Notification

Our software update is being released in phases. New features will gradually roll out across all regions. Stay tuned for updates.

Take the temperature of objects with your Pixel phone

Important: The temperature sensor is located on the back of the phone, next to the camera. The object shouldn’t touch the actual phone.

You can measure the surface temperature of objects with your Pixel phone. This feature is available on Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Take temperature of objects around you with your Pixel Phone

Measure the temperature of an object with your Pixel phone

  1. On your Pixel phone, open the Thermometer app Thermometer.
  2. Tap Object Temperature.
  3. A thermometer disclaimer displays. Tap Continue.
  4. Measure the temperature of an object.
    • From the “Routine measurements” list, tap the material that matches your item. 
    • To start a new measurement, tap Add .
  5. At the bottom, choose the material of the object you want to measure.
  6. Position your Pixel phone within 2 inches of the object until the circle is fully highlighted.
  7. To capture, tap the center of the circle.
  8. Tap Save.
    • To delete the measurement, tap Delete Delete.
    • To capture again, tap Repeat Repeat.

Tips:

  • Use caution when you measure objects that are hot or cold.
  • For accurate results, position the sensor 5 cm (2 in) from the object.
  • Accuracy may vary and depends on:
    • Proximity to higher or lower limits of the temperature range.
    • Material selection.
    • Size of the object.
    • Difference in temperature between the sensor and the object.
  • For objects with hot steam, measure the area of the object not covered by the steam or wait until steam has disappeared.
  • A red circle signals that the object is very hot, so be cautious.

How to fix issues based on the error message

“Temperature sensor unavailable” “Not available”
  • Results outside of the supported range, -5°F (-20°C) to 392°F (200°C), will display as “Not available.”
  • Results reading “Not available” are out-of-range errors that can happen when:
    • The material selection has a low emissivity.
    • The temperature reading is at a higher or lower temperature than the sensor supports.

About emissivity

Temperature readings depend on the object’s emissivity. Emissivity describes how much energy radiates from an object and ranges from zero to one.

The material you choose helps better select the object’s emissivity and get more accurate results.

Related resources

Search
Clear search
Close search
Google apps
Main menu