Android 16: use fingerprint to unlock your screen, even it is off
Google is going to release Android 16 Beta 3 with the innovative entry of the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock feature. The feature is available for the entire Pixel lineup from Pixel 6 to the latest one and allows users to press the under-display fingerprint scanner, even when their screen is off.
The innovative feature was limited to Pixel 9, but within recent Android 16 Beta 3, it was provided to entire Pixel devices, and if your device has the latest Beta version, you can enable the feature by moving to Settings > Security > Device unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock. When you access Fingerprint Unlock, you need to toggle on the feature and add a biometric security method to your device, even when the device is off.
So you have to manually enable the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock after the Android 16 update, as it will be disabled by default. On activating the feature, you can press the fingerprint press scanner area and unlock your device.
The feature works reliably and keeps the device’s screen dark, even after unlocking. The fingerprint scanner lights up to make you feel safe. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner used by Pixel 9 is illuminated for reading without requiring the finger or thumb. So, now users are capable of using an optical scanner with the help of illuminated digits for processing biometric information, regardless of device including Pixel 6a to Pixel 8 and even the Pixel 9. One of the most awaited features will protect the battery life of your device as well.
The exact date of the arrival of Android 16 hasn’t officially been announced, but it we be released in Q2 2025, and you will be capable of enjoying the innovative fingerprint unlocking experience.
