A new Pixel feature may protect your data if your phone is stolen.

Identity Check requires the use of biometric identity verification to take sensitive actions on your Pixel.

Google's new Identity Check function enhances data protection by requiring biometric verification for specific actions when a device is used outside its usual environment. For instance, if a thief were to grab your Pixel phone, Identity Check prevents unauthorized access to your personal data stored in Google Password Manager.

Included in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, the initial Beta release for the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop, Identity Check requires biometric authentication before access to sensitive applications is granted. Even if a thief knows your PIN, pattern, or password, they must still pass a fingerprint or facial recognition scan to access sensitive information. Identity Check is expected to be released with the stable version of Android 16 as part of the December Pixel Feature Drop.

GIFT

Pixel 10: pre-order with a $100 gift card

The newly announced Pixel 10, powered by Tensor G5, is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $100 gift card. Act fast, this offer won't last long!

Pre-order at Amazon

GIFT

Pixel 10 Pro: pre-order with a $200 gift card

For a flagship Pixel 10 experience in a compact size, the Pixel 10 Pro is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $200 gift card!

Pre-order at Amazon

GIFT

Pixel 10 Pro XL: pre-order with a $200 gift card

Those wanting a larger display and advanced Gemini AI can pre-order the new Google Pixel 10 Pro XL flagship with a $200 Amazon Gift Card.

Pre-order at Amazon

GIFT

Pixel 10: pre-order with a $100 gift card

The newly announced Pixel 10, powered by Tensor G5, is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $100 gift card. Act fast, this offer won't last long!

Pre-order at Amazon

Pixel 10: pre-order with a $100 gift card

The newly announced Pixel 10, powered by Tensor G5, is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $100 gift card. Act fast, this offer won't last long!

Pre-order at Amazon

The newly announced Pixel 10, powered by Tensor G5, is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $100 gift card. Act fast, this offer won't last long!

GIFT

Pixel 10 Pro: pre-order with a $200 gift card

For a flagship Pixel 10 experience in a compact size, the Pixel 10 Pro is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $200 gift card!

Pre-order at Amazon

Pixel 10 Pro: pre-order with a $200 gift card

For a flagship Pixel 10 experience in a compact size, the Pixel 10 Pro is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $200 gift card!

Pre-order at Amazon

For a flagship Pixel 10 experience in a compact size, the Pixel 10 Pro is available for pre-order on Amazon with a $200 gift card!

GIFT

Pixel 10 Pro XL: pre-order with a $200 gift card

Those wanting a larger display and advanced Gemini AI can pre-order the new Google Pixel 10 Pro XL flagship with a $200 Amazon Gift Card.

Pre-order at Amazon

Pixel 10 Pro XL: pre-order with a $200 gift card

Those wanting a larger display and advanced Gemini AI can pre-order the new Google Pixel 10 Pro XL flagship with a $200 Amazon Gift Card.

Pre-order at Amazon

Those wanting a larger display and advanced Gemini AI can pre-order the new Google Pixel 10 Pro XL flagship with a $200 Amazon Gift Card.

After installing Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 on a Pixel 6 Pro, a notification appeared in Settings > Security & privacy, suggesting that Identity Check be used to secure more apps. The alert stated that using Identity Check for apps supporting Fingerprint and Face Unlock ensures stronger protection and a consistent experience with no additional setup.

To enable the feature, navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Theft protection > Identity check, and toggle Identity Check on. If your Pixel is stolen, Identity Check prevents a thief from performing actions that could expose your personal data, provided they do not have your biometrics.

While the Pixel 6 Pro lacks Face Unlock, it's worth noting that Face Unlock on recent Pixel phones has a Class 3 security rating. This means it cannot be bypassed using photos or masks.

This Class 3 rating, equivalent to iPhone's Face ID, allows Pixel's Face Unlock to be used for secure transactions and for logging into banking and payment applications. The Class 3 rating is applicable to facial recognition on the Pixel 8 series and newer models.