN-code or send an invitation via Mi Home.

Step-by-step, set up integration with Google Home:

1. Make sure your Xiaomi lock is connected to the Mi Home.
2. Open the Google Home app and go to Add → Set up your device → Works with Google.
3. Find Mi Home in the list and log in to your Xiaomi account.
4. Select the devices you want to add (including the lock).
5. You can now control the lock through Google Assistant (e.g., say, “OK Google, open the front door”).

Note that not all lock features can be accessed via Google Home, such as adding fingerprints or setting temporary locks. PIN-codes are usually only available in the native Mi Home app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google and Xiaomi’s Smart Lock