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Android 16 May Fix This Annoying Google Pixel Screen Unlock Issue
Google Pixel phones boast a host of exclusive features not available on most other Android brands. However, they also have some drawbacks or limitations not found on other companies’ devices. One of those is the inability to use the fingerprint reader with the phone’s screen off. Fortunately, it looks like Android 16 will finally address this screen unlock issue on Pixel phones.
Like the vast majority of Android devices, Google Pixels use fingerprint readers hidden under the screen. The Pixel 9 series brought a big improvement: ultrasonic technology. This makes the devices even more secure and unlocks faster. That said, you still have to have your phone’s screen on to use it. This is bad news for those who do not use the Always On Display option.
Android 16 could let you unlock your Pixel via fingerprint reader with the screen off
On many Android phones from other brands, the fingerprint reader area lights up when you move the phone. This allows you to unlock it without turning on the screen. Even if the area doesn’t light up, you can unlock the device if you point your finger correctly at the fingerprint reader. However, Pixel phones require you to have the screen on to use this unlocking method.
As spotted by Phone Arena, the latest Android 16 Beta 3 update includes a toggle to enable the “Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock” feature. The name of the option is fairly self-explanatory. Once enabled, you’ll be able to unlock your Pixel phone without first turning on the screen.
It’s noteworthy that the “Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock” option isn’t entirely new in Android 16. Google implemented it in the beta 2 update, but only for the Pixel 9 series. Perhaps the Mountain View giant initially planned it to be exclusive to its latest flagship phones. However, it seems there’s been a change of heart, as the option is now available for all Pixel devices running Android 16.
The option is disabled by default, and it’s likely to be the same with the stable firmware. You can activate it from Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock > Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock.
The new feature will be especially welcome for those who disable Always On Display to extend the battery life on their Pixel phones. Let’s hope Google doesn’t ditch it before the Android 16 stable rollout.
