Help! Unlocking via fingerprint opens random app

[Pixel Hunter]

I don't know if I've done something funky to the configuration, if I'm doing something wrong, or this is a "works as intended" issue. When unlocking my S24+ via fingerprint, occasionally it opens in a random app, such as Messenger, Teams, Outlook, etc.

I have the always on display enabled.
I have facial unlocking disabled.
It doesn't happen every time.
I've wondered if it had something to do with auto-opening the app that received the last notification, but doesn't always seem to be the case.
I'm 99% sure I didn't leave that app open when locking the device.
I think it always opens an app that I have on my home screen.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Are you maybe touching the icon of an app once your screen unlocks?

 

[mustang7757]

Or long pressing an app on the lock screen then unlocking the phone?

 

[VidJunky]

I know this isn't an answer but I have an odd thing that happens that seems similar in a way and I think it is just the device. My odd thing is if I open something on my home screen the app drawer or the news panel (far left home screen panel) will open. The screen acts like I'm swiping when I'm not. Once I return and try opening the app again it works but the initial move is to slip the screen. Like your issue it isn't all of the time, just often enough that I can't forget it happens. It's like a phantom touch, which is what your issue sounds like. Is your screen dirty? Are you using a screen protector?

 

[boboman2]

I know this isn't an answer but I have an odd thing that happens that seems similar in a way and I think it is just the device. My odd thing is if I open something on my home screen the app drawer or the news panel (far left home screen panel) will open. The screen acts like I'm swiping when I'm not. Once I return and try opening the app again it works but the initial move is to slip the screen. Like your issue it isn't all of the time, just often enough that I can't forget it happens. It's like a phantom touch, which is what your issue sounds like. Is your screen dirty? Are you using a screen protector?

I have a similar issue. When I open a random app, it seems to think I swiped up and see the list of apps. Very random though. It started with the November update.

 

[Pixel Hunter]

I've wondered if it's pressing an icon after the screen unlocks, but the apps that open don't have the icon in the same place as the fingerprint reader. I've also wondered if it's auto-opening an app based on a recent notification or something. But I can't be sure, and it's annoying.

 

[mustang7757]

I have a similar issue. When I open a random app, it seems to think I swiped up and see the list of apps. Very random though. It started with the November update.

Are you using a 3rd party launcher?

 

[mustang7757]

I've wondered if it's pressing an icon after the screen unlocks, but the apps that open don't have the icon in the same place as the fingerprint reader. I've also wondered if it's auto-opening an app based on a recent notification or something. But I can't be sure, and it's annoying.

Also make sure your finger is removed from the fingerprint scanner after it opens to the home screen

 

[Pixel Hunter]

Also make sure your finger is removed from the fingerprint scanner after it opens to the home screen

Not currently using a launcher. I do have Nova downloaded, but not using it yet. And this issue has been happening since before I even downloaded Nova.

Yeah, I attempt to move my finger as soon as it unlocks. But my reaction times are those of someone in their mid-50s!

 

[mustang7757]

Not currently using a launcher. I do have Nova downloaded, but not using it yet. And this issue has been happening since before I even downloaded Nova.

Yeah, I attempt to move my finger as soon as it unlocks. But my reaction times are those of someone in their mid-50s!

Haha ...I hear you , possible taking longer to remove from fingerprint scanner, have you tried face unlock?

 

[Pixel Hunter]

Haha ...I hear you , possible taking longer to remove from fingerprint scanner, have you tried face unlock?

I did. Coming from Apple's iPhone FaceID, the Android/Samsung implementation of face unlock is pretty bad. I turned it off after a few days because it was causing more trouble with Google Wallet than it was solving. The fingerprint works fine... with the exception of the seemingly random app that opens once in a while.

 

[mustang7757]

I did. Coming from Apple's iPhone FaceID, the Android/Samsung implementation of face unlock is pretty bad. I turned it off after a few days because it was causing more trouble with Google Wallet than it was solving. The fingerprint works fine... with the exception of the seemingly random app that opens once in a while.

Yeah true, I do own an iPhone with my Andriods.

 

[boboman2]

No, just what came with the phone

 

[VidJunky]

I have a similar issue. When I open a random app, it seems to think I swiped up and see the list of apps. Very random though. It started with the November update.

I feel like this has been happening for me since before September I think. You saying November had me thinking hard about when I first noticed it. I know it was before November, I really feel like it was all the way back in June or July, but like you mentioned it's very random and while annoying not the worst thing.

@mustang7757 This is all with the stock launcher. The only thing I have installed that might, maybe, have any effect on this would Good Lock. It's like putting your finger on something slippery and it slides off. Whatever random direction it slides is what happens. If it slides up the app drawer opens, if it slides to the right Google News Panel opens. For me anyway, it never accidentally opens my notifications panel or slides to my next home screen. It is either the app drawer or Google News, but now that we've mentioned Good Lock, I may try to uninstall it sometime and see if it happens after that. Again random so it may be days or a week before I can say for sure.

 

[mustang7757]

I feel like this has been happening for me since before September I think. You saying November had me thinking hard about when I first noticed it. I know it was before November, I really feel like it was all the way back in June or July, but like you mentioned it's very random and while annoying not the worst thing.

@mustang7757 This is all with the stock launcher. The only thing I have installed that might, maybe, have any effect on this would Good Lock. It's like putting your finger on something slippery and it slides off. Whatever random direction it slides is what happens. If it slides up the app drawer opens, if it slides to the right Google News Panel opens. For me anyway, it never accidentally opens my notifications panel or slides to my next home screen. It is either the app drawer or Google News, but now that we've mentioned Good Lock, I may try to uninstall it sometime and see if it happens after that. Again random so it may be days or a week before I can say for sure.

You have touch sensibility on ?

 

[VidJunky]

You have touch sensibility on ?

I never checked before but turns out it was on, so I'll turn it off and see if it helps before uninstalling Good Lock. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[mustang7757]

I never checked before but turns out it was on, so I'll turn it off and see if it helps before uninstalling Good Lock. Thanks for the suggestion.

Ok ..test it out

 

[boboman2]

I cleaned the phones cache and then turned my phone off for an hour and it hasn't happened since Saturday night, crossing my fingers.

 

[mustang7757]

I cleaned the phones cache and then turned my phone off for an hour and it hasn't happened since Saturday night, crossing my fingers.