To make Pixel Face Unlock more secure, turn on Require attention on screen, enable Always require confirmation for supported app sign-ins and purchase approvals, and protect the phone with a strong screen lock. Google cautions that Face Unlock may be less secure than a strong PIN, pattern, or password; these settings reduce some risks but cannot guarantee that every unlock is authorized.
Set up the most important protections
On supported Pixel devices, open Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Face. Menu labels can vary by device and software version, so use the equivalent Face settings if your path differs. Google’s official guidance is in Unlock your Pixel device with your face.
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- Use a strong screen lock. Google describes a strong password as the most secure standard screen-lock option and recommends a six-digit PIN for added security; longer PINs tend to be more secure. Avoid short or easily guessed PINs. See Set screen lock on your Pixel phone.
- Enable Require attention on screen. This requires you to look directly at the screen for Face Unlock to work. It helps prevent an unlock when your eyes are not directed at the phone, but it is not a guarantee against every unintended or unauthorized unlock.
- Enable Always require confirmation where available. On Pixel 8 and later, including Pixel Fold, Face Unlock can verify you for app sign-ins and purchase approval. This setting adds a confirmation step for supported uses; it does not mean every app or purchase uses Face Unlock.
- Choose whether to disable Tap to check phone and Lift to check phone. Turn them off if you want fewer opportunities for Face Unlock to activate when you touch or pick up the phone. You will need to press the power button to wake the screen and activate Face Unlock.
- Review Extend Unlock. Remove trusted places or Bluetooth devices you do not need, and review whether keeping the phone unlocked automatically suits your risk tolerance. See Choose when your Pixel phone can stay unlocked.
Choose between convenience and intentional activation
Tap to check phone and Lift to check phone make it easier to wake the display and use Face Unlock. Leaving them on favors convenience; turning them off means you must press the power button before Face Unlock can activate. This reduces accidental activation, but does not strengthen the face match itself.
Likewise, Always require confirmation trades a little speed for an extra deliberate action during supported app sign-ins and purchase approvals. Use it if you would rather add friction than rely on face verification alone for those actions.
#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]
Know what Face Unlock can and cannot protect against
Google says, “Face Unlock may be less secure than a strong PIN, pattern or password.” It also warns that someone who looks very similar to you may unlock the phone, or another person may unlock it if they hold the device up to your face. Google notes that looking at the phone can unlock it even when you do not intend to. No setting described here guarantees protection in every circumstance.
Face Unlock may not work in insufficient lighting or when your face is covered by a face covering or sunglasses. Google recommends setting up fingerprint unlock as another convenient way to unlock the device; that is a convenience recommendation, not a claim that fingerprint recognition is inherently stronger.
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]
Use Lockdown when you need biometrics unavailable
If you need to temporarily prevent biometric unlocking, press Power and Volume Up together, then tap Lockdown. While the phone is locked, this disables face and fingerprint recognition as well as Extend Unlock. The setting is temporary: it must be activated again after the next unlock.
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Understand the separate risks of Extend Unlock
Extend Unlock is distinct from Face Unlock. If enabled, it can keep a Pixel unlocked for up to four hours under supported conditions. Google documents several limitations:
- On-body detection: It may take up to one minute to lock after you put the phone down, and 5–10 minutes after you enter a vehicle. It may not lock automatically on an airplane or boat.
- Trusted places: The phone may remain unlocked within a radius of up to about 100 meters from a trusted place. That boundary is estimated, and location signals may be manipulated.
- Trusted Bluetooth devices: A nearby connection may be imitated, and Bluetooth connectivity can reach up to 100 meters depending on the device and environment. Someone who takes the phone may therefore be able to benefit from an enabled trusted-device condition.
These are risks of the corresponding Extend Unlock features, not claims about Face Unlock’s biometric matching. They matter only if you have those features enabled.
What happens to the face model
Google says the face model is stored securely on the device, does not leave it, and is used only for Face Unlock—not shared with other Google services or apps. Face images can update the model over time, but Google says the images used to create it are not stored. You can delete the face model in Face settings. Face models may be considered biometric data in some jurisdictions.
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]
Which Pixel devices support Face Unlock?
Google says Face Unlock is available on Pixel 7 and later, including Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. App sign-in and purchase verification is available on Pixel 8 and later, including Fold, but only for supported apps and approval flows. Google’s security and privacy settings guide provides additional device-setting context.
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How do I make Pixel Face Unlock more secure?
Turn on Require attention on screen, use Always require confirmation for supported app sign-ins and purchase approvals, keep a strong screen lock, and disable Tap to check phone or Lift to check phone if you want to reduce activation.
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
How do I stop my Pixel from unlocking when I look at it?
Turn off Tap to check phone and Lift to check phone to reduce activation from touching or lifting the device. For stronger assurance that biometric unlocking is unavailable while the phone is locked, use Lockdown; attention requirements do not prevent every unintended unlock.
Does Pixel Face Unlock work with eyes closed?
Google’s Require attention on screen setting requires you to look directly at the screen. Enable it in Face settings if you want that check; Google warns that Face Unlock can otherwise unlock when you do not intend it to.
How do I temporarily disable Face Unlock?
Press Power and Volume Up together and tap Lockdown. It disables face and fingerprint recognition and Extend Unlock while the phone is locked, and must be activated again after the next unlock.
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