‘Android 14 no longer requires enter after entering the correct PIN code’

Android 14 will probably have the option to unlock the screen after entering the correct PIN code. Until now, users always have to press enter after entering the PIN code. The feature is not live yet.

Android 14 Auto-confirm PIN code

The toggle to activate the function is not yet visible by default, says XDA Developers. This is already in the code and can therefore be made visible. The function is called ‘Auto-confirm Unlock’ and according to the description it only works with PIN codes of six numbers or more. The phone then unlocks automatically when you enter the correct PIN code.

The software states that it is slightly less safe than having to press enter. This is because brute force attempts to unlock the phone require one less button to press, meaning an attacker can more quickly try out possible options. This function is not yet standard in Android, although it has been working for some time in custom ROMs and on Android phones from certain manufacturers such as Samsung. Also on iOS, entering enter is not necessary to unlock the phone after entering the correct PIN code.

The PIN code has received attention again recently due to cases in which attackers first copy a victim’s PIN code and then steal the phone. According to The Wall Street Journal they can then reset the password of a Google or iCloud account to lock victims out of their own account. They then use control of the device to withdraw money from accounts.

The second developer preview of Android 14 was released this week. The new version of the operating system is still under development and not all new features are included. Google will probably also announce new features during its I/O developer conference. That conference will take place on May 10. Android 14 will be released at the end of the summer or in the fall.