Since the Pixel 6 hit the scene in 2021, Google has packed its Pixel phones with under-display fingerprint scanners. It’s a handy feature that’s pretty much standard in today’s smartphones. But there’s always been a catch with Pixel phones — you had to turn the screen on first before the scanner would work if you didn’t have the always-on-display enabled.
That extra step could feel like a hassle, especially when you just want to get into your phone fast. Well, good news is on the way. The upcoming Android 16 update is shaking things up with a new feature that lets you unlock your Pixel phone without waking the screen first.
This new trick is called “Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Once it’s turned on, you can press your finger on the scanner area while the screen is off. If it’s the right finger, the screen lights up, and boom — your phone’s unlocked. No more tapping the power button or lifting the phone to wake it. It’s a simple tweak that makes unlocking feel quicker and more natural, especially when you’re on the go.
Want to try it out? After updating to the Android 16 beta 3 build, head to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock. Look for the “Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock” option under the “when using Fingerprint Unlock” section. Flip that switch, and you’re all set. Just a heads-up — it won’t be on by default, so you’ll need to enable it yourself.
Here’s a quick demo of the feature that I recorded (it loads via Imgur):
This feature first popped up in the second developer preview of Android 16, but back then, it was only for the fancy new Pixel 9 series. Now, with Android 16 Beta 3 out, Google’s opened the doors wider. Older models like the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7 Pro can get in on the action too. I tested it on a Pixel 8 and it works like a charm. Unless something wild happens, this should stick around when the official Android 16 update drops.
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