New Feature: Unlock your Pixel even when the screen is off.
Expanded Availability: Now compatible with all Pixel devices featuring in-display fingerprint sensors.
Improved Convenience: There is no need to wake the screen before using the fingerprint sensor.
Enhanced Security: Experience seamless biometric authentication with the latest update.
The Android 16 Developer Preview 3 (DP3) for Pixel smartphones introduces an innovative feature that transforms biometric security.
With this update, users can unlock their Pixel devices using the in-display fingerprint sensor, even when the screen is off, removing the necessity to wake the display first.
Unlocking Made Effortless
In the past, Pixel users had to use workarounds such as activating the always-on display or tapping the screen to wake it up to access the fingerprint sensor.
However, with the introduction of Android 16 DP3, a new feature called Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock has been added. You can find it under Settings > Security & privacy > Device Unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock.
When enabled, the sensor lights up when touched, checks your biometric credentials, and unlocks your device immediately.
Expanded Availability Across Devices
Originally launched in December as part of the Android 16 DP2 update and initially available only for the Pixel 9 series, this feature has now been expanded to include all Pixel devices equipped with an in-display fingerprint scanner.
While previous models, including the Pixel 6, utilized optical fingerprint readers, this update offers enhanced compatibility and greater convenience for all users.
