Android 16 Finally Fixes One of the Most Annoying Pixel Problems
If you use a Pixel phone, you’ve probably noticed something annoying about the fingerprint scanner — it doesn’t work unless the screen is on. Whether you’re using a Pixel 6, 7, or even the latest Pixel 9, you still have to tap the screen or rely on Always-on Display just to unlock your phone. Annoying, right? Android phones from Samsung, Xiaomi, and others don’t have this problem. Thankfully,Android 16is finally fixing it.
Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock is Here on Pixel
With Android 16 Beta 3, Google is rolling out a feature calledScreen-off Fingerprint Unlock. As the name says, it lets you unlock your Pixel phone by simply placing your finger on the sensor — no need to wake the screen first.
This feature first showed up in Android 16 Developer Preview 2 but was limited to the Pixel 9 series. Now, Google is expanding it to older Pixel phones like the Pixel 8 and even earlier models, as long as they support under-display fingerprint sensors and are on the latest Android 16 beta.
You’ll find the new setting by going to:Settings > Security & privacy > Device Unlock> Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock.
One thing to note: If you already use Always-on Display (AOD), this might not feel like a huge change since the fingerprint scanner is already active in that mode. But for those who keep AOD off (to save battery or avoid distractions), this is a big improvement.
Also Read:
A Small Change That Saves Time
Google has always required the screen to be active before scanning your fingerprint. Some assumed this limitation was hardware-based, especially since the Pixel 9 series uses ultrasonic sensors — unlike older Pixels which use optical ones. But with this update, Google is showing that even older Pixels can handle screen-off unlocking just fine.
It might seem like a tiny improvement, but when you unlock your phone dozens of times a day, skipping that one extra tap adds up. It just feels faster and smoother — the way it should’ve always been.
Android 16 is expected to roll out to all Pixel users by the end of June 2025. And when it does, this long-overdue upgrade will make Pixel phones feel more in line with the rest of the Android world.
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
