Android 16 Developer Preview 3 Reportedly Enables Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock on All Pixel Phones
Pixel users will be able to tap on the fingerprint reader and it will be illuminated, allowing them to verify their biometric identity.
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Highlights
- Android 16 DP2 adds Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock for all Pixel phones
- It can be enabled via Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock
- The feature was first introduced with Android 16 DP2 in December
Android 16 Developer Preview 3 is available to download on Pixel smartphones
Photo Credit: Google
Android 16 Developer Preview 3 (DP3) for Pixel smartphones was released last week. It adds a new feature which makes unlocking the phone with the inbuilt fingerprint sensor more convenient, according to a report. The feature is said to allow Pixel users to use the fingerprint unlock sensor even when the screen is turned off. It was first introduced with the Android 16 DP2 update in December but was said to be limited to the Pixel 9 series. The latest update expands the feature all Pixel handsets with an in-display fingerprint scanner.
Unlocking the Pixel on Android 16 DP3
At present, the Pixel's screen needs to be awake in order for the in-display fingerprint sensor to function. Although there is no direct option to enable it, there are some workarounds, such as turning on the always-on display or using the tap to wake feature. However, this limitation is set to be removed with Android 16.
According to an Android Authority report, the Android 16 DP3 adds a new setting called Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock on all Pixel phones with an in-display fingerprint scanner. The feature's description states that it can be “toggled to use fingerprint unlock even when the screen is off”. Once enabled, users will be able to tap on the fingerprint reader and it will be illuminated, verifying their biometric credentials and unlocking the phone.
It is reportedly found under Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock.
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The same feature was first introduced in December with the Android 16 DP2 update. However, the publication reports that the latest update expands its availability. It is reported to have been tested successfully on the Google Pixel 6a. While previously it required an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor to work, it remains unknown if this criteria has been removed with the Android 16 DP3 update. Notably, the Google Pixel 9 series are the only Pixel handsets to use an ultrasonic sensor. Meanwhile, previous models up to the Pixel 6 utilised an optical fingerprint reader for biometric authentication.
REVIEW
- Good
- IP67-rated design
- Impressive cameras for photos
- Vibrant OLED display
- Stock Android 13 software
- Bad
- Plastic back is prone to scratches
- 60Hz display does not feel fluid
- Cannot handle heavy gaming
- Recorded video needs work
- Relatively slow charging, no wireless charging
- Battery life could be better
Read detailed Google Pixel 6a review
KEY SPECS
Display 6.10-inch
Processor Google Tensor
Front Camera 8-megapixel
Rear Camera 12.2-megapixel + 12-megapixel
RAM 6GB
Storage 128GB
Battery Capacity 4410mAh
OS Android 13
Resolution 1080x2400 pixels
NEWS
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