Google Pixel's Find My Device app to get biometric unlock and remote lock features

Google is set to enhance the security and convenience of its Find My Device app for Pixel users with two upcoming features: biometric unlock and remote lock. This is according to an APK teardown shared by Android Authority, and this development comes on the heels of the recent introduction of motion-based phone snatching recognition with Android 15, and now Google is making it easier to track and remotely lock your lost or stolen Google Pixel phone.

Currently, the app requires users to enter their account password every time they open it, even if the phone is unlocked. While the ‘Don’t Ask Again’ feature bypasses this requirement, it poses security risks as anyone with access to your phone can track all your devices.

To address this, Google is introducing the ‘Allow Biometric Login’ feature, currently under testing, which will enable easier access to the app using facial recognition or fingerprints. This enhances security by requiring biometric authentication to track your devices. The upcoming biometric unlock feature will offer a more streamlined login process, making it easier for users to manage their lost or misplaced devices while maintaining security.

The remote lock feature, on the other hand, will allow users to lock their Pixel phones remotely using just their phone number and a quick security challenge. This will be a significant improvement over the current Find My Device functionality, which requires users to remember their account credentials to lock their devices. This feature will be extremely useful in cases of theft or loss, preventing unauthorized access to your device and data. It will be available on all Android smartphones and tablets running Android 10 or newer through a Google Play Services update.

While these features are not yet live, they have been spotted in the latest Google Play Services update and are expected to roll out to Pixel and other users later this year. The addition of biometric unlock and remote lock features to the Find My Device app will further solidify Google Pixel’s reputation for providing robust security and user-friendly features.

While Google is adding these features to enhance the Find My Device app, it’s worth noting that Samsung Galaxy phones already benefit from Samsung’s extensive device tracking and security infrastructure, aptly named Samsung Find, ensuring comprehensive protection for your device.