Android 14 no longer requires enter after entering correct PIN code

Android 14 will supposedly get the ability 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 feature is called ‘Auto-confirm Unlock’ and, according to the description, only works with PINs of six numbers or more. Then the phone unlocks automatically when you enter the correct PIN code.

The software states that it is slightly less secure than having to press enter. That’s because brute-force attempts to unlock the phone require one less button to press, allowing an attacker to try the possible options more quickly. This function is not yet standard in Android, although it has been working for some time in custom roms and on the Android phones of certain manufacturers such as Samsung. Entering enter is also not necessary on iOS to unlock the phone after entering the correct PIN code.

The pin code has recently received attention again due to cases where 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 exclude victims from their own account. Then they use control of the device to withdraw money from accounts.

The second developer preview of Android 14 came out this week. The new version of the operating system is still in 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.