Fingerprint recognition on smartphones has been a round for quit sometime, phone makers are nowadays either putting them in the screen or doing away with it opting for secure facial recognition just like the iPhone X , Huawei Mate 20 Pro and the upcoming Pixel 4. Onscreen fingerprint recognition has been implemented using two technologies, there is Optical (uses a stored image of your print) and Ultrasonic (uses sound waves to do authentication).
In order for fingerprint recognition to function, your fingerprint information needs to be registered and stored in your device. After registering, you can set the device to use your fingerprint several features including phone unlocking, secure folder unlock, payments and app unlock.
Fingerprint recognition uses the unique characteristics of each fingerprint to enhance the security of your device. The likelihood of the fingerprint sensor confusing two different fingerprints is very low. However, in rare cases where separate fingerprints are very similar the sensor may recognize them as identical.
For security reasons, if you use your fingerprint to unlock, your fingerprint cannot be used to unlock the screen for the first time after turning on the device. To use the device, you must unlock the screen using the pattern, PIN, or password you set when registering the fingerprint. Be careful not to forget your pattern, PIN, or password.
If your fingerprint is not recognised, you can unlock the device using the pattern, PIN, or password you set when registering the fingerprint, and then re-register your fingerprints. If your pattern, PIN, or password is forgotten, you will not be able to use the device if you do not reset it.
Precautions for better fingerprint recognition
When you scan your fingerprints on the device, be aware of the following conditions that
may affect the feature’s performance:
- The device may not recognize fingerprints that are affected by wrinkles or scars.
- The device may not recognize fingerprints from small or thin fingers.
- To improve recognition performance, register fingerprints of the hand used most often to perform tasks on the device.
- Most devices have a built-in fingerprint recognition sensor at the bottom center of the screen. Always ensure that the screen protector or the touchscreen on the fingerprint recognition sensor area is not scratched or damaged by objects, such as coins, keys, pens, and necklaces.
- Ensure that the fingerprint recognition sensor area at the bottom center of the screen and your fingers are clean and dry.
- If you bend your finger or use a fingertip, the device may not recognize your fingerprints. Press the screen so that your fingertip spreads over the wide surface of the fingerprint recognition area.
How to register your fingerprints
This set up changes depending on phone maker. For Samsung phones, on the Settings screen, tap Biometrics and security → Fingerprints. Read the on-screen instructions and tap Continue. Set a screen lock method.
Place your finger on the fingerprint recognition sensor at the bottom of the screen. After the device detects your finger, lift it up and place it on the fingerprint recognition sensor again. Repeat this action until the fingerprint is registered. When you are finished registering your fingerprints, tap Done. You add more than one fingerprint.
You can also check whether your fingerprint is registered by placing your finger on the fingerprint recognition sensor. In case you want to upgrade your prints something we recommend you do once so often you can also delete registered fingerprints before you add new ones.
