Unlock Your Pixel Easily with the Latest Android 16 Beta!

The latest Android 16 beta version now allows all Pixel users to unlock their phones more easily, making it accessible to everyone.

Android 16 Beta 3: A Major Upgrade for Older Google Pixels

The release of Android 16 beta 3 spells great news for Google Pixel users, as it allows older Pixel models to finally catch up with other Android phones with its new screen-off fingerprint unlock feature.

A Feature that Enhances Convenience

Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock enables users to unlock their Pixel phones without having to activate the screen. Simply place your finger correctly on the sensor, which may take some getting used to as there’s no position indicator. This new feature can be enabled via: Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock > Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock.

An Anticipated Upgrade

The Google Pixel 9 series had earlier access to this functionality in the Android 16 beta cycle as of Developer Preview 2. Now, the Pixel 8 series and prior models eligible for the Android 16 beta also have access.

Having the Always-On Display (AOD) activated can already help users bypass the lock screen. However, not everyone uses AOD, whether to minimize distractions, save battery life, or other reasons.

What’s New with Android 16?

Android 16 introduces several improvements to aid developers in making apps and services run more smoothly. For users, it includes features like Bluetooth Auracast support for hearing aid users, text underlining for easier reading, and a new “Live updates” notification type to keep users informed about ongoing app activities.

The stable version of Android 16 is expected to launch by the end of June 2025 at the latest. As usual, Google Pixel phones will be the first to receive the update, followed by other Android device manufacturers determining when and which specific models will get the upgrade.