Google Expands Identity Check with Android 16 to Enhance Security Across More Devices

With the upcoming release of Android 16, Google is strengthening its focus on privacy and user protection by expanding its Identity Check feature across a broader range of devices. Designed to provide an extra layer of security, Identity Check helps ensure that sensitive actions—like accessing saved passwords, authorizing app installations, or making in-app purchases—are performed only by verified users.

Initially introduced on Pixel devices and limited to a few key actions, Identity Check leverages biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition, along with device PINs, to verify a user’s identity before allowing access to certain high-risk features. With Android 16, Google aims to roll this functionality out more widely, bringing enhanced protection to mid-range and budget Android devices that previously lacked such security sophistication.

According to Google, Identity Check will now be used across various Google apps and system-level settings, adding a seamless but secure layer of confirmation to tasks that involve personal or financial data. The expanded rollout will also allow third-party developers to integrate Identity Check into their own apps using the Android Identity Services API. This means users could soon see biometric confirmations required not just in Google services but also in banking apps, shopping platforms, and secure messaging tools.

This move is part of Google's broader initiative to make Android security more consistent and robust across the ecosystem, regardless of device price or brand. It also aligns with industry trends emphasizing biometric authentication as a preferred method of verification, balancing convenience with strong protection.

Developers and beta testers have reported smoother transitions and more intuitive prompts in the Android 16 developer preview, with Identity Check triggering at appropriate times without disrupting the user experience. Google assures users that all biometric data remains encrypted and is stored securely on-device.

By expanding Identity Check, Google is taking a significant step toward universalizing mobile security, helping Android users feel safer while navigating the digital landscape.