Pixel 8 & 8 Pro automatically turn on 'Screen protector mode' when you apply a screen protector

Google Pixel devices have long featured a ‘Screen protector mode’ to enhance the user experience when a tempered glass screen protector is applied. However, the Google Pixel 8 series introduces an exclusive functionality that automatically activates this mode upon the application of a screen protector.

‘Screen protector mode’ basically increases the sensitivity to touches on your device’s screen, avoiding operational or touch recognition problems. It is especially useful for situations where you need to tap quickly, such as when typing or gaming.

The feature is present on both Google Pixel phones and devices from some other brands (according to the OEM implementation). On a Pixel 8 series device, the option is available under the ‘Display’ settings:

However, it can be difficult to remember to activate it after applying a screen protector, and many users don’t even know it exists. So, to solve this problem, the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can turn on the ‘Screen protector mode’ automatically after detecting that you applied one.

According to the Android Police report, when the Pixel 8 detects that you have applied an additional layer of protection to the display, it shows a notification that says the following:

Enabling Screen protector mode improves touch when using a screen protector

From the notification, you can open the Settings to enable the function or simply dismiss it. However, a 9to5Google member reports that it was enabled automatically on their device without receiving any notification.

After removing a screen protector, the Pixel 8 series device also displays a notification similar to the previous one, this time recommending disabling the option to improve the performance of screen touches when you are not using a screen protector.

So, just because the feature increases touch sensitivity levels while using a screen protector doesn’t mean that enabling it will offer you more responsiveness without having one.

The automatic enablement of ‘Screen protector mode’ seems to have been in testing for weeks, but it is only recently that more users have been receiving it. Also, for now, it is exclusive to the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and it is not known if they will reach older Pixel device generations.

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