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Digital thermometers are one of many\u00a0underrated and cheap gadgets to have on hand<\/a>. They’re generally reliable and undoubtedly essential when you’re monitoring ill individuals. But what if you only want to do a quick fever check, or see how hot your desktop computer is? Whipping out the thermometer every time can be quite inconvenient, especially if you’re out of the house and forgot to pack one.<\/p>\n Fortunately, you can now measure the temperatures of objects \u2014 as well as body temp \u2014 on demand. All you need is a gadget that typically never leaves your sight: your phone, specifically a Google Pixel Pro. If you have a Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro, or Pixel 10 Pro XL, you might have noticed an extra sensor on the camera bar at the back. That’s the temperature sensor, which pairs with a pre-installed Google app fittingly called Thermometer.<\/p>\n The Pixel’s Thermometer app can come in handy for casual use, or when you’re in a pinch. And while it won’t replace traditional thermometers for medical use (including this one from QuickCare<\/a>), it’s still a convenient tool to have. We’ll walk you through how to take temperature readings with your Pixel phone and how to troubleshoot the app if you run into any issues.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n How to use your Google Pixel’s temperature sensor<\/p>\n The Pixel’s Thermometer app is pretty intuitive and straightforward, so it should be easy to get the hang of it. Here’s how you can start measuring temperatures with your Pixel phone:<\/p>\n Launch the Thermometer app. To take the temperature reading of an object:<\/p>\n Go to Object temperature. To measure human body temperature:<\/p>\n Select Body temperature. After getting the temperature, you can then opt to save, retake, or even delete it (for object temperature only). Simply select the action you want to do from the options on the bottom of the screen.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n How to troubleshoot the Google Pixel’s Thermometer app<\/p>\n When using the Thermometer app to measure object temperatures, you might come across two error messages. The first one is “Temperature sensor unavailable.” Google recommends contacting customer support, but some users managed to fix this error by booting the Android phone into safe mode<\/a> and updating the app. A “Not available” message, on the other hand, means the measurement is way below or above the range that Google Pixel supports \u2014 between -5\u00b0F (-20\u00b0C) and 392\u00b0F (200\u00b0C). The error can also pop up when the material doesn’t give off heat that well (low emissivity), making it hard for the sensor to read.<\/p>\n When measuring body temperature with your Google Pixel, look out for these six errors:<\/p>\n Forehead temperature out of range: The reading is below or above the supported range, which often happens when transitioning from a hot\/cold environment to room temperature. Before trying again, rest at room temperature for ten minutes or more.
\nWhen prompted, tap Allow to give the app permission to use the built-in infrared temperature sensor and camera.
\nPress “While using the app” to enable photo and recording access.<\/p>\n
\nHit Continue.
\nFinish the tutorial.
\nTo activate the thermometer, choose one of the materials under Routine measurements, or press the plus icon at the bottom.
\nHold the temperature sensor (typically below the flash) roughly two inches above the object you’re measuring, or until you see a Tap to capture message in the middle of the screen. Make sure not to let the object touch the sensor.
\nTap the center circle to take the temperature reading.<\/p>\n
\nOn the “Connect Thermometer to other apps” screen, press Not now.
\nChoose Continue to proceed.
\nChange the Measurement settings, or press Next to keep the defaults.
\nGo through the quick tutorial.
\nTap the Age range in the upper-right corner.
\nChoose the appropriate age group of the person being measured.
\nMake sure the person’s forehead and temple aren’t wet or covered by hair or head accessories.
\nPosition the Pixel’s camera bar close to the middle of the forehead until you feel a vibration.
\nHit the Tap to measure button.
\nMove the phone from the forehead to the temple within four seconds.<\/p>\n
\nSensor out of range: The Pixel’s temperature sensor is blocked or too far. Remove your phone case and obstructions on the person’s head. Then, hold your phone closer to the forehead.
\nUnable to start measurement: The sensor might not be in position. Make sure the camera bar is pointed in the middle of the forehead.
\nMeasurement failed: The app can’t properly measure the temperature. Clean the sensor and the person’s forehead and temple. Follow the correct steps for taking body temperature.
\nTemperature sensor is too warm\/cold: The sensor is beyond its operating temperatures. Unplug from the charger if you’re using one, and leave your phone at room temperature for at least ten minutes.
\nTemperature sensor unavailable: The app can’t detect the temperature sensor. Reach out to customer support.<\/p>\n