How to use the fingerprint on your Galaxy Phone or Tablet

No one in the world is quite like you, and no two fingerprints are exactly the same. How to use the fingerpring on your Galaxy Phone or Tablet. That’s why fingerprint security on Galaxy phones and tablets is so dependable. However, using the fingerprint scanner may be a little different based on which type of device you have.

Note: The following instructions apply to devices with Android 9.0 or higher. Available screens and settings may vary by wireless service provider, software version, and device model.

Find the fingerprint scanner’s location

Note: The A10e, A01, and A02 do not have fingerprint scanners.

Depending on which Galaxy phone or tablet you have, the fingerprint scanner may be in a different location. Make sure you know the location before you start registering your prints.

Phones with an in-display fingerprint reader:

• S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra (Ultrasonic sensor)
• S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra (Ultrasonic sensor)
• S21 5G, S21+ 5G, and S21 Ultra 5G (Ultrasonic sensor)
• S20 5G, S20+ 5G, and S20 Ultra 5G (Ultrasonic sensor)
• S10, S10+, and S10 5G (Ultrasonic sensor)
• Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G (Ultrasonic sensor)
• Note10, Note10+, and Note10+ 5G (Ultrasonic sensor)
• A50, A51, A53, A71, A42 5G, and A52 5G (Optical sensor)

Phones with a fingerprint reader on the back:

• A11, A20, and A21
• S8, S8+, S9, and S9+
• Note8 and Note9
• Tab S5e, S6, S7, and S8

Other locations for the fingerprint scanner:

• The Z Fold’s and Z Fold2’s scanners are located below the Side key. The Z Fold4’s and Z Fold3’s scanner is on the Side key itself.
• The Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Z Flip3, and the Z Flip4’s scanners are located on the Side key.
• The S10e and XCover6 Pro have the scanner on the Power key.
• The A23 5G, A32, A15 5G, A13 5G, A13, A12, and A03s fingerprint scanners are located on the Side key.

Phones with a fingerprint scanner on the Home key:

• S7 and S7 edge
• S6 and S6 edge
• Tab S2 and S3

Set up and use fingerprint unlock

It’s time to set up fingerprint security and register your prints. The steps will be almost exactly the same, no matter what device you have. The only difference will be where the fingerprint sensor is located.

1. Navigate to Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap Biometrics. Tap Fingerprints.
2. Enter your lock screen credentials. If you do not have a screen lock set up, you may be prompted to create one at this point. When you’re ready, read the information, and then tap Continue.
3. Use the on-screen prompts to register your fingerprint. When registering your fingerprint, make sure to fully cover the fingerprint sensor with your finger to prevent strong light from entering the fingerprint sensor. When you’re finished, tap Done.
4. Next, make sure that the switch next to Fingerprint unlock is turned on. Note: If the fingerprint sensor on your device is located on the Side key or below the Side key, you can disable the “Fingerprint always on” option to prevent accidental unlocks. 
5. To unlock your device using your finger, tap the screen or press the Power key or Side key. Then, place the registered finger on the fingerprint scanner, wherever it’s located. The device will automatically unlock if it recognizes your fingerprint.

Once your fingerprint data is registered, review the security options and settings:

• Rename a fingerprint: Tap the desired fingerprint, enter the new name, and then tap Save.
• Remove fingerprint data: Tap your desired fingerprint, and then tap Remove.
• Add fingerprint: Add up to 4 total fingerprints.
• Check added fingerprints: Test your registered fingerprints for recognition.
• Fingerprint unlock: Unlocks your device when your fingerprint is recognized.
• Fingerprint always on: You can scan your fingerprint even when the screen is off.
• Show icon when screen is off: Choose when a fingerprint icon appears on your screen. You can choose between On Always On Display, Tap to show, and Never.
• Show animation when unlocking: Show an unlock animation when scanning your fingerprint.
• About fingerprints: View tips for unlocking your device.

Keep in mind that when your device has restarted or if your device has not been used for more than 24 hours, you’ll need to use your PIN, password, or pattern instead of your fingerprint.

Note: Some devices may come with a pre-installed plastic screen protector designed to work with the in-screen sensor. Installing another screen protector may affect fingerprint recognition.

Add additional fingerprints

It may be more natural to use a different fingerprint to unlock your device if you’re holding it in another hand, or in another orientation. Thankfully, you can add multiple fingerprints so you can unlock your device however you hold it.

1. From Settings, tap Security and privacy, and then tap Biometrics. Tap Fingerprints.
2. Enter your secure screen lock credentials and then tap Add fingerprint.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to add the fingerprint, and then tap Done.

Remove a fingerprint from your device

Although their fingerprint sensors are in different places, removing a fingerprint is exactly the same on all devices with Android 9.0 or higher.

1. From Settings, tap Security and privacy, and then tap Biometrics. Tap Fingerprints.
2. Next, enter your security credentials and then tap the fingerprint you want to delete (e.g., Fingerprint 1).
3. Tap Remove and then tap Remove again to confirm.

Note: Removing all registered fingerprints will turn off the Fingerprint unlock feature by default.

Trouble unlocking device with fingerprint

If you are having trouble unlocking your device because the fingerprint sensor isn’t recognizing your prints, try entering your regular PIN, password, or pattern. If that still does not work, you can try remotely unlocking your device using SmartThings Find. Please read our guide on Unable to unlock Samsung phone or tablet’s screen to learn more.