Google has officially begun rolling out its new Identity Check feature for Android, starting with Pixel devices running Android 15. This security enhancement adds an extra layer of protection by requiring biometric verification before accessing certain sensitive settings when outside designated trusted locations.
What Is Android’s New Identity Check Feature?
The Identity Check feature allows users to specify trusted locations where they can access sensitive device settings without additional authentication. However, when outside these designated areas, the device will prompt users for biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
This security measure aims to safeguard user data and prevent malicious access to key settings, even if the device is lost or stolen.
Key Security Enhancements with Identity Check
Google has outlined several key areas where Identity Check will require biometric verification when the user is outside their trusted locations. These include:
- Managing Google accounts
- Setting up a new device using the current one
- Disabling Identity Check
- Modifying trusted places
- Turning off Theft Protection features
- Disabling Find My Device
- Performing a factory reset
- Changing biometric data
- Accessing passwords stored in Google Password Manager
This feature complements other security tools such as Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, which help protect users from unauthorized access and data theft.
How to Enable Identity Check on Android 15
If you have a compatible Pixel phone and want to enable Identity Check, follow these steps:
- Update Your Device: Ensure your device is running the latest Android 15 update.
- Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app.
- Go to Google Settings: Scroll down and select the Google section.
- Select All Services: Tap on All Services to access more options.
- Enable Identity Check: Find and enable the Identity Check feature under Theft Protection.
- Sign in to Your Google Account: If prompted, enter your Google account credentials.
- Set Up Lock Screen & Biometrics: If you haven’t already, ensure you have a lock screen and biometric authentication set up.
- Designate Trusted Locations: Add locations where you want to access settings without biometric verification.
Once set up, your device will automatically require biometric verification when outside your trusted locations, enhancing your overall security.
Why Identity Check Matters
With increasing cases of phone theft and unauthorized access, Identity Check helps ensure that even if someone gains physical access to your device, they cannot make critical changes or access sensitive information. By combining biometric authentication with location-based security, Google is making Android devices more resilient to theft and hacking attempts.
Additionally, this feature provides peace of mind for users who store sensitive information on their devices, as it prevents attackers from disabling security features or removing device tracking options like Find My Device.
Google’s Identity Check feature is a significant step towards enhancing Android security. By requiring biometric authentication outside trusted locations, users gain better protection against unauthorized access. If you have a Pixel device running Android 15, enabling this feature can add an extra layer of security to your phone. As Google continues to enhance its security features, Identity Check is a strong addition to existing measures like Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock.