Google Restores Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock in Latest Android 16 QPR2 Update

After a brief disappearing act during the beta, Google has restored one of the most requested quality-of-life features to its flagship phones. The Android 16 QPR2 stable update brings back "Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock," a toggle that lets Pixel owners skip the wake screen entirely. Instead of waking the phone first, you just place your thumb on the black screen, and you're in.

The road here was bumpy. The feature popped up in the Android 16 Developer Preview earlier this year, only to vanish without explanation in later betas. Its disappearance left power users scratching their heads—was it a bug or a cancellation? Its return in the stable release settles the debate: Google is finally ready to let the hardware do its job without software roadblocks.

Why Older Pixels (and the 9a) Get Left Behind

Before you go rushing to Settings, check your model. This feature is strictly for the "haves"—specifically, the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 10 Pro XL, and newer devices.

It comes down to basic physics. The "Screen-off" feature relies on ultrasonic sensors, which use sound waves rather than light to read your print. Because they don't need to "see" your finger visually, they work perfectly through a powered-down, black screen.

Older models (Pixel 6 through 8) and the new budget-focused Pixel 9a rely on optical scanners. Those cameras essentially take a photo of your print, which requires the screen to blast a bright light to illuminate your finger. No light, no unlock. It’s a stark reminder of exactly where the budget cuts happen on the A-series: you save money, but you lose the luxury of a seamless, invisible unlock.

Turn It On (Or It Won't Work)

Here is the catch: Google ships this feature disabled. If you install the update and expect your phone to magically unlock from sleep, you might think the sensor is broken. It isn't; you just have to flip the switch.

Once active, the sensor enters a low-power "listening" mode. It finally brings the Pixel inline with competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy S series, removing that friction of tapping the screen or mashing the power button just to check a notification. It replaces the old workaround of leaving the battery-draining "Always-on Display" active just to get faster access. It’s a small change that makes the phone feel significantly faster in daily use.

Getting the Update

The Android 16 QPR2 update started hitting devices on December 2, 2025. It’s a hefty download—expect a file size between 500MB and 800MB depending on your carrier.

If you haven't received the notification yet, you can force a check in System Update. Just remember: even if your Pixel 8 Pro gets the software, that specific toggle won't show up in the menu. This is one party where older hardware simply isn't on the guest list.