Find My Device may soon get biometric logins (APK drop)

The improved Find My Device network on Android is now available, and we’re on the verge of getting Android trackers that will compete with AirTags. You can manage all this via the updated Find My Device app on Android devices, which means it’s an essential piece of the puzzle. However, the Find My Device app has a tendency to slow down logins with frequent account password requirements, which can quickly become irritating for many people. Google is exploring other ways to make this process easier, and biometric unlocks may be the key to solving the puzzle.

Currently, Find My Device requires your account password every time you open it. You can use the “Don’t ask again” option to avoid having to enter your password, but as a result, anyone with access to your unlocked phone will be able to access Find My Device on all of the devices listed.

Android authorities An Assemble Debug contributor managed to enable the biometric login option for the updated Find My Device app.

Biometric unlocking is a great balance between security and convenience because it adds a layer of authentication to the app that isn’t too intrusive. So even if someone gains access to your unlocked phone, they won’t be able to play with the rest of your Android devices and trackers without hindering you. This will become even more important as the improved Find My Device network is rolled out globally and Android trackers become commonplace.

Android authorities Assemble Debug contributor also managed to enable the remote lock feature in the latest Google Play Services. Find My Device has been able to lock and wipe your phone for years, but the new Remote Lock feature lets you lock your device with just your phone number and quickly check your security from any device. The feature we activated doesn’t actually work because its rollout is scheduled for some time in the future, but you can see the screen in action.

The new Remote Lock feature should ease the stress for people who lose their device and realize they don’t immediately remember their account details. Remote Lock will be available on Android 10 and later devices via a Google Play Services update later this year.

Both new features are not currently available in the app. Google is currently testing them in the app, so they may be introduced soon.