If you’ve noticed that your Pixel phone is missing the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock feature in Android 16 Beta 4, you’re not alone. Although this option is absent from the latest beta release, there is still a way to enable it through a hidden command. Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock allows users to access fingerprint unlock even when the screen is off. Initially, this feature debuted in Android 16 DP2 for the Pixel 9 series but was later made available for all Pixel phones in Android 16 Beta 3.
However, in the recent Android 16 Beta 4, Google removed the toggle for this feature, casting doubt on its future in the stable version. Every Tensor-powered Pixel phone, apart from the foldable models, includes a fingerprint scanner beneath the display. Previously, this scanner only worked when the screen was on. The introduction of Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock was a significant enhancement, enabling users to unlock their phones effortlessly.
Before this feature, keeping the fingerprint scanner active required enabling the always-on display, which has its drawbacks, particularly in terms of battery consumption. While the setting is missing in Beta 4, those who enabled the feature in Beta 3 can still utilize it. Moreover, you can reactivate it if you missed the earlier opportunity. To do this, set up ADB access on your computer and execute the command: `adb shell settings put secure screen_off_udfps_enabled 1` to turn it on, or `adb shell settings put secure screen_off_udfps_enabled 0` to turn it off.
For those wanting to access the setting without using commands or rooting their device, your best option is to wait for Google to bring back the setting in the Android 16 stable release. Alternatively, using the always-on display can be a temporary workaround, though it may lead to increased battery usage.
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