How to use fingerprint unlock without PIN

[hydewolf]

Hi,

I want to setup fingerprint, iris and/or face unlock, but I don't want the phone to ask for a pin each time.

How do I get around this?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Most devices don't let you bypass the occasional requirement to enter your backup PIN/password. It's meant to be an additional security measure, because fingerprint isn't entirely secure. On every Android device I've had, I always get asked to enter my backup PIN/password upon powering up, even if I have fingerprint turned on.

 

[sulla1965]

The only time you MUST use a pin or pattern is when you shut down, then power up again. I don't know why it's asking you to use your pin every time?

 

[B. Diddy]

Nexus and Pixel phones have always intermittently asked for the backup PIN/password/pattern, even during normal usage. I think one of the things that can prompt this is if there are a few failed fingerprint scans. Certain phones might allow you to turn this off, but I'm not sure about the S9. The key thing to remember here is that any biometric sensor (including fingerprint) is still not a highly secure screen lock method. The phone shouldn't be asking for your PIN frequently, but I think it's a good idea for it to ask with some kind of regularity.

 

[Adam Frix]

Hi,

I want to setup fingerprint, iris and/or face unlock, but I don't want the phone to ask for a pin each time.

How do I get around this?

It seems to me that I had this problem when I first got Android 7 on my Blackberry KEYone. It was a setting I had to turn off. Wasn't hard to find.

I can't find it in Android 9 right now; maybe it's gone. Which Android are you on?

 

[methodman89]

When you want to add a new unlock method, it's going to ask for the current one first. As stated above, it is a important security step.

 

[mary beth hale]

After initial setup, my S9+ only asks for pin when the phone has been restarted or if I want to make a change to a security setting.

 

[bhatech]

Are you getting confused when you press the power button it brings up the lock screen, and then swipe up to bring the keyboard to enter pin as asking pin for every time? At that screen you can use your fingerprint sensor to unlock or you can directly use the fingerprint sensor from get go to unlock directly without using the power button.

 

[Rukbat]

The phone asks for the PIN if it's locked. If the screen is blank a fingerprint alone is enough. The fingerprint is an additional means of security for a locked phone, it's not the only means. Since fingerprint scanners can be tricked, once the screen locks, you have to do both.

There's a separate timer for screen timeout and lock screen - if you have them both set the same, it may seem as if the phone asks for the PIN ecery time, but set the tmeout for 15 seconds, and the lock for 1 minute and you'll see the difference. 45 seconds and the screen has been black for the last 30 seconds, but you can still bring it back with a fingerprint.