security - How to switch screen unlock from Pattern to Slide

On my Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop I used the Slide setting for the lock screen. To experiment with a VPN, I switched to pattern lock.

After deleting the VPN entry I had created, I tried to switch back to Slide. However, the Slide and None options are grayed out and unusable under Settings -> Security -> Screen lock. Only the Pattern, PIN, and Password options are available.

How can I switch from Pattern to Slide?

Answer

Try this:

1. Open your Settings.


2. Scroll down and select Security.


3. Clear Credentials.


4. Check the Screen Lock setting to see if the low-security options are now enabled.

If that doesn't work, you can revert your lockscreen security to Slide.

1. Set your lockscreen security to Pattern from Settings>Security>Screen Lock.


2. Click the power button on your phone to lock it.


3. Click the power button again, but don't unlock your phone. There should be a button labelled Forgot Password. Note: On some devices, you may need to incorrectly enter the password/pattern several times until that option appears.



4. Enter your Google account credentials.


5. Your lock settings should now be Slide. Note: With this method, the option for Slide security will still by disabled, but you should still have it as the lockscreen security on your phone.