Android 16 now lets all Pixel phones use fingerprint unlock even when the screen is off

Because the Pixel 6, each Pixel telephone (excluding foldables) has featured an under-display fingerprint scanner. In contrast to many different smartphones, nevertheless, Pixel telephones presently require the display screen to be on for the fingerprint scanner to operate. Fortunately, this limitation shall be addressed within the upcoming Android 16 replace for Pixel.

The Android 16 replace for Pixel telephones is about to introduce a brand new Display screen-off Fingerprint Unlock function. When this function is enabled, the fingerprint scanner shall be energetic even when the display screen is off. To allow the Display screen-off Fingerprint Unlock function, navigate to Settings > Safety & privateness > System unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock. Then, throughout the “when utilizing Fingerprint Unlock” part, allow the Display screen-off Fingerprint Unlock toggle.

As soon as enabled, you possibly can press the fingerprint scanner space when the display screen is off, and your Pixel telephone’s display screen will illuminate and unlock if the proper finger is used.

Google initially launched the Display screen-off Fingerprint Unlock function within the second developer preview of Android 16, nevertheless it was restricted to the Google Pixel 9 sequence. Nonetheless, with the discharge of Android 16 Beta 3, the corporate expanded compatibility to all Pixel telephones. I confirmed it really works on my Pixel 6a, and a tester verified it on their Pixel 7 Professional. Whereas there’s a chance Google may take away the function within the secure Android 16 launch, there’s no obvious purpose for them to take action.

When you favor to not await the official Android 16 launch or be a part of the beta program, enabling the always-on show is your solely present choice to maintain the fingerprint scanner energetic. In any other case, merely await the Android 16 rollout after which allow the Display screen-off Fingerprint Unlock toggle within the Fingerprint Unlock settings, as will probably be disabled by default.