The latest Google Pixel 9 update introduces a new feature allowing users to unlock their phones with their fingerprint even when the screen is off. This advancement utilizes an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, touted as more accurate and faster than its predecessor.
With so many new security features, regardless of device or platform, seemingly revolving around AI this or AI that, it’s refreshing to find something that can stand alone yet still be thought of as significant: say hello to Google Pixel 9 smartphone fingerprint scanning even when the display is off.
Here’s what you need to know. It’s hard to get excited about old-fashioned fingerprint scanning when facial recognition pretty much rules the roost when it comes to smartphone security and convenience rolled into one biometric feature. Yes, I appreciate it’s a contentious issue, but I’m firmly onhere. I do, however, still use fingerprint scanners on a bunch of Android-powered devices, and it’s far from a dead donkey in the biometric scanning stakes. Nor, for that matter, is there anything really old-fashioned about the biometrics that Google Pixel 9 smartphone users get access to: an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Again, while there is some argument to be had, most technical experts will agree that, from theperspective it’s more accurate than the older optical fingerprint sensor used on Pixel 8 devices. And, let’s be honest, pretty much everyone can agree it’s a tad quicker as well. The latter point is relevant to the latest update news as Google dropped aGoogle’s Gmail Upgrade—Why You Need A New Email Address In 2025Rahman was the first to spot that, unlike Pixel biometric implementations before it most of the time, the latest update didn’t demand that your screen is active before using it. “I discovered a new setting called Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock under Settings >Security & privacy >Device unlock >Face & Fingerprint Unlock >Fingerprint Unlock,” Rahman reported, “Its description says that you can use Fingerprint Unlock even when the screen is off.” Now, I admit, that doesn’t sound anything revolutionary but, believe me, in real-world use a split-second delay can sometimes make all the difference when being bothered to activate fingerprint protections or not. Smartphone users are not, on the whole, a patient lot. As I have said many times before and will continue to do so, usability and security must go hand in hand. Anything that can help this, even if it is just something as seemingly minor as fingerprint scanning being a little bit quicker, a little bit less bothersome. This is a massive win as far as I am concerned. So, well done, Google; let’s hope it doesn’t take too long for this update to become a reality for all users.Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kindContinuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejectedAttempts or tactics that put the site security at riskProtect your community.
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