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The Pixel 6 finger scanner controversy returns on the Pixel 6a with random finger unlocks

By Daniel Petrov

Published: Jul 26, 2022, 4:43 AM

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In what seems as a repeat of the Google Pixel 6 fingerprint scanner controversy, some early Pixel 6a units delivered to reviewers are allowing them to unlock the phone with unregistered fingers.

AT&T Pixel 6a from Walmart

The Pixel 6a is also available at Walmart. This version is AT&T locked. Starting at $10.25/month for 36 installments.

$10 ²⁵ /mo

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Get the Google Pixel 6a with a discount at Amazon

The Pixel 6a is available for purchase on Amazon with a nice discount that makes it a sub-$300 phone.

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The noise-canceling Google Pixel Buds Pro up for sale to go with your Pixel phone

You can now buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro to go with your favorite Pixel 6a, Pixel 6, or Pixel 6 Pro color. The first major effort to create Pro earbuds resulted in Pixel Buds with Active Noise Cancellation and a whopping 11 hours of battery life on a charge.

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While the Pixel 6 issue was due to scrappy screen protectors, the Pixel 6a random finger unlocks seem to be replicated all too easily without one. As you can see in the video above, a stranger's unregistered finger is all it takes to unlock the phone on that particular unit.

A possible explanation could be that Google has been sending non-retail units for early reviews, as some are complaining that there were debris in the sealed box and some scratches on the plastic back and the camera bezel as a result.

Still, not every unit is exhibiting the random fingerprint unlocks, and the Pixel 6a should be equipped with a better finger scanner this time around, which is reportedly different (read: faster) than the slow one on the Pixel 6, so it might all be solved with a software update at some point.

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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.