Running the all-new Android 5.0 Lollipop update, Google’s Nexus 6 is finally available from multiple carriers in the United States and ships from both Motorola.com and the Google Play Store.
Now that the handset has reached buyers, most people will probably want to change some settings or features on the device. The Nexus 6 is a powerful smartphone packed with features, and we love the new lock screen notification system on Android 5.0 Lollipop, but they may not be for everyone.
While Android 5.0 changes the look and feel of many things, one thing you’ll quickly notice for the better is the new lock screen and lock screen notifications. They’re easier to use, smarter, and more interactive, but if you want to disable them or hide some of the content they’re viewing, read on for a quick set of how-to instructions.
With the Nexus 6 we have a new lock screen setup thanks to Android 5.0 Lollipop, and the smartphone even has an Ambient Display setting that turns the screen on and off in low-power black and white mode to calmly show incoming notifications.
When you tap the screen to interact with lock screen notifications, you have several options. They can be swiped left or right to dismiss, or they can instantly launch that app with a quick double tap on any notification. It works extremely well and is very easy. Users can also swipe from left or right on lock screen to quickly launch camera or dialer app as quick shortcuts.
However, if you don’t want notifications and sensitive information on your lock screen, here’s how to disable it or even set some to never appear. There’s also a priority mode so you can have certain notifications always show up at the top of the list. There’s a lot of control as long as you know how to do it.
Instructions
Start by swiping down the notification bar shade with two fingers and selecting the gear-shaped settings button. Go to “Sound & notifications” from here to change a few things.
Here you will land where it says “Notification” and the first option “when device is locked”. Selecting this option will provide owners with a quick popup with two options to choose from. One will show all notification content enabled by default and the other one that says “don’t show notification at all” and this is what you will want to select as shown below.
This ensures that the lock screen will no longer show any of your notifications and no sensitive dates can be shared or seen from prying eyes.
Just below this setting is a new option and feature in Android 5.0 Lollipop called “app notifications” and this is one area where owners can have extra control over their notifications. If you decide to leave lock screen notifications enabled, here you can choose which apps actually show up, make certain notifications never appear on the lock screen, and even change the priority. So, if you want Gmail or Twitter notifications to always be at the top of the list, find them in this menu and turn on the priority slider.
If an app notification pops up on your lock screen or notification bar, a long press will take you to the same settings; This is a quick one tap way to instantly enter and block any specific app notification.
With Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google has added a lot more control over notifications, when and where you get notifications, and how to alert you with a new do not disturb mode. There are many new features in Android 5.0 so enjoy exploring and disable those lock screen notifications with the steps above if you want.
The Nexus 6 is finally getting into buyers’ hands and carrier stores, and as it becomes more widely available, check back soon to see more Nexus 6 how-tos, tips and tricks.
