Biometric authentication has transformed the way most of us unlock our devices. But what happens if someone finds another way in? Android offers Identity Check steps whenever someone attempts to alter critical security settings, such as PINs, passwords, or fingerprint data. You can make your device even more secure by understanding and enabling Identity Check within your Android Settings.
Note: As of December 2024, this feature is only available to Pixel phones. However, Google plans to roll out Identity Check to all Android devices with Class 3 biometrics support in the coming months.
What is Identity Check?
Typically, you can unlock your Android device and make changes to settings by using a PIN. However, most newer Android devices also support biometric checks like fingerprint scans or facial recognition. Although these measures can sometimes be frustrating, they also protect your device from theft or unwanted tampering.
While most of the time you can bypass biometrics by entering your PIN or password, Identity Check is a new feature that requires these extra forms of identity verification if someone tries to access your Android phone and make changes to its security.
Once enabled, Android’s Identity Check feature would trigger biometric identity verification for any of the following actions:
- Changes to passwords, PINs, fingerprints, or facial recognition
- Accessing data or using the autofill feature for Google Password Manager
- Adding or removing Google accounts from the device
- Setting up a new device or transferring data between devices
- Disabling Find My Device or similar security features
- Performing a factory reset
Enable Identity Check on Your Android Device
Before you begin, verify your Android device is up-to-date, running Android 15 with the QPR1 update (or later). Open the Settings app. Tap Google, then All Services.
From here, scroll until you find the Personal & Device Safety section. Select Theft Protection from the available options.
On the next screen, tap Identity Check (located below the animated image).
Read through the provided information, then tap Next.
You will see a list of prerequisites that must be established for Identity Check to work. If you do not have these features already set up, you will be prompted to do so before moving forward.
Also, you will be prompted to add Trusted Places. You can add your home, work, or similar spaces. Identity Check will not take additional precautions when you try to change passwords or other personal information on your device from one of these spaces. Once complete, tap Done.
Finally, enable Identity Check by turning the Use Identity Check toggle to On.
Disable Identity Check
You have the option to disable Identity Check at any time. Simply go to Settings -> Google -> All services -> Theft protection -> Identity Check and toggle it off. You must verify your identity with biometrics to change this setting for security purposes.
Alternatively, you can add additional addresses to your Trusted Places list to prevent being asked to verify your identity when using your device at a location you visit frequently.
To do this, you simply need to open the Settings app, Open your device’s Settings app and tap Security & Privacy.
Next, navigate to More Security & Privacy -> Extend Unlock.
Enter the verification method you have set (biometrics or PIN), then Tap Trusted Places. On the next screen, choose + Add Trusted Place.
Enter the address. Once you have verified the correct location is selected, tap OK.
Other Theft Protection Measures Available on Android
Google Identity Check is one of several new security measures available on Android. If you are concerned about your device being stolen or compromised, you may also want to enable these options, all of which are available in Settings -> Google -> All services -> Theft protection:
- Theft Detection Lock: Your device will lock if it detects someone grabbed your phone and ran away.
- Offline Device Lock: If your device goes offline, the screen will lock as a protective measure.
- Remote Lock: This lets you lock the device anytime from any web browser.
Keep in mind that Identity Check is just one of many features you can utilize on Android to protect your data and yourself. You may also want to consider enabling personal safety settings or utilizing third-party lock screen apps.
Image credit: Canva. All screenshots by Megan Glosson.
