Google Appears to Be Testing Screen Brightening to Help Pixel Face Unlock Work in the Dark

Face Unlock on Google's Pixel phones performs well in most conditions, but it struggles when a room goes dark. Google now seems to be working on a fix, and it is a simple one: making the screen brighter.

On the Pixel 8 and newer models, Face Unlock relies on the phone's camera and Google's software to provide biometric authentication strong enough to open sensitive apps, including banking and password manager apps. The fingerprint sensor works as a reliable backup, but being unable to use Face Unlock in a dark room can be a minor annoyance.

Android Authority found the new option in Android 17 QPR3 Beta 2. It is titled "Brighten screen in low light," and Google's summary describes it as a way to "automatically boost screen brightness so Face Unlock works in dim lighting."

Several text strings tied to the feature suggest how it will work. Google appears to be planning detailed controls over when the brightening is allowed, including when Bedtime mode, Do Not Disturb or driving is detected. A separate setting would let users choose how bright the screen can get.

The brightness choices appear to be "Reliable" and "Comfortable." The first seems to push brightness higher to give Face Unlock a more accurate reading, while the second trades some of that brightness for a screen that is easier on the eyes. One string warns that lower settings may reduce reliability.

Another string covers complete darkness. With that option on, the phone can brighten the screen to find the user's face when it is too dark. With it off, the screen brightens only if the face is partially visible. The listed strings also say the phone can brighten during Bedtime mode, when a car ride is detected, and when Do Not Disturb is on.

The feature may also interact with accessibility tools. According to one string, when it is turned on, the settings for extra dim, remove animations and color inversion "may temporarily behave differently."

9to5Google described the approach as not particularly elegant, though it noted that having the option is better than going without. It is not yet known when Google might release the feature to the public.

One reader comment on the original report pointed to Honor as the only Android maker offering a true Face ID equivalent, using a time-of-flight sensor, and questioned whether Google was reluctant to spend more on Pixel hardware development.