Set up a fingerprint, PIN, pattern, or password (2024)

FAQs

Why does my phone ask for a PIN instead of fingerprint? ›

This is a security function built into Android itself in the case of theft. You can also set a pattern if a PIN is too inconvenient, too. Imagine your kid taking your phone while you were asleep, put your thumb against the scanner and then took off with it to do who-knows-what with it.

From Settings, tap Biometrics and security, and then tap Fingerprints. Enter your secure screen lock credentials. Tap Add fingerprint. Use the on-screen prompts to add the fingerprint, and then tap Done.

Ensure that your display is clean and without dirt or smudges. Check that you're using the same finger that you used when you enrolled in Fingerprint Unlock. You can add up to 5 fingerprints, follow the steps to set up a fingerprint. If you have excessively dry fingers, moisturise or re-enrol fingerprint.

Go into your settings and under security click screen lock. Then from there you can select to have none or other types your device can do ( pin, pattern, password, fingerprint, etc…).

Q: Why is my App Store asking for a password instead of a Touch ID? A: There are a few reasons why your App Store might not be recognizing your Touch ID. It could be that you've recently updated to a new version of iOS, or maybe you've changed your device settings, and Touch ID isn't enabled.

Use the pattern unlock master code 2767*2878#, 2767*3855#, ##7780## to bypass screen locks on Samsung devices in 2024. This updated master code provides a quick solution for users who have forgotten their pattern.

Fingerprint troubleshooting

Ensure your display is clean and without dirt or smudges. If you're having trouble scanning your fingerprint in bright, outdoor sunlight, make sure your fingerprint covers the entire sensor when you scan it. If you have excessively dry fingers, moisturize before scanning your fingerprint.

Why does my phone keep asking for a PIN? ›

it's possible that the phone is requesting a SIM card PIN (also known as a SIM card lock) rather than the phone's lock screen PIN or password. Here's what you can do: Check the SIM Card PIN: The PIN being requested may be associated with the SIM card in your phone.

A PIN can often be guessed with a little bit of information about the target, or it can even be “shoulder surfed” by someone standing behind you and watching you input it. A fingerprint can't. A longer PIN can be safer, but it's also a lot harder to remember.

You can set up a screen lock to help secure your Android phone or tablet from unauthorized access. Each time you turn on your device or wake up the screen, you'll be asked to unlock your device, usually with a PIN, pattern, or password.