If you use a Pixel phone , you ’ve probably notice something plaguey about the fingermark image scanner — it does n’t crop unless the cover is on . Whether you ’re using a Pixel 6 , 7 , or even the late Pixel 9 , you still have to tap the screen or swear on Always - on Display just to unlock your telephone . Annoying , right ? Android telephone from Samsung , Xiaomi , and others do n’t have this trouble . Thankfully , Android 16is finally bushel it .
Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock is Here on Pixel
With Android 16 Beta 3 , Google is turn over out a feature article calledScreen - off Fingerprint Unlock . As the name says , it let you unlock your Pixel speech sound by simply placing your finger on the sensing element — no need to awaken the screen first .
This feature first demonstrate up in Android 16 Developer Preview 2 but was limited to the Pixel 9 series . Now , Google is expanding it to aged Pixel phones like the Pixel 8 and even earlier models , as long as they stick out under - display fingermark sensors and are on the latest Android 16 beta .
You ’ll discover the new mount by choke to : options > Security & privacy > gadget Unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock .
One matter to note : If you already expend Always - on Display ( AOD ) , this might not experience like a huge change since the fingermark image scanner is already participating in that mode . But for those who keep AOD off ( to save barrage or avoid distraction ) , this is a large improvement .
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Google has always required the screen to be active before scanning your fingermark . Some assumed this limitation was hardware - base , especially since the Pixel 9 serial use ultrasonic sensing element — unlike older Pixels which use opthalmic ones . But with this update , Google is show that even older Pixels can deal silver screen - off unlocking just ok .
It might seem like a diminutive melioration , but when you unlock your phone twelve of times a day , skip that one special pat adds up . It just feels quicker and still — the way it should ’ve always been .
Android 16 is expected to roll out to all Pixel exploiter by the end of June 2025 . And when it does , this long - delinquent climb will make Pixel speech sound feel more in note with the rest of the Android world .
