Google Pixel 7, 7Pro Face Unlock: Here’s How to Turn It Off—Not as Secure as Advertised?

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 23 October 2022, 11:10 pm

Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro releases brought the long-anticipated Face Unlock feature that is available in most smartphones now, and it is a way to authenticate security using one's facial identity. From its fingerprint scanning technology, Google seems to have a new focus now, centering on security software to unlock the smartphone.

However, reports are now claiming that it is not as secure as Google said, especially with missing hardware tech necessary to protect the device's security, with a way to turn it off.

Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro Face Unlock Feature

(Photo : Google)
Google Pixel 7 renders from I/O 2022.

Android Central said that Google's Pixel 7 devices might not have the level of security that the company advertised for all with its Face Unlock feature. It is because the company only uses the front camera and its software to authenticate the device and unlock it for the user, not having the special hardware for it.

Unlike previous Google Pixel devices, particularly the Pixel 4, the old device featured the Soli radar which would be helpful in this situation to help its Face Unlock give users the kind of tech they need.

The first time it was available is with the Pixel 4, but Google removed it for subsequent releases, not until 2022 released the latest smartphone in their lineup.

How to Turn Off Pixel 7 Face Unlock?

Having no hardware for the facial recognition feature may be tricky, as it means that people may be able to dupe or hack the system and access the device.

With that, users may turn it off for their Pixel 7 devices via the Settings feature.

Go to Settings, and scroll down to Security to access the options for Face Unlock. Access the Face and Fingerprint unlock settings, and tap Delete face model on your device.

Deleting all the face models would disable the feature altogether, and users are now set to unlocking via their fingerprint, PIN code, or password.

Follow the steps above to bring back the feature should they want to return to the previous setting.

Google's Pixel 7 Lineup

The new Google Pixel 7 features many add-ons to the device, with new functions to take advantage of for its overall upgrade to the device that will allow users to get the most out of it. The previous ads teased the Pixel 7's new Macro Focus for the Pixel 7 Pro, as well as the Cinematic Mode for both variants of the smartphone.

All-in-all, the current reviews of the Pixel 7 affirms that Google's latest smartphone is a good buy and a significant upgrade from old devices from the company.

Still, it features a minimal design change for its looks but does not necessarily mean that the new Pixel smartphone is not worth the upgrade.

While the Pixel 7's main upgrade is with the camera, it still embodies the Android 13 along with the latest features that come with it, elevating the smartphone experience.

The new Pixel 7 brought the world a wave of new features and experiences with the device, as well as its much-awaited Face Unlock features which are not exactly beneficial one in terms of security.

People may still use it, as Google promised a security feature with its software tricks that can detect a person's face and distinguish it without its needed hardware, but it is something that would depend on their preference.

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by Isaiah Richard