Unlocking Pixel 2: Fingerprint Sensor Sleep Functionality

how to use fingerprint sensor to sleep pixel 2

The Pixel 2 smartphone has a fingerprint sensor that can be used to lock the screen and secure the device. While there is no built-in functionality to put the Pixel 2 to sleep using the fingerprint sensor, there are third-party apps such as Fingerprint Quick Action and Double tap to sleep widget that enable this feature. However, some users have reported that these workarounds may not be effective with certain Android OS versions, such as Android Pie and Android 10, due to background fingerprint listening restrictions. Additionally, some users have suggested that the fingerprint sensor behaviour can be device-specific, working on some devices but not others, even within the same model range.

Characteristics Values
Operating System Android P, Android 9, Android 10
Apps Fingerprint Quick Action, Double tap to sleep widget
Phone Model Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 4
Other The fingerprint sensor can be used to unlock the phone

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Use the 'Double tap to sleep widget' app

The "Double-tap to sleep" widget app can be used to put your Pixel 2 device to sleep. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set it up and use this feature:

Enabling Double-Tap to Sleep:

  • Download and install the "Double-tap to sleep" widget app from the Google Play Store or another trusted source.
  • Open the app and grant any necessary permissions or accessibility access that the app may require to function properly.
  • Follow the app's setup instructions to customize the double-tap gesture to your preferences, such as choosing the location on the screen or status bar where you want the gesture to be active.

Using Double-Tap to Sleep:

  • Once the app is set up, you can simply double-tap on the designated area of your screen or status bar to put your Pixel 2 device to sleep.
  • Depending on your settings and preferences, the double-tap gesture may also work when the screen is turned off, allowing you to quickly put the device to sleep without having to turn on the screen first.

It's important to note that while the double-tap to sleep feature is convenient, it may not be available on all Pixel devices or Android versions. Some users have reported that certain mods or apps may be required to enable this functionality on specific devices or Android versions. Always ensure that you download apps only from trusted sources and carefully review the permissions you grant to them.

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Try the 'Fingerprint Quick Action' app

The Fingerprint Quick Action app lets you use your fingerprint sensor as a makeshift touchpad for simple gestures. The app was developed by XDA user ztc1997 and is available for Android 6.0 and above.

To enable the app, you'll need to install it and then follow these steps:

  • Open your Settings app.
  • Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
  • Tap Fingerprint Quick Actions.
  • Toggle the switch to give the app accessibility access.
  • Open the app to customize your gestures.

You can set different actions for single-tapping or quickly swiping across the fingerprint sensor. For example, you can set the fingerprint sensor to turn off your screen. However, note that the app developer has acknowledged that the app does not work with Android 9 and above, as this OS does not allow listening to fingerprints in the background.

The Fingerprint Quick Action app received positive feedback from users, who found it useful and enjoyed the convenience of being able to perform quick actions via tap/swipe on the fingerprint sensor.

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Use the fingerprint sensor to unlock the Pixel Slate

To set up the fingerprint sensor on your Pixel Slate, you'll have the option to register your fingerprint when you first set up the device. If you skip that step, you can always set up your fingerprint later through your device settings.

Here's how to set up your fingerprint:

  • At the bottom right, tap the time to open the status area.
  • Tap Settings.
  • Under "People," tap Screen lock.
  • Enter your password, then tap Confirm.
  • Next to "Edit fingerprints," tap Set up.
  • Tap Add fingerprint.
  • Scan your fingerprint on the fingerprint sensor, located on the device's power button.
  • Hold your device as you'd normally hold it when unlocking, for example, with the screen facing you.
  • Choose the finger you want to use to unlock the device—you can add additional fingerprints later.
  • Use the end of your finger, from above your last finger crease to your fingertip. Avoid scanning the last finger crease. Position your finger on the centre of the sensor.
  • To capture all areas of your fingerprint, touch the sensor multiple times, lifting your finger off the sensor between each touch. Make sure to touch different parts of your fingerprint, including the sides, on the sensor each time.
  • When your fingerprint is fully scanned, you'll see "Fingerprint added!".

Once you've set up your fingerprint, tap your finger on the Pixel Slate's fingerprint sensor until it unlocks, whether the device is asleep or awake. Pressing the fingerprint sensor too hard will power off your device.

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Try the Nova Launcher

If you're looking to use your fingerprint sensor to put your Pixel 2 to sleep, you may want to try the Nova Launcher. However, it's important to note that there have been some challenges reported by users when trying to use the fingerprint sensor with the Nova Launcher.

  • Set up Nova Launcher: Install Nova Launcher and make it your default launcher. During setup, pay close attention to the permissions requested by Nova. Specifically, avoid granting permission for "Device Administrator" access, as this may disable the fingerprint sensor for locking and unlocking your device.
  • Configure Nova Settings: Access the Nova Launcher settings and make the following adjustments:
  • Screen Lock Method: Set the screen lock method to "Timeout" or "Screen Timeout." This will allow your device to respect its normal security settings, including the use of the fingerprint sensor.
  • Gesture Settings: Disable the screen lock option under Gesture Settings.
  • Double-Tap to Lock: Enable the "Double-Tap to Lock" feature in your device's settings. This will allow you to quickly lock your device by double-tapping the screen.
  • Accessibility Services: Allow Nova Launcher under Accessibility Services. This will enable Nova to perform screen lock functions using gestures.

Use Fingerprint Sensor: With the above settings in place, you should now be able to use your fingerprint sensor to unlock your device after locking it with a Nova gesture or the double-tap feature.

It's important to note that some users have reported inconsistent results with this setup, sometimes encountering a "Device Locked by Administrator" message. Additionally, certain devices, like the LG G5, have reported issues with the fingerprint scanner when using Nova gestures to lock the screen. In such cases, allowing the device to timeout or power lock it may resolve the issue.

While using Nova Launcher with a fingerprint sensor may not always be seamless, experimenting with the above settings and tips can help you find a configuration that works for your Pixel 2.

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Use the fingerprint sensor to lock the screen

The functionality to lock the screen of a Pixel 2 phone using the fingerprint sensor is not available by default. However, there are a few third-party apps and workarounds that you can use to achieve this.

One such app is called "Double tap to sleep widget", which allows you to lock your screen by double-tapping the fingerprint sensor. This app requires superuser access (root) for Android Oreo and lower versions.

Another app that has been used for this purpose is "Fingerprint Quick Action". However, some users have reported that this app stopped working with Android Pie as it no longer allows listening to fingerprints in the background.

It's worth noting that on some Android versions, touching the fingerprint scanner will prevent the phone from going to sleep, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve. This behaviour seems to be device-specific, as it has been reported to work on the Pixel 2 XL with Android P DP2, but not on the first-gen Pixel with the same software version.

Additionally, one user has reported that they were able to use the fingerprint sensor to lock their screen on a Samsung phone by accessing the "button" in the shortcuts section of the notification bar.

Finally, it's important to remember that pressing the fingerprint sensor too hard may power off your device, so be sure to tap it gently when locking your screen.

Frequently asked questions

You can use the app "Double tap to sleep widget" to lock your Pixel 2 with the fingerprint sensor.

Yes, the app "Fingerprint Quick Action" used to be a popular option. However, it stopped working with Android Pie as it does not allow listening to fingerprints in the background.

No, the built-in fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 2 cannot be used to lock the device. It is designed to unlock the device quickly and securely with the touch of a finger.

No, touching the fingerprint sensor will not prevent your Pixel 2 from going to sleep. On the contrary, it might even power off your device if you press it too hard.

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