Android 16 introduces a new way to use the fingerprint sensor of the Google Pixel 9.

Biometric security, which allows unlocking the phone using a fingerprint or facial recognition, is a standout feature, although it often requires turning on the device's screen to use it. This is because many fingerprint sensors are optical and need light to function. However, with the arrival of Android 16, the possibility of unlocking the Pixel 9 without needing to activate the screen will be introduced, thus avoiding the hassle of bright light early in the morning.

This feature was mentioned in the second developer preview of Android 16, suggesting that it is exclusive to the Google Pixel 9 series. While it can be found in the settings search of the Pixel 8 Pro, there is no option to enable it on that model, likely due to the use of an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner in the Pixel 9, which does not need light to operate. Those participating in the developer preview can enable this option in Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock > Face and Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock. It’s worth noting that those not in the preview will not have access to this feature.

For users of older Pixel models, an alternative is to enable the always-on display, which keeps the optical sensors active and functioning as long as the time is shown on the screen. This helps avoid the inconvenience of having to turn on the phone in a dark environment. This new feature will be particularly useful for those who do not wish to use the always-on display option but still want quick access to the fingerprint sensor.

In addition to this improvement, Android 16 DP2 also brought some other modifications, although most were minor. While this feature may not be essential for all users, the ability to unlock the phone with a fingerprint without turning on the screen represents significant convenience.