OnePlus 5T Face Unlock on Any Android

This guide shows you how to bring the OnePlus 5T’s fast, convenient face unlock feature to virtually any Android phone. You’ll learn two reliable methods—one using a third-party app and another using built-in Smart Lock—so you can unlock your device with a glance, just like on the OnePlus 5T. No root access is required for the primary method, though root opens up more options.

What You’ll Need

• An Android phone running Android 6.0 or newer (most modern devices qualify).
• For the app method: a working front camera and a stable internet connection to download the app.
• For the Smart Lock method: a phone with Android 5.0+ and Google Play Services installed.
• Optional: A rooted phone if you want the most seamless, system-level integration.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using a Third-Party Face Unlock App

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for a reputable face unlock app. Popular choices include “Trusted Face” (which acts as a system-level unlock) or “Face Lock” (which provides an app-level lock). Read reviews and check permissions before installing.
3. Tap “Install” and wait for the app to download and install.
4. Open the app. It will typically ask for permissions—allow camera access and, if prompted, access to “usage access” or “draw over other apps” (needed to display the lock screen).
5. Follow the in-app setup wizard. This usually involves:
   • Creating a PIN or pattern as a backup (required by Android security).
   • Positioning your face within the on-screen oval and holding still while the app captures your face.
   • Turning on the “Auto Unlock” or “Unlock on detection” toggle.
6. After setup, lock your phone and try waking it. The app should automatically detect your face and unlock the device (or at least bypass the app’s own lock screen).
7. If the app doesn’t auto-unlock the system lock screen, you may need to additionally set up Smart Lock (Method 2) as a fallback—many face unlock apps work by keeping the screen on and then using Smart Lock to skip the PIN.

Method 2: Using Android’s Built-in Smart Lock (Trusted Face)

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Navigate to “Security” or “Security & location” (the exact name varies by manufacturer). On stock Android, it’s under “Security”.
3. Tap “Smart Lock”. If you don’t see it, search for “Smart Lock” in Settings.
4. You’ll be asked to enter your current PIN, pattern, or password to proceed.
5. Tap “Trusted face”.
6. Tap “Set up” and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to:
   • Hold your phone at eye level.
   • Position your face inside the circle.
   • Keep still while the system scans your face.
   • Confirm when the scan is complete.
7. After setup, toggle on “Trusted face” (if not already on). You can also choose whether to require your eyes to be open (“Require eyes to be open” option) for extra security.
8. Lock your phone and try waking it. When you look at the screen, it should recognize your face and unlock directly to your home screen.

Method 3: Root-Only Option (Advanced)

1. If your phone is rooted, you can install a module like “Face Unlock” from a custom recovery (e.g., Magisk module). This integrates more deeply with the system, mimicking the OnePlus 5T’s implementation.
2. Download the module from a trusted source like XDA Developers forum.
3. Boot into recovery mode (usually by holding Volume Down + Power during restart).
4. Flash the module zip file.
5. Reboot your phone. The face unlock will appear in Settings > Security as a native option.
6. Set it up just like Smart Lock, but with more options (like using the front camera for a quick unlock).

Common Mistakes

• Not granting permissions: Many face unlock apps fail silently if you deny camera or overlay permissions. Double-check app settings.
• Poor lighting: Face unlock relies on visible light. Using it in a dark room will often fail. The OnePlus 5T uses an infrared sensor, but most Android phones don’t have that hardware.
• Holding the phone too far or too close: The camera needs to see your entire face. Hold the phone about 8–12 inches away, at eye level.
• Using a photo of yourself: Most modern implementations reject photos, but some older apps don’t. If security matters, choose an app that detects liveness.
• Skipping the backup PIN: Android requires a secure backup method. If you skip it, Smart Lock won’t work at all.

Tips

• For the fastest experience, combine both methods: use a third-party app for the lock screen and Smart Lock as the system-level bypass. This mimics the OnePlus 5T’s instant unlock.
• Keep your phone’s camera lens clean. Smudges can slow down recognition.
• If you wear glasses or a hat, set up the face model with them on, or add a second face (if supported) for variations.
• On Samsung devices, you may need to disable “Secure lock settings” to allow Smart Lock to work with third-party apps.
• Test the setup in different lighting conditions to understand its limitations.

Troubleshooting

• Face unlock doesn’t trigger at all: Ensure the app is running in the background (check battery optimization settings). Go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization, find the app, and set it to “Don’t optimize”.
• Smart Lock option is missing: This happens if you don’t have a secure lock screen set. Go to Settings > Security > Screen lock and set a PIN, pattern, or password first.
• Face unlock works but doesn’t skip the PIN: In Smart Lock settings, make sure “Trusted face” is enabled and the phone is not in “Lockdown” mode (which disables Smart Lock). Also, check that you haven’t toggled “Require eyes to be open” if you look away often.
• App keeps crashing: Clear the app’s cache: Settings > Apps > [App] > Storage > Clear Cache. If it persists, uninstall and reinstall.
• Unlock is slow: Disable any battery saver modes that might be throttling the camera. Also, close background apps that use the camera.
• Face unlock fails after a restart: Android requires you to enter your PIN/pattern once after reboot. This is a security feature and cannot be bypassed without root.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this as secure as the OnePlus 5T’s face unlock?

No. The OnePlus 5T uses an infrared sensor that works in the dark and is harder to fool with photos. Most Android phones rely on the front camera, which is less secure. Use it for convenience, not for protecting sensitive data.

Do I need root to use face unlock on any Android?

No. The Smart Lock method works on all stock Android devices without root. The third-party app method also works without root, though it may not be as seamless. Root gives you deeper integration but is not required.

Will face unlock work in the dark?

Usually not. Without an infrared sensor, the camera needs visible light. Some apps use the screen flash to illuminate your face, but it’s not as reliable. If dark use is critical, consider a phone with IR face unlock (like the OnePlus 5T itself).

Can I use face unlock to authorize payments?

No. Android’s Smart Lock and third-party apps only unlock the device. They do not integrate with Google Pay or banking apps, which require the more secure biometric methods (fingerprint or dedicated face authentication like Face ID).

Why does my phone ask for PIN after a reboot even with face unlock?

This is a mandatory Android security feature. After a reboot, the system requires you to enter your PIN/pattern/password once to decrypt the device. This prevents unauthorized access if your phone is stolen and rebooted.

Will face unlock drain my battery?

Smart Lock uses minimal battery because it only activates when the screen is on. Third-party apps that constantly monitor the camera can drain more battery. Check your battery usage stats and adjust the app’s settings (like disabling “wake on motion”) if needed.

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