What you need to know
- Google is rolling out Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2 to targeted Pixel phones.
- The beta includes a new setting to hide the lock screen PIN animation.
- This could roll out to other smartphones via Android 14 later this year.
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2 arrived on Pixel phones on Wednesday, fixing a few bugs. Google didn’t highlight much in terms of functionality, but the update brings a notable change to the lock screen, making it easier to hide your PIN from public.
This change was discovered by Mishaal Rahman (via XDA-Developers). A new option for “enhanced his PIN privacy” has been added to the lock screen settings. According to the description, turning this setting on will turn off the animation when entering a PIN to unlock the phone.
If this feature isn’t turned on, when you enter your PIN, the number you enter briefly appears before it disappears, so someone nearby can catch a glimpse of your PIN. Some of these digits may remain if you do not press the next digit. However, when this feature is turned on, the digits are completely hidden.
This is a small feature, but it goes a long way in protecting your privacy. Android Central’s Jerry Hildenbrand recently explained the importance of his strong PIN, stating that the lock screen is the first and greatest line of defense in securing your phone. He warns that misuse could allow someone to reset your password for his Google account and lock you out of your own account.
He offers tips on how to protect your accounts, such as using different passwords for each account, using 2FA, and using strong PINs. Luckily, another recent change spotted in the Android 14 developer preview could force users to adopt a longer PIN if they want to skip verification.
Speaking of which, Rahman expects the feature to arrive in the Android 14 beta, due in April. This suggests that it may not be a Pixel-exclusive change, even though it’s now coming to QPR3.
The Pixel 7 Pro is Google’s latest flagship, with a sleek design, a powerful AI chipset, and an impressive set of cameras. Pixel 7 is the first to experience the latest Android features, betas and more.
