Google’s Identity Check Feature Reaching Pixel & Galaxy Phones
In recent years, Android has been getting more security and privacy features than ever. Google has been trying hard to reverse the image that iOS, its main rival in the mobile OS segment, is more secure. Now, the company is bringing a new Identity Check feature to Android, though it’s not available to everyone.
Currently, Pixel devices and Galaxy phones—running Android 15/One UI 7—are getting Identity Check. That means that, in the case of Galaxy devices, only the latest Galaxy S25 and One UI 7 beta-enrolled Galaxy S24 models are eligible. By now, it’s no secret that Google and Samsung work closely together on developing the Android ecosystem. So, features that were only available on Pixel phones a few years ago are now available on Galaxy ones as well.
Google rolling out “Identity Check” to Pixel and Galaxy phones running Android 15
Identity Check is a feature part of Android’s Theft Protection suite. It adds an extra shield against potential theft of your data or breach of your privacy by performing biometric checks based on your location. More specifically, the option uses “biometrics and other safeguards to verify it’s you” when you or someone else try to access potentially sensitive sections on your device while away from a trusted place. Trusted places can be your home, your work, or wherever you set. Android also uses these trusted places for Smart Lock features, for example.
If someone tries to use certain features of your phone while it’s not in a safe place, it will ask for your fingerprint or PIN. The feature will kick in situations like trying to access your phone’s password manager, for example.
You can set up Google’s Identity Check from the Theft Protection area of your Pixel or Galaxy phone’s Settings. If you don’t know where that section is, you can simply use the menu’s search bar. There’s a setup process that involves signing in to your Google account, setting up your screen lock and biometrics, enabling phone number verification, and finally choosing trusted places.
Identity Check is already reaching eligible devices through a Google Play Services update.
