Tech Desk 
Mar 23, 2025
Google is rolling out a new Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock feature for all Pixel phones with Android 16 Beta 3. This update allows users to unlock their phones using the fingerprint sensor even when the screen is off.
Previously, Pixel devices required the screen to be on for the sensor to work, but this limitation is now being removed.
Android 16’s Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock feature
Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock was initially unveiled in Android 16 Developer Preview 2 but was exclusive to the Pixel 9 series at that time. However, Google has widened the feature's availability with its latest Android 16 Beta 3 update and made it work across all Pixel phones, even the older Pixels like the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7 Pro.
Additionally, users may activate this feature by navigating to Settings > Security & privacy > Device Unlock> Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock and turning the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock toggle on.
Once activated, users only need to touch their finger on the fingerprint sensor when the screen is turned off, and the phone will immediately unlock. This enhancement speeds up unlocking and makes it more convenient, particularly for users who are dependent on fingerprint recognition.
While Google could still make changes before the final Android 16 release, there is no indication that this feature will be removed.
