Android
New security feature now on Google Pixel Phones
Google has recently started rolling out a new security feature called “Identity Check” for Pixel phones. This feature makes your phone safer by asking for your fingerprint or face scan when you’re not at places like home or work.
With “Identity Check” turned on, you need to use your fingerprint or face to do several important things:
- Access saved passwords and passkeys stored in Google Password Manager.
- Fill in passwords automatically in apps, except for Chrome.
- Change your phone’s lock screen settings, like your PIN, pattern, or password.
- Update or change your fingerprint or face recognition settings.
- Perform a factory reset.
- Turn off the ‘Find My Device’ feature.
- Disable other theft protection features.
- See where your phone trusts you are.
- Switch off the Identity Check itself.
- Set up a new device using your current one.
- Add or remove Google accounts.
- Use developer options.
- Change your Google account password or add recovery options.
This feature adds an extra layer of protection if someone knows your PIN because they might have watched you enter it. It also helps keep your Google account safe from being taken over.
To get this feature working, go into your phone’s settings, find “Security & privacy”, then “Device unlock”, and look for “Theft protection”. Click on “Identity Check”. You’ll need to be logged into a Google account, set up a screen lock, add your fingerprint or face, and choose trusted places where you won’t need to verify your identity every time. Also, make sure your phone number verification is on.
In the last few days, more Pixel phones with Android 15 have started getting this feature through Google Play services updates. Samsung phones with One UI 7 will get it soon, and other Android phones will have it later this year. This rollout adds to other security measures like Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, making your Pixel phone even more secure.