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 his Nexus 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 2015/2016 and Best Android tablets 2015/2016. Follow Marie Brewis on Twitter. Marie is Editor in Chief of Tech Advisor and Macworld. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our English language, French and Spanish consumer editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
