8 ways to use the fingerprint scanner on your Android

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

One touch that saves time and keeps your data safe.

1. Protect apps from strangers

The fingerprint scanner can be used not only to unlock the entire phone, but also to protect individual applications. This can save your confidential data, for example, if the smartphone is already unlocked in the hands of an intruder (or simply from overly curious friends). An extra level of security will not hurt, especially in the case of instant messengers or payment services.

Keepsafe's App Lock utility can block the launch of your chosen applications until you touch the fingerprint reader or enter your password. After installing the program, give it access to the data, then go to the settings and activate the "Use fingerprint to unlock" option. Choose which applications you want to protect.

Now, when you open the desired program, you will be prompted to first unlock it with your fingerprint. App Lock also has several alternatives that are not inferior to this option.

2. Use the scanner as a camera shutter button

Owners of large fingers will probably find it inconvenient to press a button in the camera application: all the time you touch the right icon with the settings. However, it is possible to make shooting more comfortable by adapting a fingerprint scanner for this. You just touch it and the smartphone takes a photo. It's simple.

On some devices, the camera app can do this without any additional tools. For example, the "Camera" in MIUI on gadgets from Xiaomi has the option "Fingerprint capture" in the settings - you just need to enable it. If your device can't do that, the Fingerprint Camera Shutter and Dactyl apps come in handy to add this capability.

3. Perform quick actions with a tap of your finger

Google Pixel smartphones have a handy feature that lets you open the notification panel by swiping down on the fingerprint reader. Fingerprint Quick Action does something similar, but it can be installed on any device without even root access. However, you can assign your own quick actions.

Install Fingerprint Quick Action, give it access to the smartphone settings, and then go to the application settings. You can assign three quick actions. One is performed with a single touch to the fingerprint scanner, the second - with a double tap, and the third - with a swipe (this, however, does not work on all devices). There are quite a few options: you can open the list of applications, put the device to sleep, activate the split screen mode, take a screenshot, turn on the flashlight, launch some program, and so on.

This app has an alternative called Fingerprint Gestures. There are a little more functions here - for example, the program can control the playback of music in the player. This is quite handy if you want to switch or pause tracks without taking your phone out of your pocket. However, the application will need rooted rights to implement some of the features, and it is not available for all smartphones. Try both programs and see which one works best on your device.

4. Hide your photos

If you want to hide your photos from prying eyes, special applications for blocking access to selected images come in handy. For example LockMyPix or Focus. Add your most valuable photos to the gallery and set up access to them only with your fingerprint. Photos will be placed in an encrypted database that cannot be opened by third-party applications. And none of the curious will see what he is not supposed to.

This feature is available for free in LockMyPix, but to unlock it in Focus, you will need to purchase the premium version.

5. Access your passwords

The password manager is very handy. It saves you from having to memorize a bunch of difficult combinations. However, before that you still have to enter the master password. Fortunately, you can save time by enabling fingerprint opening of the saved database.

This feature is supported by most of the popular managers: LastPass, Keepass2Android, 1Password, Enpass and others. Look in your password keeper's settings and find fingerprint unlock there - it's much faster than entering characters manually.

LastPass Password Manager LogMeIn, Inc.

Keepass2Android Philipp Crocoll (Croco Apps)

1Password - AgileBits password manager

Enpass password manager Enpass Technologies Inc

6. Protect your personal diary

The diary is a very personal thing. And you are unlikely to be delighted if someone outside gets to your records. To avoid worrying about security, try the Journey app. It allows you to keep a diary, access to which will be protected by a fingerprint scanner.

After installing Journey, you will be prompted to set a password - do that. Then go to settings and enable the "Fingerprint" option. Now your innermost thoughts will be safe.

Journey - Diary, Two App Studio Pte. Ltd.

7. Enter payment applications

Many payment applications support fingerprint authentication. Among them, for example, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, QIWI, Yandex. Money, as well as various banking programs. Usually this feature is disabled by default, but it can be found in the settings. Yes, and purchases on Google Play can also be verified with a fingerprint. Fast and convenient.

Google Pay Google LLC

Samsung Pay Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

QIWI Wallet QIWI Bank JSC

SberBank Online Sberbank of Russia

8. Unlock your computer

When your computer has a fingerprint reader, it is very convenient. You don't have to enter your password every time you wake up. True, mainly laptops are equipped with built-in finger scanners, and even then not all. For other computers, you will have to purchase a separate USB reader. But a more convenient option is to use a scanner on your smartphone.

To do this, you need the Remote Fingerprint Unlock app. It can remotely unlock your Windows computer as soon as you touch the fingerprint scanner on your smartphone. All you need to do is install and then link it to your Android client. Pretty handy thing.

Samsung smartphones have a similar feature - for this you need to download the Samsung Flow app.

Remote Fingerprint Unlock Rusu Andrei

Samsung Flow Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.