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The Google EDU Update

Google Admin Weekly: PIN unlock for ChromeOS

Published 5 months ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader,

A small, seemingly insignificant policy change can have a HUGE impact on how teachers and students use your devices.

🤯 Today I am sharing one of those changes.

If your district is 1:1 with Chromebooks, enabling PIN unlock can simplify the login process. Students can use a personal PIN code to unlock their Chromebook quickly, without entering their full password.

A few important details:

  • PIN numbers can’t be used to sign in to a device.
  • PIN codes are ideal if your devices are set to "lock on lid close".
  • PIN codes must be locally set by the user, on their device.
  • PIN codes will NOT work in a shared device environment.
  • If you forget your PIN code, you can always use your password to unlock the device.

Sponsor

Chromebook Academy for IT Admins

Join me for a five session deep dive into managing Chromebooks through the Google Admin Console! We'll cover device selection, enrollment, policies, repair, and more!

Note: we will also review for the ChromeOS Certification Exam which is FREE through January 2025!

  • Dates: Nov. 6-20, 2024 (Tues / Thurs)
  • Time: 1-2:30 PM EST
  • Where: LIVE via Google Meet (sessions are recorded for on-demand viewing if you are unable to attend live)
  • Cost: $249/person (CC and purchase orders accepted)

Path: Devices > Chrome > Settings > User & browser settings > Security > Quick unlock

Once enabled, users have the option to set up a PIN code to unlock their device. Creating a PIN code is not required.

I configured PIN unlock on a set of elementary Chrome tablets which made the elementary teachers very happy!

Learn with John

Join me at one of these great events! Need a speaker? Get in touch!

Regards,

John R. Sowash

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John Sowash is a former teacher and an "accidental" Google Administrator. For more than a decade John has been helping schools use technology in meaningful ways. John lives in Michigan with his wife and five kids.

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by John Sowash

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