Summary
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Android 16 beta 3 extends the “unlocking fingerprints in takeoff” on older pixel phones.
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The functionality first eliminates the need to wake up the screen before using the fingerprint scanner.
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Google introduced this option for Pixel 9 with Android 16 DP2.
A frustrating drawback of Google pixel phones is that the fingerprint scanner remains inactive when the screen is off. This oddity is even present on the Pixel 9 series, which is shipped with a more advanced and secure ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The limitation means that you should wake up the display of your pixel or that the display always activated has made it possible to unlock the phone by simply placing your thumb on the fingerprint scanner. Fortunately, Android 16 will tackle this discomfort on all pixel phones for good.
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In Android 16 DP2, Google introduced an option “Digital imprints” on the Pixel 9 series. As its name suggests, the function allows you to unlock your Pixel 9 by placing your thumb on the fingerprint sensor, without waking up the screen first.
Many assumed that the functionality would remain exclusive to the new Google pixels because they use an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and can operate without passing the light through the screen. But this is not the case, with Android 16 Beta 3 also expanding the functionality with older pixels (via Android authority).
If you go to Settings> Safety and confidentiality> Unlocking the device> Unlocking face and digital fingerprints> Digital fingerprints unlocking On your Pixel 8 or more executing device the last Android 16 Beta, you will see the option “Decreasing fingerprints”.
Once activated, the screen of your pixel turns on automatically when you place your finger on the scanner, and the device unlocks if it recognizes the correct imprint. This is exactly how the fingerprint unlock works on Android phones from Samsung, Xiaomi and others. Google was the only aberrant value, requiring the additional step to activate the screen manually to activate the fingerprint scanner.
A small change that will improve the unlocking experience of your pixel
If you have always activated the display (AOD) on your pixel, this new feature will not be beneficial to you because the fingerprint scanner remains active in AOD mode.
Although a small change, it would make your pixel phone unlock more transparent and would bring the experience of what you will find on other Android phones closer.
Android 16 will arrive earlier than usual, with a version of T2 2025, so pixel owners will not have to wait a long time to take advantage of the unlocking experience of the upper fingerprints.
