Since version 6.0 of Marshmallow, Android now offers support to fingerprint scanner natively. This change provides greater convenience when unlocking the terminal, if it is located in an easily accessible place, and a greater sense of security by depending on our fingertips to access the mobile or any of those services, like those of the bank.
It is now, when the majority of smartphones that are launched on the market come with fingerprint scanner, so we are going to help you configure the fingerprint screen lock. Some very simple steps but that we are going to comment on in each of them to make things clear about this element of the phone that for many users has become essential due to the ease of use and the security that it implies for the phone.
First step: access the fingerprint settings menu
In most terminals we can access the fingerprint settings from the "Security" option. In the Xperia Z5 the option "Fingerprint manager" appears, while in the Galaxy S7, we have to go to "Lock screen and security" to go directly to "Fingerprints".
The most normal thing is that when you access the option "Fingerprints" or "Fingerprint manager", you have to enter the terminal PIN or password, which will depend on the type of security you have in "Screen lock". If you do not have any type of security system, you will not need to enter any.
Adding a secondary unlock method
The next thing we will do is add a child method unlocking. This screen appears if you do not have any configured, so you will be presented with the different ones that you have on your phone.
You can choose between pattern, PIN or password as one of the options in case the fingerprint does not work and you want to access your smartphone. You will have to confirm the additional unlock method to go to the next screen that will be the fingerprint configuration screen.
Registering your fingerprint
We have everything ready for start with fingerprint registration. Here we will see an animation of how we should place the finger in the location where the fingerprint sensor is located.
- Put your finger on the scanner like you're going to unlock it to record that yolk location
- You will notice a slight vibration which claims it has registered, so that you move your finger again to register another part of it
- Repeat this same process as many times as you are asked until you finish registering the fingerprint.
When you're done, you can register another fingerprint so that you can unlock the terminal with another finger or even with the index finger. The more fingerprints you register, the easier it will be to unlock it, so it is interesting that you do a good run through your fingers, those that you will use to go directly to the desktop of your mobile.
Some tips
You have to know that the fingerprint not as secure as a good password can be, especially since the passwords can be changed whenever you want, while the fingerprint cannot. If someone knew your password, you could change it, but this cannot be applied to fingerprints. I say this because fingerprint sensors can be "hacked" by cloning the fingerprint, so it is important that we know this fact.
Regarding the possible failures to recognize your fingerprint, sometimes by own sweat of the hands, some sensors may not always work, so it is responsible that you register different fingers several times to ensure that you do not get problems.
