Android Identity Verification Arrives on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy

Android's identity verification feature is currently rolling out to Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, enhancing security and reliability for users of these flagship smartphones.

Google is boosting your smartphone’s security with the rollout of its previously announced feature: Identity Check. This adds an extra layer of protection to your “essential account and device settings” when you are in an unsecured location.

How Does Identity Check Work?

Enabling Identity Check means that to access certain settings like changing your PIN or turning off anti-theft protection, you’ll need to provide “explicit biometric authentication“. To use this feature, activate it in your phone’s settings and define trusted locations where biometric authentication won’t be necessary.

Extended Protection

Google notes that the protections provided by Identity Check also extend to your Google or Samsung account, making it tougher for anyone to change your password just by having access to your phone.

Feature Availability

Identity Check is currently being deployed on Google’s Pixel devices with Android 15 and will soon be available on Samsung Galaxy devices capable of running One UI 7 “in the coming weeks,” possibly aligning with the Galaxy S25 launch on February 7. Other Android phone manufacturers are expected to receive the feature later this year.

Alongside the launch of Identity Check, Google has fully rolled out its theft-detection lock feature, which uses AI to detect when your phone has been stolen and locks your screen. This feature is now available on devices running Android 10 and later. Both settings are highly recommended for activation if your phone supports them.