How to Improve the Security of the Lock Screen on Your Pixel 4
The April 2020 Android Security Patch includes significant improvements to the Pixel 4’s facial recognition feature. This is a simple yet important security update to your phone – a person’s eyes must now be open to unlock the phone using Pixel facial recognition technology.
Prior to the update, the Pixel 4 and 4 XL’s face recognition lock screen could be unlocked even when the user’s eyes were closed, meaning someone else could simply point the phone at a person’s face while they were sleeping and authenticate with the device. The April 2020 security patch addresses this issue, but you will need to manually enable it. Go to Settings> Security> Face Control> Face Unlock Requirements and turn on Require Eyes Open.
It’s good that Google has finally closed this particular security loophole, but it’s not just a user authentication option. It may sound strange, but old PINs and passwords may be even more secure than face recognition or fingerprint recognition. Here are a few more Android security options to consider, with notes on their effectiveness:
Use a different type of lock
Generally, PINs, passwords, and pattern locks are more secure than biometric authentication. They operate through knowledge, not a physical attribute – something that is much more difficult to obtain from a person ( even legally ) than holding a device in front of your face. or by pressing your finger against the scanner.
These options are usually found under Settings> Security> Screen Lock , but specific actions on your Android device may differ. Once there, tap the type of lock you want to use, and never select the No Lock or Swipe Screen options.
Lock mode
Even if you choose to stick with face recognition or fingerprint unlock, you should set up a backup option for Lock mode, which temporarily disables all biometrics and forces you to enter a password or PIN to unlock your phone.
- Go to Settings> Display> Lock Screen.
- Turn on Show blocking option. You will also be prompted to set up an alternate unlock method if you haven’t already.
Now you can lock your phone in the normal mode, then hold down the power button to bring it out of sleep mode, and press the “Lock” to turn it on.
Other lock screen settings to consider
- You can restrict which apps and phone features face recognition can use by going to Settings> Security> Face Control.
- You can also go to Settings> Security> Device Security and turn off Smart Lock for added security. And don’t forget to set the auto-lock time for your device as low as you like for security, no matter which screen lock method you use.