Android 15 to Auto-Delete Poor Face or Fingerprint Unlocks

Published Date: 18/06/2024

Android 15 may soon introduce a feature that automatically detects and deletes poorly performing face or fingerprint unlock models, prompting users to set them up again.

Most Android phones, even budget-friendly options, come equipped with some form of biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition. While convenient, the accuracy of these sensors can vary greatly between devices due to differences in sensor technology, specific parts used, vendor tuning, and environmental conditions. As a result, many users experience issues with biometric authentication, and one of the most common solutions is to re-enroll their fingerprint or face. Android 15 may soon provide a more proactive solution to this problem.

The latest Android 15 beta reveals new strings in the OS framework that suggest the operating system can automatically detect when a face or fingerprint model isn't working well, delete it, and then prompt the user to set it up again. This feature could help users re-enroll their poorly performing biometrics without having to manually delete and re-register their face or fingerprint. Android 15 will display a notification informing the user that their face or fingerprint model

Q: What is the purpose of Android 15's new biometric feature?

A: The feature automatically detects and deletes poorly performing face or fingerprint unlock models, prompting users to set them up again to improve biometric authentication.

Q: Why do biometric authentication issues occur?

A: Biometric authentication issues can occur due to differences in sensor technology, specific parts used, vendor tuning, and environmental conditions.

Q: How does Android 15 determine when a face or fingerprint model needs to be re-done?

A: It's unclear how often a face or fingerprint model must fail before Android decides it needs to be re-done, but it's likely that the threshold is quite high.

Q: Can users manually delete their face or fingerprint model?

A: Yes, Android already allows users to manually delete their face or fingerprint model by navigating to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Fingerprint & Face Unlock.

Q: When is the third beta of Android 15 expected to be released?

A: The third beta of Android 15 is expected to be released soon, with Google already pushing a new set of generic system images (GSIs) through Android's Dynamic System Updates mechanism.