To turn off device control on your Pixel 6, open Settings and go to Display & touch > Lock screen > Use device controls, then switch the toggle off. This removes the smart home controls from your lock screen, which is the quickest way to disable the feature when you want to declutter your interface or prevent accidental taps.
What are device controls on the Pixel 6?
Device controls on the Pixel 6 are the Home icon and smart device shortcuts that appear on your lock screen and in Quick Settings. They let you control devices in your Google Home favorites list, like lights, thermostats, or plugs, without unlocking your phone. This is not a general phone management tool; it is specifically for Google Home-connected smart devices. To enable the Home app integration, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Home.
How to turn off device control on Pixel 6
Follow these four steps to disable the lock-screen device controls:
- Open the Settings app on your Pixel 6.
- Tap Display & touch.
- Tap Lock screen.
- Tap Use device controls and switch the toggle to the off position.
That is the only verified method documented by Google. The setting is found exclusively under that path; it is not in the Connected devices menu or any carrier-specific settings.
What happens after you turn it off
Turning off Use device controls removes the smart device controls from your lock screen. You will no longer see the Home icon or be able to control your Google Home favorites without unlocking the phone first. The Google Home app itself still works normally; open the app and go to Google Home app > Home > All devices to control connected devices from the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can device controls be removed completely on Pixel 6?
No. Google only documents the option to turn off lock-screen access using the Use device controls toggle. There is no verified way to permanently delete the device controls feature from the Pixel 6; you can only hide it from the lock screen.
Does the lock-screen device control setting work on iPhone?
No. The Use device controls setting is documented only for Android and Pixel devices.
Is this a carrier setting?
No. No carrier help pages document any carrier-specific control for this device-control feature. The setting is purely part of the Pixel 6's system software under Display & touch.
If I turn off device controls, can I still use the Google Home app?
Yes. Disabling the lock-screen setting only removes the Home icon from the lock screen and Quick Settings. The Google Home app continues to function normally for all device control, automations, and management.
Will turning off device controls help you turn on battery saver?
If your goal is to extend battery life, the proper approach is to use the dedicated battery saver setting rather than disabling this lock-screen feature.
