Android 15only arrived recently, but talk is already shifting toAndroid 16. The next major update for Android is now available indeveloper preview, and it’s got a handy new fingerprint unlock feature.
With Android 16 Developer Preview 2 there’s a new feature called “Screen-off fingerprint unlock” that allows users to unlock their phone with its fingerprint sensor when the device’s screen is completely off.
Right now, the feature is only supported on the Pixel 9 series, likely because the phones have an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. According to9to5Google, the feature pops up in the Settings search for the Pixel 8 Pro, but there isn’t an option to enable it, likely because it uses an optical fingerprint sensor. It’s unclear if other Android phones with ultrasonic fingerprint sensors will support this feature in the future, but hopefully, they will.
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How to enable Screen-off fingerprint unlock
This feature is great for people who don’t use always-on display
If you’re on Android 16’s latest developer preview and want to try out this feature on your Pixel 9, head over to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock to enable it.
If you use always-on display (AOD), this feature might not be a big deal to you, as the ability to unlock your phone with your fingerprint is always there. However, if you’re like me and don’t use AOD on your Pixel, this feature is a welcome addition and takes advantage of the Pixel 9’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Anultrasonic fingerprint sensoruses sound waves, not light, to capture your fingerprint, so it can be used when the display is turned off. Optical fingerprint sensors work by shining a light on your finger and taking a picture. Since optical relies on light, it’s more complicated to use in low-light environments and when the screen is off.
If you aren’t ready to try outAndroid 16just yet, don’t worry, as Google recently released itsDecember Pixel Feature Drop, which is full of new features to try out on your Pixel.
Google makes it easy to install the Android 16 preview with its online Flash Tool
Google is already working away on its next major Android release – version 16. Here’s how to download and install this early preview on your Pixel.
