Google has reintroduced a popular biometric feature for its Pixel phones with the release of Android 16 QPR2. This update allows users of newer models to unlock their devices using the screen-off fingerprint feature. This means that users can simply place their finger on the sensor, even when the display is off, to access their device quickly and conveniently.
The Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock option first appeared earlier this year during the Android 16 Developer Preview 2 builds for the Pixel 9 series. However, as Google progressed through subsequent beta versions, the feature was removed without explanation, leaving many users uncertain about its future. With the stable QPR2 update, which coincides with the December Pixel update, the feature is now officially making a comeback, but it is limited to select devices.
Limited Availability and Hardware Considerations
Reports from users on platforms like Reddit and Telegram indicate that the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock toggle is primarily appearing on Pixel 9 and newer devices. While the feature is not confirmed on older models, users have noted its absence on devices such as the Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel 9a, despite the latter being a newer release.
Although Google has not publicly addressed the limited availability of this feature, it is widely believed that hardware differences play a crucial role. The Pixel 9 series and later utilize ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, which can accurately read fingerprint patterns using sound waves, even when the display is asleep. In contrast, older models, including the Pixel 9a, rely on optical fingerprint sensors, which use the screen’s light to illuminate the finger. This reliance makes them less reliable for unlocking when the display is completely off.
Functionality and User Experience
With the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock feature enabled, the fingerprint sensor remains active even when the device is idle and the screen is turned off. Users can simply place their finger on the scanner to unlock their device immediately, eliminating the need to tap the screen or activate the Always-on Display feature.
Previously, users who preferred quick access had to keep the Always-on Display active, which could negatively impact battery life. The new feature allows for instant unlocking without the need for a lit display, enhancing user convenience.
For those with supported devices who have received the Android 16 QPR2 update, enabling the feature is straightforward. Users can navigate to: Settings → Security & privacy → Device unlock → Fingerprint. If the feature is available, the toggle for Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock will appear alongside the standard biometric settings.
As the QPR2 update is substantial, Google has cautioned that installation times may vary based on the model and storage capacity.
While Google has not officially highlighted the return of this feature in its release notes, its reintroduction is significant for users who prefer a quick and discreet unlocking method without illuminating the entire display. As Pixel hardware increasingly transitions to ultrasonic sensors, it is possible that the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock feature may become standard across future models. Currently, users will need a Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, or any device in the Pixel 10 series to utilize this revived capability.
