How to use and set up fingerprint recognition to unlock the Galaxy S22 Series

Last Update date : Feb 21. 2022

Your Galaxy phone’s fingerprint sensor provides a convenient and secure way to unlock your phone and keeps your personal information safe. If you are having trouble using your fingerprint sensor, there are a few things to consider.

Before you try the recommendations below, be sure to check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. To update your mobile device's software, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to Settings > Software update.

Step 2. Tap on Download and install.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Fingerprint security on your phone

Fingerprint recognition uses the unique characteristics of your fingerprints to enhance the security of your device. Using a fingerprint to unlock your phone is faster and more convenient than using a PIN or password. For fingerprint recognition to function, your fingerprint information needs to be registered and stored in your device.

phone fingerprint recognition

Note: Do not use the fingerprint function under water. Even if the device is IP68-certified level, fingerprint recognition is blocked when the device is under water.

fingerprint recognition register step 1 fingerprint recognition register step 1

Step 1. Launch the Settings app and tap Biometrics and security.

fingerprint recognition register step 2 fingerprint recognition register step 2

Step 2. Tap Fingerprints.

fingerprint recognition register step 3 fingerprint recognition register step 3

Step 3. Read the on-screen instructions and tap Continue.

fingerprint recognition register step 4 fingerprint recognition register step 4

Step 4. Set a secure screen lock method.

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Step 5. Place your finger on the fingerprint recognition sensor.

After the device detects your finger, lift it up and place it on the fingerprint recognition sensor again. Repeat this action until the fingerprint is registered successfully.

For better fingerprint recognition
When you scan your fingerprints on the device, be aware of the following conditions that may affect the performance of this feature:

  • The device may not recognise fingerprints that are affected by wrinkles or scars.
  • The device may not recognise fingerprints from small or thin fingers.
  • To improve recognition performance, register the fingerprints of the fingers used most often to perform tasks on the device.
  • Your device has a built-in fingerprint recognition sensor at the bottom centre of the screen. Ensure that the screen protector or the touchscreen on the fingerprint recognition sensor area is not scratched or damaged by objects, such as coins, keys, pens, and necklaces.
  • Ensure that the fingerprint recognition sensor area at the bottom centre of the screen and your fingers are clean and dry.
  • If you bend your finger or use a fingertip, the device may not recognise your fingerprint. Press the screen so that your fingertip spreads over the wide surface of the fingerprint recognition area.

Unlocking the screen with your fingerprints
You can unlock the screen with your fingerprint instead of using a pattern, PIN, or password.

Step 1. On the Settings screen, tap Biometrics and security > Fingerprints.

Step 2. Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.

Step 3. Tap the Fingerprint unlock switch to activate it. On the lock screen, place your finger on the fingerprint recognition sensor and scan your fingerprint.

enable Fingerprint unlock

Making the fingerprint icon visible
Set the device to show or hide the fingerprint recognition icon when you tap the screen while the screen is turned off.

Step 1. On the Settings screen, tap Biometrics and security > Fingerprints.

Step 2. Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.

Step 3. Tap Show icon when screen is off and select an option.

Show icon on Always On Display

Deleting registered fingerprints
You can delete registered fingerprints.

Step 1. On the Settings screen, tap Biometrics and security > Fingerprints.

Step 2. Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.

Step 3. Select a fingerprint to delete and tap Remove.

delete fingerprint recognition

If you choose biometrics recognition, which includes using Fingerprints or Facial recognition to unlock your phone, the screen which requests your PIN, Pattern or Password may still appear instead of Fingerprints or Facial recognition in some cases according to the policy of Android OS.

  • If you have used and unlocked the device using Biometrics including Fingerprints or Facial recognition in the past 24 hours.
  • If 4 hours pass without an additional unlock operation after unlocking your device using Fingerprints or Facial recognition.
  • If 72 hours pass after unlocking your device using a PIN, Pattern or Password while fingerprint is set as screen lock type.

This is an intended response for enhanced security of your device. Additionally, you can only use a PIN, Pattern or Password to unlock the screen after restarting the device or when you don’t use the device for more than 24 hours.

To reduce the noise that may temporarily be generated when the screen is turned on or off, there is a 0.3 sec delay, which initialises the related touch module. Therefore, if you try to recognise your fingerprint as soon as you turn the screen on or off, the device may not immediately recognise your fingerprint properly. Try once more and the feature should work.

To avoid unintentional fingerprint recognition, the Fingerprint always on feature should be disabled. If the feature is enabled, your phone will continue to try to scan your fingerprint as long as you hold your phone. This may cause unwanted vibrations or unlocking. If you think this feature is inconvenient to use, follow the steps below to disable the feature.

Step 1. Launch the Settings app and tap Biometrics and security.

Step 2. Tap Fingerprint.

Step 3. Turn off the switch next to Fingerprint always on.

Note:

  • Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.
  • You may need to re-register your fingerprint after applying a new film or glass screen protector. When registering or scanning your fingerprint, make sure to use the highest central part of the fingerprint or the most curved part of the fingerprint.
  • If there are patterns, protrusions, dots, etc. on the surface of the protective film or glass screen protector, or if you use a third-party product that is not certified for compatibility, the fingerprint recognition feature may not work properly. It is necessary to check the compatibility or recognition accuracy before use.
  • The certified screen protector is available at online and offline Samsung stores. Learn more about How to apply Screen Protector.

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If you are experiencing difficulties with your Samsung mobile, tablet, or wearables, you can send us a question in the Samsung Members app. Find out more about sending an error report.

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