Android 16 Beta Expands 'Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock' to Older Pixel Phones

Google's new feature, initially exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, is now available on Pixel 6 and newer models but remains in beta testing with uncertain future availability.

The 'Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock' feature allows users to unlock Pixel phones without waking the screen by placing their thumb on the in-display fingerprint sensor.
Initially introduced with the Pixel 9 series in Android 16 Developer Preview 2, the feature is now accessible on Pixel 6 and newer models through Android 16 Beta 3.1.
Users must manually enable the feature in the Security and Privacy settings, and it works best with Always-on Display turned off, potentially saving battery life.
The feature is still in beta testing, and its inclusion in the stable release of Android 16 has not been confirmed, leaving its future availability uncertain.
Similar functionality is already available on competing devices from brands like OnePlus and Samsung running Android 15, highlighting competitive pressures in smartphone innovation.