Google is enhancing Android’s “Identity Check” anti-theft feature with smartwatch proximity, balancing security with user convenience, allowing users to use their PIN, pattern, or password as a fallback to biometric authentication when a connected smartwatch is nearby.
The existing Identity Check feature protects against thieves who may have observed a user’s PIN by requiring biometrics for protected information, such as passwords in Google Password Manager, when the device is not in a trusted location. When a connected smartwatch, like a Pixel Watch, is nearby, users can use their PIN, pattern, or password as a fallback to biometric authentication, even outside a trusted location. This addresses a key inconvenience of the current Identity Check, which requires a biometric scan for sensitive actions.
Evidence of this update was found in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, with a promo card highlighting the integration with the Pixel Watch for “greater mobility.” Tapping “view details” reveals that with a connected watch, users can “ensure your identity protection on all apps that support Fingerprint and Face Unlock” in any location. The update introduces two changes: it expands Identity Check to secure any app using the biometric prompt API, and the smartwatch integration allows the use of biometrics or PIN/password for sensitive actions even outside a trusted location. This assumes a thief is unlikely to steal both the phone and watch simultaneously.
The official launch date is uncertain, but it’s anticipated in the stable Android 16 QPR2 release later this year. The feature may be limited to the Pixel Watch 3 or later, as suggested by a string in the “IdentityCheckCaimito” overlay. This could be due to a reliance on UWB (Ultra-Wideband) hardware or a strategic decision to differentiate the product.
This smartwatch-enhanced Identity Check is a significant step towards enhancing both the security and usability of Android devices, providing a multi-layered approach to theft protection. By leveraging smartwatch proximity, Google aims to provide a more seamless and secure experience, potentially reducing the likelihood of users disabling security features due to inconvenience. The update aligns with ongoing efforts to improve Android’s theft protection capabilities, demonstrating Google’s commitment to innovation in mobile security.
