Android 16 expands ultrasonic fingerprint scanner capabilities in Pixel 9

Fingerprint scanner on Google Pixel smartphone . Source: MobileSyrup

Google has added a new feature in the second beta of Android 16 for developers that lets you use the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 9 when the screen is off.

Here's What We Know

Previously, you had to switch on the device's screen to activate the sensor, but this will change in the new version of Android. The new feature, revealed by Android Authority, is available in the Android 16 DP2 settings menu and can be either switched on or off. It significantly improves the speed and accuracy of unlocking the device.

However, the feature is only supported on Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL devices equipped with ultrasonic sensors. Models with optical sensors, such as the Pixel 7, do not support this feature. At least for now.

Users of older Pixel models can use alternative methods such as "Always Show Time and Info" or "Lift to Check Phone" to activate the fingerprint sensor faster.

Source: Android Authority