The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Google appears to be working on a way to help Pixel Face Unlock in the dark, but it hasn’t announced anything. On October 6, 2026, Android Authority reported finding “Face Active Illumination” strings in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1. The feature’s interface looked incomplete, and nothing in the code confirms what hardware it uses, which devices get it, or whether it will ship.
What was found in the beta
Aamir Siddiqui, working with AssembleDebug, reported that Android 17 QPR3 Beta 1 contains a feature called Face Active Illumination. When the team activated it, they saw what looked like an empty or unfinished interface. The strings point to brightness and activation controls. The ones listed include:
illumination_brightness_scaleillumination_dark_allowedillumination_bedtime_allowedillumination_dnd_allowedillumination_driving_allowed
Read together, the names suggest users could control how bright the illumination is and in which situations it may fire: in the dark, during Bedtime mode, during Do Not Disturb, or while driving.
What nobody knows yet
- The light source. The code doesn’t say what produces the illumination. Android Authority considers screen brightness the likelier option, which is an inference from the apparent controls. It doesn’t rule out infrared. No infrared hardware is confirmed.
- Supported devices. No Pixel model is named as getting the feature.
- Release. Android Authority notes that APK teardowns only hint at possible features, and work-in-progress features can be dropped before a public release. Google hasn’t announced it. Its Android 17 release announcement of June 16, 2026 doesn’t mention it either.
The flaw it would address
Google’s Face Unlock help page says the feature might not work with insufficient light, with a face cover, or with sunglasses. It points users to Fingerprint Unlock as a more seamless fallback. Face Unlock is available on Pixel 7 and later, including Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Pixel 8 and later, including Fold, can also use it to verify identity in apps, such as signing in or approving a purchase.
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#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
How this differs from Project Toscana
In February 2026, Joe Maring reported on “Project Toscana”, a separate effort aimed at the same weakness. It rested on one anonymous source, who said it had been tested with UX testers in Mountain View on a Pixel phone and two Chromebooks in varying lighting. The report said the underlying technology and launch plans were unclear. The anonymous source’s claim about matching the speed of iPhone Face ID isn’t a published benchmark, so treat it as unverified. The October report says the two projects may be unrelated, so don’t assume the new strings are Toscana.
What to do today if Face Unlock fails
- Move to better light, since low light is the documented cause of failures.
- Remove sunglasses or any face covering.
- If your appearance has changed significantly, delete your face model and set it up again, as Google advises.
- Set up Fingerprint Unlock as a fallback if you haven’t already.
Security points that stay true either way
Google says the images used to build your face model aren’t stored. The model itself stays on the device and is processed there. It also warns: “Face Unlock may be less secure than a strong PIN, pattern or password.” Someone could unlock your phone by holding it up to your face, so keep it somewhere safe. Better low-light performance wouldn’t change that guidance, and nothing in the beta code addresses it.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Fallback options compared
| Method | Low-light behavior | Touch needed | Google’s security guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Unlock | Google warns it may not work in insufficient light | No | May be less secure than a strong PIN, pattern or password |
| Fingerprint Unlock | Suggested by Google as the fallback; no low-light limitation is stated on the page | Yes | Not rated against the others on the page |
| Strong PIN, pattern or password | Not light-dependent | Yes | Described as potentially more secure than Face Unlock |
None of the sources include speed tests comparing these methods.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The Bottom Line
Treat Face Active Illumination as a promising sign, not a promise. Until Google announces it, the fix for dark-room failures is more light or a fingerprint.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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