How to add a lock screen message in Android Marshmallow

Lock screen messages are new toAndroid Marshmallow. Here’s how to customise yourAndroid phoneorAndroid tabletwith a personal lock screen message.Also see:When will my phone get Android Marshmallow?

Many moons ago it used to be (mildly) amusing to swipe someone’s Nokia and set it up so it would request the owner ‘Insert 10p’ when they first switched it on. Now you might not be able to make a phone call for 10p these days, but Android Marshmallow builds in the ability to create a lock-screen message. And you can have loads of fun with it (we’re still waiting for PCA editor Jim Martin to notice our alteration to hisNexus 5X).

Or you can have less fun and add a serious lock screen message, such as a contact number for your next of kin should your phone be lost and found or something happens to its owner.Also see:How to use app permissions in Android Marshmallow.

Whatever you want to do with it, here’s how to create a lock-screen message in Android Marshmallow. Also see:How to uninstall apps from Android Marshmallow.

How to create a lock screen message in Android Marshmallow

Step 1.Open the Settings menu on your phone. You might have a shortcut to this on your home screen; otherwise you can access it from the drop-down notification bar or within the app tray.

Step 2.Scroll down to and select Security within the Settings menu.Also see:How to use Now On Tap in Android Marshmallow.

Step 3.Under the Device security category you’ll see an option called ‘Lock screen message’; tap this.

Step 4.In the window that pops up tap on the empty text field to trigger the keyboard, then begin typing your lock screen message.

Step 5.Hit Save and you’ll now see your message below the ‘Lock screen message’ field under Device Security.

Step 6.Press the power button on your phone to enter standby mode, and again to wake the screen. You should now see your lock screen message below the clock.

Read next:Best Android phones 2015/2016andBest Android tablets 2015/2016.

Follow Marie Brewis onTwitter.

Author: Marie Black, Editorial Director, International

Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for almost 20 years, covering all types of consumer tech from smartphones and their accessories to smart home gear. These days she manages our international editorial teams and leads on content strategy, having witnessed first-hand Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.

Recent stories by Marie Black: