Google Pixel Owners Get Ready for ‘Identity Check’ Rollout: Enhanced Security Unlocked
Google Pixel Devices Now Get Enhanced Security with Identity Check
In a move to bolster security, Google is expanding its Identity Check feature, which was initially announced last week, to more Google Pixel phones. This feature uses "explicit biometric authentication" to safeguard your device and account when you’re away from trusted locations, such as your home or office.
What is Identity Check?
When you enable Identity Check, you’ll be required to use your biometric data (fingerprint and/or face) to access specific features and settings when you’re outside a trusted location. This includes accessing saved passwords, autofilling passwords, changing your screen lock, and more.
The following features are affected by Identity Check:
- Access saved passwords and passkeys from Google Password Manager
- Autofill passwords in apps from Google Password Manager (except in Chrome)
- Change screen lock (PIN, pattern, or password)
- Change biometrics (Fingerprint or Face Unlock)
- Run a factory reset
- Turn off Find My Device
- Turn off any theft protection features
- View trusted places
- Turn off Identity Check
- Set up a new device with your current device
- Add or remove a Google Account
- Access Developer options
- Change your password from your Google account settings or through "Forgot password"
- Add or change recovery factors on your device
This additional layer of security limits what someone who knows your device PIN (e.g., by looking over your shoulder) can do on your device. Additionally, the last two measures above prevent Google Account takeovers.
How to Set Up Identity Check
To enable Identity Check, head to the Security & privacy section of your device’s Settings app, then tap on Device unlock » Theft protection » Identity Check. Make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account, have a screen lock, biometrics, and trusted places (shared with Extend unlock) enabled.
Rollout
The Identity Check feature is currently rolling out to Android 15 Pixel devices and will soon be available on Samsung One UI 7 devices, with other Android phones following "later this year." This is the latest addition to Google’s efforts to improve device security, along with Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock, which were introduced last year.
