If you’ve ever misplaced your phone—even for a few minutes—you know how unsettling it feels. Fortunately, your Samsung Galaxy A36 5G includes a feature that can significantly increase the chances of getting your phone back: adding contact information to the lock screen.
This small but powerful feature allows anyone who finds your phone to reach you, even without unlocking the device. It’s quick to set up and could save you hours of stress or even the cost of replacing a phone.
According to a 2022 study by the University of Michigan’s School of Information, 56% of lost smartphones were returned when owner information was visible on the lock screen. It’s a simple action that makes a big difference.
What Is Lock Screen Contact Info and Why Is It Important?
Lock screen contact information is a custom message displayed on your phone’s locked screen. It can include your name, alternate phone number, or an email address—any detail that can help someone contact you without accessing your personal data.
Unlike emergency contacts that are used in medical situations, this message is more general and is visible immediately when the screen wakes up, even if the device is protected by a PIN or fingerprint.
Benefits include:
- Higher chance of recovering a lost phone
- No need to install third-party apps
- Works even when offline
- Does not expose sensitive personal information
Steps to Add Contact Info to Lock Screen of Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
1. Open the Settings App
From your home screen, swipe up and tap the Settings icon. You can also search for “lock screen” using the built-in search bar at the top.
2. Tap on “Lock Screen and AOD”
In the main settings menu, scroll down and tap Lock Screen and AOD. This section controls what’s shown when your device is locked.
3. Select “Contact Information” or “Lock Screen Message”
Depending on your software version (One UI), look for the option labeled “Contact Information”, “Owner Info”, or “Lock Screen Message.” Tap it.
4. Enter Your Contact Details
Type a brief message. Keep it clear and helpful. For example:
“If found, please call or text John at (123) 456-7890.”
Avoid including addresses or highly sensitive data. You can also use emojis for better visibility, like:
“Found this phone? Please call 123-456-7890. Thank you!”
5. Save Your Changes
After entering your message, tap Save. Lock your screen to check if it appears correctly.
Additional Tips for Safety and Privacy
- While adding your contact info can be helpful, remember these precautions:
- Do not include personal identification numbers, such as Social Security numbers or home addresses.
- Use an alternate phone number or email instead of your primary one if privacy is a concern.
- Combine this with other security tools like Samsung’s Find My Mobile or Google Find My Device for better protection.
Does This Really Help in Real-Life Scenarios?
Yes. According to Stanford University’s Human-Computer Interaction Group, the return rate of lost phones increased by 67% when clear ownership messages were displayed on the lock screen. Real-world data from airport lost and found departments also supports this—phones labeled with return instructions are returned more frequently and quickly.
Conclusion
Adding contact information to your Samsung Galaxy A36 5G’s lock screen is one of those small actions with potentially big returns. It takes less than a minute, doesn’t require any apps, and significantly improves your chances of recovering a lost device.
In today’s fast-paced world, where smartphones carry everything from personal photos to financial data, a simple lock screen message could save you time, stress, and money.
So go ahead—add that message now. It’s free, safe, and incredibly useful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will the message appear when my phone is powered off?
A: No, the lock screen message only appears when the phone is turned on and the screen is active.
Q: Can I change the message later?
A: Absolutely. You can go back into the same settings and update or remove your message at any time.
Q: Is it safe to display my phone number publicly?
A: Yes, if it’s an alternate number or one specifically used for recovery purposes. Avoid using work or home numbers if privacy is a concern.
