With the Pixel 8 Pro this year, Google decided to add a new sensor to the back of the phone. That’s a thermometer. Which in theory sounds pretty interesting, especially since we’re still coming out of the pandemic and trying to start again. It’s a pretty simple sensor and is quite easy to use. You can use the thermometer to see how hot your coffee is, if you have a fever, or anything else.
However, it is important to note that this thermometer has not yet been approved by the FDA. It is in the process of being approved (or disapproved) by the FDA, but that hasn’t happened yet. So whatever temperature you feel on your forehead, be sure to take it with a grain of salt.
Today we will show you how to use the thermometer on the new Google Pixel 8 Pro. Unfortunately, this is only available on the Pixel 8 Pro, the regular Pixel 8 does not have this.
How to use the Pixel 8 Pro thermometer
First, you will need to install the app. For whatever reason, the app is not in the app drawer. So, if you search for “Thermometer” in the Google search bar on your phone, you’ll see a popup for the app. Just tap “Update”.
From there you will see the app available in the app drawer, so you can quickly access that app and start using it.
Once the app is installed on your phone, open it.
Now you’ll see a pretty simple user interface here. With a large button in the center to “measure”. But there’s also a button towards the bottom, which shows a current thermometer and will say “default” or something else depending on whether it’s your first time opening the app. Tap that button.
Here you can choose which material you are measuring. This includes Default, Food & Organic, Drinks & Water, Cast Iron, Ceramic & Glass, Matte Metal, Shiny Metal, Plastic & Rubber, Fabric, Wood, and Walls & Windows. Tap what you want to measure. Then press Done.
Now you are ready to measure. Hold the thermometer sensor, which is located just below the flash and to the right of the camera sensors, about 5cm away from the object. Now tap “Tap to Measure”.
You will see the temperature. If it is very cold it will become blue, if it is very hot it will become red. But most of the time it will be black.
If you want to measure it again, you can tap the circular arrow icon at the bottom to update it. Then tap to measure again. The app doesn’t track your measurements, so once you hit the refresh button, the measurement disappears.
And it’s so easy to use the thermometer on Google Pixel 8 Pro.
Can I measure my temperature with this thermometer?
Not yet. As mentioned earlier in this article, the Pixel 8 Pro’s thermometer has not yet passed FDA approval. So while you can technically hold it to your forehead and measure the temperature, it probably won’t be very accurate. Especially since you can’t yet choose “skin” as something you’re measuring.
Hopefully that happens soon, though. Especially since we saw leaks of a video prepared by Google showing how to measure your temperature with this sensor.
Can I switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius?
Yes you can! In the top right corner, next to the three dots, you will see °F or °C. Just tap it to switch to the other measurement unit. It’s just that easy.
Is this sensor also available on the Pixel 8?
Unfortunately no. Google chose to only put it on the Pixel 8 Pro. This is likely done as a way to differentiate the two devices, along with a few other features. This could change on the Pixel 9 next year, if Google decides to keep the sensor. But Google could also ditch it, as it did with the radar sensor called Soli on the Pixel 4 XL in 2019.