Google is enhancing the Android experience with the rollout of Android 16 Beta 3. The new update brings the much-anticipated Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock feature to older Pixel devices. Previously available only on the flagship Pixel 9 series, the feature is now accessible to a wider range of users, aiming to offer smoother and faster device unlocking.

What is Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock?

The Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock feature allows users to unlock their smartphones without needing to wake the screen manually. Instead, the fingerprint scanner remains active even when the screen is off. A simple touch on the scanner area automatically wakes and unlocks the device, eliminating the extra step of tapping the power button or double-tapping the screen.

This seamless functionality made its debut in the Android 16 Developer Preview 2 but was initially limited to the Pixel 9 series. The restriction led many to believe the feature would remain exclusive to newer devices equipped with ultrasonic fingerprint sensors. These advanced sensors can detect fingerprints even through a darkened display, unlike traditional optical sensors that rely on light.

Older Pixel Devices Join the Fold

In a refreshing move, Google has extended the feature to older Pixel models as part of Android 16 Beta 3. This expansion signals the company’s commitment to refining the user experience across its device ecosystem—not just for flagship owners. According to Android Authority, users of select older Pixel phones can now activate the screen-off unlock tool through system settings.

Here’s how to enable the feature:

1. Open the Settings app

2. Navigate to Security & Privacy

3. Tap on Device Unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock

4. Select Fingerprint Unlock

5. Toggle on Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock under “When using Fingerprint Unlock”

Once activated, the device becomes more responsive to biometric input—even when idle. The result is a more intuitive and efficient unlocking process, especially when users want to quickly access their phones without touching the screen or button first.

Beta Access and Limitations

It’s important to note that the feature is currently only available through the Android 16 Beta 3 update. This means it is open primarily to beta testers enrolled in the Android Beta Program. For users not on the beta track, Google has not yet confirmed when the feature will be available via stable release. However, users can still achieve similar convenience by enabling the Always-On Display (AOD), which keeps parts of the screen (like the fingerprint scanner) semi-active even when idle.

Catching Up With Rivals

Interestingly, this screen-off unlock feature has already been adopted by major Android competitors. Samsung and Xiaomi devices, particularly premium models, have offered similar capabilities for years. Samsung’s ultrasonic sensors—starting from the Galaxy S10 series—set the tone, and Xiaomi has integrated similar tech into its higher-end devices.

By rolling out the feature across more Pixel models, Google appears to be closing the convenience gap between its in-house hardware and rival Android OEMs. The move not only boosts competitiveness but also shows Google’s willingness to improve legacy device functionality.

What This Means for Pixel Users

For users of older Pixel devices, this update adds meaningful value. It modernizes the unlocking experience, aligns with user expectations for biometric convenience, and indicates that Google is still invested in optimizing older hardware. Although tied to the beta release for now, its public availability in a future stable release could become one of the headline features for Android 16.

In the broader picture, this update reflects a growing trend in smartphone technology: more effortless and invisible security. As biometric systems evolve, features like screen-off unlocking will likely become standard across all tiers of smartphones—not just the premium ones. Google’s decision to expand access early could pave the way for wider implementation in Android’s open ecosystem.