What you need to know
- Identity control was identified on a OnePlus 13 running the Android 16 Beta.
- The feature should arrive on more Android phones with the Android 16 update to come later this year.
- It requires a modification of the Android biometric prompt prompt code, which cannot be completed without full update.
Identity verification is a useful Android feature that adds an additional protection layer to your devices when they are outside the confidence location, and there is a chance that it can arrive on more supported phones with Android 16. To date, identity control only works on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices.
However, it was recently spotted on a OnePlus 13 running the beta version of Android 16, suggesting that this identity check will soon be more widely available (via Android authority). After upgrading to Android 16, the identity verification option has become available in the Settings> Google> Flight protectionWhere features such as flight detection locking and offline device locking are also found on supported devices.
When activated, the identity checks biometric authentication to display or modify certain sensitive parts on your Android smartphone. A fingerprint or unlocking is required for the following actions when your device is outside a confidence location:
- Access pass keys and recorded applications
- Change the PIN code, the model or password and deactivate find my
For these actions, biometric authentication is compulsory outside of confidence locations with an activated identity check – a password, a spindle or a model will not work as an alternative. This aims to prevent people from diverting your Google account or other online accounts in case your phone is lost or stolen, even if the bad actor knows your password.
Android Expert Mishaal Rahman reports that the delay in identity verification to other Android phones is that functionality requires full upgrading of the operating system. Indeed, identity control eliminates reproach / password / pattern, which is part of the biometric prompt code which cannot be modified with a basic update. As such, other Android phones can receive an identity check by upgrading to Android 16 or with manual upgrade.
For example, Samsung added an identity check with a user interface 7, which later published that the upgrades based on Android 15 of manufacturers. Google added it with Android 15 QPR1 for Pixel phones. All other Android manufacturers can create an identity check, now fully supported in Android 15 QPR1, or simply wait until Android 16 takes place.
Since the upgrade of Android 16 will automatically include identity check, this is how most Android phones users who are not a pixel or galaxy will probably get the functionality. It should not be activated by default and will support any phone with the Biometric class three equipment.
