Android 15 to introduce ‘Identity Check’ feature for enhanced phone security

With Android 15 set to launch next month, a significant security enhancement is expected to make its debut alongside the update. A new feature, dubbed ‘Identity Check,’ has been uncovered in the Android 15 beta code, and it promises to fortify the security of Android devices by introducing an extra layer of biometric verification.

The Android Authority team explored the latest Android 15 beta and uncovered this new feature. ‘Identity Check’ will make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access devices, even if they have somehow learned a user’s PIN or password. Instead of simply using a PIN to unlock the phone, users must verify their identity in specific circumstances through biometric methods, such as face or fingerprint recognition.

For instance, in situations where someone observes you typing your PIN, they still wouldn’t be able to use that information to gain access to your device, as the biometric authentication would be triggered for additional security. This will prove especially useful in public settings where people can sometimes see a PIN being entered.

This feature is set to complement Android’s existing Theft Detection feature, which locks a phone automatically if it senses suspicious movement, like a potential theft. These features aim to provide a more secure experience for Android users, especially in high-risk environments.

Interestingly, the ‘Identity Check’ feature appears to be Android’s response to Apple’s ‘Stolen Device Protection’ introduced in iOS 17.3.  Apple’s system also requires biometric verification—Face ID or Touch ID—for certain actions, offering an extra layer of defence for iPhone users. Android 15 is now following a similar trajectory, providing comparable levels of security for its users.

While ‘Identity Check’ isn’t exclusive to Android 15 and is expected to roll out to various devices, the update will be available first on Google’s Pixel phones, particularly the new Pixel 9 series. Alongside the enhanced security features, Android 15 will offer more customization options, making it one of the most eagerly awaited Android updates in recent years.