Android 16 will make it faster and easier to unlock the Google Pixel
By ForGeeks One of the annoying features of Google’s Pixel smartphones has always been that the fingerprint scanner doesn’t work when the screen is off. Even in the Pixel 9 series, which features a more advanced ultrasonic sensor, you had to either turn the display on manually or activate Always-on Display (AOD) to unlock it. However, with the release of Android 16
In The second preview version of Android 16 (DP2) for Pixel 9 there’s a new option «Unlock by fingerprint when the screen is off». It allows you to simply put your finger on the sensor and the phone unlocks immediately, without having to turn on the display first.
At first, it seemed like the feature would remain exclusive to the Pixel 9, as that’s the series that utilizes an ultrasonic scanner that doesn’t require screen backlighting to work. However, in Android 16 Beta 3 Google has extended support to the older Pixel models, as confirmed by the Android Authority.
Owners of Pixel 8 and earlier devices with Android 16 Beta 3 can now find the new setting in the menu:
Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock.
After activation, all you have to do is simply put your finger on the sensor – the screen will automatically turn on and the phone will unlock if your fingerprint matches. So Google has finally brought the Pixel’s unlocking system in line with how it works on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, and other brands.
Samsung, Xiaomi, and other brands.
If you have the device enabled Always-on Display, the new mode won’t offer much of a convenience boost, as the fingerprint scanner remains active as it is. However, for users who prefer to save battery life and disable AOD, it’s a small but important improvement that will make unlocking the Pixel more convenient and faster.
A small but important improvement.
The final version of Android 16 will be released in the second quarter of 2025, so Pixel owners won’t have to wait long to appreciate the updated unlocking mechanism.
