Google Introduces ‘Identity Check’ feature for Pixel phones: Know what is it and how it works

Google is enhancing security on Pixel smartphones with a new Identity Check feature, requiring biometric verification for sensitive actions outside trusted locations. Here's what you need to know.

By: MD IJAJ KHAN
| Updated on: Feb 01 2025, 12:00 IST
Google Meet introduces face touch-up filters to web version - enhance your looks before joining meetings
Google identity check feature
1/5 Google Meet introduces face touch-up filters to its desktop version, enabling users to subtly enhance their appearance before video meetings. Initially launched on mobile, this feature now extends to the web app, providing users with additional customization options for their virtual meetings, reported The Verge.  (Google)
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2/5 Users can choose between two filters: subtle and smoothing. The subtle filter offers "very light" complexion smoothing, under-eye lightening, and eye whitening, while the smoothing filter enhances these effects slightly. Google emphasizes that these filters provide natural-looking enhancements without dramatically altering users' appearance.  (Google )
Google identity check feature
3/5 To access the touch-up options, users can navigate to the Apply visual effects setting in Google Meet and select Appearance. From there, they can toggle Portrait touch-up on or off and choose their preferred filter, making it easy to customize their virtual appearance for each meeting. (Google)
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4/5 Google Meet's portrait touch-up feature is rolling out starting today, but it will only be available to paid users on specific plans. This includes Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, Teaching & Learning Upgrade, Google One, and Google Workspace Individual subscribers. (AFP)
Google identity check feature
5/5 While Google was late to the videoconferencing face filter game, competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams already offer similar features. However, Google's approach focuses on providing subtle enhancements, contrasting with the more drastic alterations seen in other platforms. With the addition of face touch-up filters, Google Meet aims to enhance users virtual presence, allowing them to present themselves confidently and professionally during video meetings.  (Google )
Google identity check feature
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Google is rolling out its new Identity Check feature to enhance security on Pixel smartphones. (Pexels)

Google has begun rolling out the Identity Check feature for its Pixel smartphones. This feature, first announced last week, is now becoming widely available for devices running Android 15.

The Identity Check feature enhances security on supported devices by requiring users to verify their identity through biometric data when accessing specific resources, especially outside their designated trusted locations. With the feature activated, users can set one or more trusted locations where biometric authentication is not needed. However, once users step outside these trusted areas, they will need to authenticate with their biometrics to access key settings and features, such as device settings, account management, Passkeys, or changes to PIN or biometric data.

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List of Features Requiring Biometric Verification

Google has provided a list of features and resources that will require biometric verification when users are outside of trusted locations. These include adding or removing Google accounts, setting up a new device, turning off Identity Check, modifying Theft Protection features, disabling Find My Device, performing a factory reset, updating biometric data, and accessing passwords or Passkeys through Google Password Manager.

This feature builds on Google's broader Theft Protection suite, which includes tools like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, further strengthening the security measures available to Android users.

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How to Enable the Identity Check Feature

For Google Pixel users looking to enable the Identity Check feature, the process is straightforward. Users must first ensure their devices are updated to the latest version of Android OS. After that, they can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on the Pixel device.
  2. Tap on the Google option.
  3. Select All Services and then tap Theft Protection.
  4. Tap the Identity Check option.
  5. Sign in to the Google account, then add a lock screen and biometric data.
  6. Set up trusted places.
  7. Tap Done to complete the setup.

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The rollout of the Identity Check feature for Pixel smartphones running Android 15 is already underway. Samsung devices running One UI 7 will receive the feature in the coming weeks, while other Android devices will get it later this year.

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First Published Date: 31 Jan, 12:36 IST
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