Choosing "Fingerprints" screen lock type, but got "Swipe" instead - forgetting the current password

[Quang Vi Huynh]

Choosing "Fingerprints" screen lock type, but got "Swipe" instead - forgetting the current password

- OS: 6.0.1
- Device: Samsung Note 5

Scenario:
- I changed my screen lock type for personal reason, then I switched back to "Fingerprints", and I entered a password there for backup.
- The screen lock type has been chosen as "Fingerprints".

(screenshot: https://s3.postimg.org/q7nsx9xnn/Screenshot_20160816_191513.png)
- When I edit the screen lock type, it asks for the current password, which somehow I cannot enter again. Perhaps some mistakes I made in the step 1.

(screenshot: https://s3.postimg.org/t0h0hay03/Screenshot_20160816_191533.png)
- However, if I go to the lock screen, it only asks me to "Swipe" to unlock the screen.

(screenshot: https://s3.postimg.org/6n99uhx2b/Screenshot_20160816-191636.png)

It means I can use my phone normally. The unsecure lock screen just does not work for me. And I cannot change anything related to the security issue when it always asks me for the current password. My previous fingerprints are still there, but they are never asked.

What I have tried:
- I used Android Device Manager to lock the phone with a new password. It does lock the phone, and asks my new password to unlock it. However, the new password there does not overwrite the current password. It says: "Since Google has verified that a screen lock is already set, the password you entered won't be needed."
- I have turned off Bluetooth and tried to work around any trusted devices/locations (again, I cannot directly edit it because it asks for password), but it still does not work.

I think it can be an Android/Samsung bug, but I cannot make it work properly now after many attempts. Please help me on this. Thanks in advance.

-Quang

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Choosing "Fingerprints" screen lock type, but got "Swipe" instead - forgetting the current passw

Welcome to Android Central! Moved to the Note5 forum, since this is more of a device-specific issue.

I've seen this issue mentioned before, and I'm not sure you have much other choice besides doing a factory reset. And remember--with Factory Reset Protection, you'll need to enter your Google account information and password after the factory reset (and before the Setup Wizard).

 

[Quang Vi Huynh]

Re: Choosing "Fingerprints" screen lock type, but got "Swipe" instead - forgetting the current passw

Thanks Diddy for your reply. It is sad to not be able to get around this without doing the factory reset :-(

 

[GRIMWALD]

Re: Choosing "Fingerprints" screen lock type, but got "Swipe" instead - forgetting the current passw

If you can get to the screen to add new fingerprints, what happens if you delete all of the finger prints?
If I remember correctly when you go to set up the feature again, it will ask you for a new password (I think)
Also pay close attention to the lock timeout, the lock won't enable until after the time has elapsed unless you have it set to enable as soon as the power button is pressed.

GRIM

 

[B. Diddy]

Re: Choosing "Fingerprints" screen lock type, but got "Swipe" instead - forgetting the current passw

If you can get to the screen to add new fingerprints, what happens if you delete all of the finger prints?

Doesn't it ask for the backup password in order to proceed with deleting the stored fingerprints? I've never done it myself, but I seem to recall other people posting about this.

 

[GRIMWALD]

Re: Choosing "Fingerprints" screen lock type, but got "Swipe" instead - forgetting the current passw

It's been 8 months since I played with the feature but I think you are correct. When I first read his comment he stated that his prints were still present and I made the assumption that he was able to view the screen where you add more prints. Now that I have re-read his comment, I am not so convinced.
I was frustrated with the feature at first, it didn't matter what pass code I entered, the fingerprint lock simply wouldn't engage. I ended up adding and removing the prints about a dozen times before I realized the timeout feature was set to 10 min. so the lock would never engage when I tested it.
Once I changed the time factor everything was fine for me.
Eight months later, my recollection is a little hazy but I think you are correct in having to enter a code to change the prints.
I just read his comment wrong and thought he had made it past that particular password request.

GRIM