Google is ready to offer a very important feature for its pixel smartphone with update update and update updates, as according to a report Android authorityThe new feature called screen-off fingerprint unlock will allow users to unlock their pixel devices using under-display fingerprint scanner even when the screen is closed. Since the launch of the Pixel 6 series, Google has consistently equipped its Pixel smartphone (except foldables) with an under-display fingerprint scanner. However, unlike many other Android devices, the pixel phone always needs to activate the screen to work for the scanner. With Android 16 update, Google eventually bringing the screen-off fingerprint unlock feature to all compatible pixel models, making the unlocking process faster and comfortable.

To enable the new feature, users must navigate on device settings. The path is as follows: Settings> Security and Privacy> Device Unlock> Face and Fingerprint Unlock> Fingerprint UnlockWithin the “when using fingerprint unlock”, within the section, the screen-off fingerprint would be a tole for unlock. Once active, users can only press the fingerprint scanner area on the screen, while it is closed, and the device will be illuminated and unlocked if the correct fingerprint is detected.

The screen-off fingerprint unlock feature was first seen in the second developer preview of Android 16, but was initially limited to the Google Pixel 9 series. However, with the release of Android 16 Beta 3, Google has expanded compatibility to include all pixel phones with under-display fingerprint scanner. Initial testing has confirmed that this feature works on devices such as Pixel 6A and Pixel 7 Pro, showing that it will probably be available for a wide range of models. Although there is little possibility that Google can remove the feature before the stable release of Android 16, there is no clear reason to do so, given its practicality and user’s demand.

Those who do not want to wait for the official Android 16 rollout or do not want to join the beta program, currently there is only one work-raound to keep the fingerprint scanner active: enabling the always-on display feature. This ensures that the scanner remains functional even when the screen is closed. However, this method consumes additional battery life, leading to a more efficient solution to the upcoming screen-off fingerprint unlock.

The Android 16 update is expected to bring many other promotion, but the screen-off fingerprint unlock feature is undoubtedly one of the most awaited additions. Once a stable Android 16 update rolls out, all pixel phones users will need to manually enab the screen-of fingerprint unlock togle in settings, as it will be disabled by default. This ensures that users who prefer the current method of unlocking their devices can continue to do so without any change.