- Android 16 adds the feature identity control to multiple Android telephones
- The feature that puts a biometric lock on key settings is currently found only on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices
- Android 16 is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2025
Android 16 brings a new security feature to a wider spectrum of handset, after the tool’s prior addition to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
Identity control, which requires biometric approval to access key settings and settings, was discovered on a OnePlus 13 running a beta -building of Android 16 of Android Authority.
The identity control function puts a biometric lock on your phone’s most important settings, making it more difficult for other people to change important options.
Although less drastic use cases are possible, the identity lock is especially useful if your phone is stolen, as the thieves typically have no access to your fingerprint or facial scan (although some face recognition tools can be tricked with an image).
The feature was first rolled out to the Google Pixel phones in December 2025, while Samsung incorporated the feature into a UI 7, first viewed on the Galaxy S25 series released in February.
As we have previously reported, the feature works effectively identically with the iPhone’s Apple chair Device Protection tool.
If you ask me, the identity control feels like a natural extension of theft Detection Lock feature added with Android 15.
As we previously reported, theft — detection uses a combination of AI, gyrometer measurements and motion detection to determine if your phone has been stolen and closed the thieves.
For my eye, these increasingly robust security measures are demonstrating Google’s awareness that getting your phone stolen is a two-piece story these days-as expensive as it is to replace hardware, getting your personal information stolen within the phone can lead to much more serious complications such as identity theft and credit card fraud.
I am glad to see Android 16 that brings this feature to multiple devices -security features should not be kept exclusive for a brand as long as the general Android hardware base can support them, and although Samsung is known for its close partnership with Google on new Android features, more security for more people is always the right feature.
What do you think of this new identity control function? Is that something you would use? Tell us in the comments below and be sure to check out our guide to the best Android phones ahead of Android 16’s release later in the year.
