October security update breaks Smart Lock feature on Sony Xperia XZ1/XZ1 Compact

Along with the Sony Xperia XZ1/XZ1 Compact October security update, rolled in a broken functionality – the Smart Lock feature is not working anymore. The functionality, in case you aren’t aware, allows the device to auto-unlock in certain situations like when connected via Bluetooth to trusted devices or while carrying it in pocket.

What’s being put across by users at the official Xperia support forum as well as XDA is that the latest security update has rendered the Smart Lock feature completely useless. Users also mention that when they try accessing Smart Lock settings, all they get to see is a blank screen without any options (as can be seen in the screenshot on right):

While there’s no word from Sony yet, the number of complaints is on a rise. In case Smart Lock is not working for you after updating to October security update on Xperia ZX1/Z1 Compact, we suggest you to keep a tab here, as we’ll provide you updates regarding all related-developments.

Meanwhile, following is a temporary, user-suggested workaround that worked for some, but not all:

Xperia Support Forum 1 2 3 | XDA | Android Hilfe