Android 16 has a helpful new fingerprint unlock characteristic

Abstract

Android 16 has a brand new characteristic which lets Pixel 9 customers unlock their telephone with their fingerprint when the display is off.
The characteristic probably makes use of the Pixel 9’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
To allow this characteristic on Android 16, customers can navigate to Settings > Safety & Privateness > Fingerprint Unlock.

Android 15 solely arrived not too long ago, however speak is already shifting to Android 16. The subsequent main replace for Android is now out there in developer preview, and it is obtained a helpful new fingerprint unlock characteristic.

With Android 16 Developer Preview 2 there is a new characteristic referred to as “Display screen-off fingerprint unlock” that permits customers to unlock their telephone with its fingerprint sensor when the gadget’s display is totally off.

Proper now, the characteristic is barely supported on the Pixel 9 collection, probably as a result of the telephones have an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Based on 9to5Google, the characteristic pops up within the Settings seek for the Pixel 8 Professional, however there is not an choice to allow it, probably as a result of it makes use of an optical fingerprint sensor. It is unclear if different Android telephones with ultrasonic fingerprint sensors will assist this characteristic sooner or later, however hopefully, they’ll.

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Learn how to allow Display screen-off fingerprint unlock

This characteristic is nice for individuals who do not use always-on show

Light hitting the back of the Pixel 9 Pro XL

In the event you’re on Android 16’s newest developer preview and wish to check out this characteristic in your Pixel 9, head over to Settings > Safety & privateness > Machine unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock to allow it.

In the event you use always-on show (AOD), this characteristic may not be a giant deal to you, as the flexibility to unlock your telephone along with your fingerprint is at all times there. Nevertheless, in case you’re like me and do not use AOD in your Pixel, this characteristic is a welcome addition and takes benefit of the Pixel 9’s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

An ultrasonic fingerprint sensor makes use of sound waves, not gentle, to seize your fingerprint, so it may be used when the show is turned off. Optical fingerprint sensors work by shining a light-weight in your finger and taking an image. Since optical depends on gentle, it is extra sophisticated to make use of in low-light environments and when the display is off.

In the event you aren’t able to check out Android 16 simply but, don’t be concerned, as Google not too long ago launched its December Pixel Feature Drop, which is filled with new options to check out in your Pixel.