New security feature for Pixel and Samsung phones

Google has started to roll out a new security feature called “Identity Check” for Pixel phones. This feature will soon be available for Samsung phones with One UI 7 as well.

With Identity Check turned on, your phone will ask you to use your fingerprint or face to confirm it’s you before you can do certain important things when you’re not in a safe place like home or work. Here’s what it will do:

• Manage saved passwords and keys for logging in.
• Use saved passwords in apps, except for Chrome.
• Change your phone’s lock settings like PIN, pattern, or password.
• Update your biometric settings, such as fingerprint or face recognition.
• Reset your phone to factory settings.
• Disable the “Find My Device” feature.
• Turn off other security features that protect against theft.
• See where your phone considers “safe” places.
• Disable Identity Check itself.
• Set up a new phone with your current one.
• Add or remove Google accounts.
• Access special developer settings.

This feature makes it much harder for someone else to use your phone or access your accounts if they get hold of it. It also adds extra safety for Samsung accounts on phones that can use One UI 7.

To use this feature, you’ll need to set trusted places in your phone’s settings and ensure your phone supports high-level biometric security.

For Pixel phones, you can find and turn on Identity Check by going to the Settings app, then to Security & Privacy, then Device Unlock, followed by Theft Protection, and finally selecting Identity Check. Another way is through Settings, then Google, then All Services, and under Theft Protection.

This follows last year’s rollout of Theft Detection Lock, which is now on all Android phones from version 10 and up worldwide.