Set up a fingerprint with your Pixel phone

You can use your fingerprint to unlock your Pixel phone or verify it’s you when you sign in to apps or approve a purchase.

Learn how to set up Fingerprint Unlock on your Pixel phone with our step-by-step tutorial.

Unlock your Pixel phone with your fingerprint | Pixel

Important:

• Anyone whose fingerprints you add will be able to unlock your phone and authorize purchases with your account. If other people share your phone, they should add their fingerprints from inside their own profiles. Learn about user and guest profiles.
• The fingerprint sensors may vary based on your Pixel phone:
  • Pixel 5a & earlier: On the back of your phone, in the center.
  • Pixel 6 & later: On the screen (towards the bottom of your phone's display).
  • Pixel Fold: On the power button.

Set up on Pixel 6 & later phones

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Security & privacy Device unlock Fingerprint.
3. Follow the on-screen steps. If you don't already have a screen lock, you'll be asked to add a backup PIN, pattern, or password.
4. Scan your first fingerprint.
   • The fingerprint sensor is towards the bottom of your phone’s display. Put your finger on the fingerprint icon and wait for the fingerprint sensor to light up and vibrate.
   • Press and hold your finger firmly on the screen. Start by placing the center of your finger over the sensor. Follow the instructions to adjust your finger position to capture the edges and tips of your fingerprint.

Set up on Pixel Fold phones

1. Open your device's Settings app.
2. Tap Security & privacy Device unlock Fingerprint.
3. Follow the on-screen steps. If you don't already have a screen lock, you'll be asked to add a backup PIN, pattern, or password.
4. Scan your first fingerprint.
   1. Put your fingerprint on the power button.
   2. Lift your finger and then touch the power button. Follow the instructions to adjust your finger position to capture more of your fingerprint.
   3. Rotate your device to add another fingerprint.

Set up on Pixel 5a (5G) & earlier phones

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Security & privacy Device unlock Fingerprint.
3. Follow the on-screen steps. If you don't already have a screen lock, you'll be asked to add a backup PIN, pattern, or password.
4. Scan your first fingerprint.
   • Put your finger on your phone's sensor (not its screen).
   • Hold your phone as you'd normally hold it when unlocking. For example, hold your phone with its screen facing you.

Set up Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock

Important: This feature is only available on Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Even when the screen is off, you can unlock your phone with your fingerprint.

To turn this feature on:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Security & privacy Device unlock Fingerprint Unlock.
3. Turn on Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock.

Related resources

• Unlock your Pixel phone with your fingerprint
• Understand fingerprint security
• Check or change phone security settings
• Choose when your Pixel phone can stay unlocked
• Set screen lock on your Pixel phone