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The Pixel 4's Face Unlock Feature Has A Security Flaw And Can Be Unlocked With Eyes Closed


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Google announced the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL earlier this week and it's the first phone by the company that comes with facial recognition. The face unlocking system works a bit similarly to Apple's Face ID. And similar to iPhones, the Pixel 4 series does not have any form of fingerprint scanning sensors. However, according to BBC reporter Chris Fox, the Pixel 4 can unlock by scanning a face even when eyes are closed. If you need a closer look, Fox uploaded a short video on Twitter that shows this flaw. 

Proof, for those asking #madebygoogle #pixel4 pic.twitter.com/mBDJphVpfB

— Chris Fox (@thisisFoxx) October 15, 2019

This potentially means that anyone can pick up the Pixel 4, scan your face and unlock it even when your eyes are closed. This also means that someone can access the Pixel 4 by scanning the owner's face even when they are sleeping. 

On other Android phones like the OnePlus 7T Pro and iPhones with Face ID, the face unlock system checks for your eyes to be open and will ask users to look into the camera. Google's support page has also confirmed that “Your phone can also be unlocked by someone else if it's held up to your face, even if your eyes are closed,” the page reads. “Keep your phone in a safe place, like your front pocket or handbag.”

The Pixel 4's Face Unlock Feature Has A Security Flaw And Can Be Unlocked With Eyes Closed© Twitter

It seems like Google is already working on a fix as a new image stating the fact that the Face unlock feature will have the “require eyes to be open” feature soon, has surfaced online. Google has confirmed to reporter Fox that the new feature will not be available when the Pixel 4 goes on sale. 

At the moment, Google is recommending users to use the lockdown function that comes on the Pixel 4. This mode uses the traditional pin code method and disables the face unlock feature. The lockdown mode can be accessed directly from the power menu by going to Settings > Display > Advanced > Lock screen display and enable the Show lockdown option.

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