Smartphones are all about convenience, and that means that we can do just about anything with them. But what about security?
As Transmit Security explains (https://www.transmitsecurity.com/), biometrics is a technology that uses unique physical characteristics to identify a person.
And while they’re not the only way to verify identity, they are quite popular. And when used with a smartphone, they can provide you with an extra layer of security. So, what are the biometric features on your phone, and how can you use them to keep yourself safe?
Common Biometric Features on Android Phones
Your phone may have one or several biometric features. The most common biometric security include facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris scanning.
You can set the biometrics for various uses beyond acting as a primary unlocking feature, such as making payments.
Where the device has multiple biometric features, you can activate as many as you wish but can only use about two for your phone unlocking.
How to Check for Biometrics
Before you can register for any of the biometrics, you need to check if they are actually present on the phone. Below are some ways to check for biometrics.
Is the Android Phone Running Android 6 or Higher?
Devices that run Android 6 (Marshmallow) and above are the ones with biometric capabilities to run biometrics. Android phones show the software version at startup.
However, you can check the Android version of the device by visiting the Settings app and navigating to the system feature. When you click the ‘update’ section, the phone will show you the current version and whether there are security updates due.
If the phone is not at least Android 6.0, do not bother checking for biometrics.
The Phone has a fingerprint sensor at the Back
Most Android devices have a fingerprint sensor just below the camera or at the centre of the back panel. The fingerprint sensor is the most basic of all biometrics. A device with the rest of the biometrics will have a fingerprint sensor.
Otherwise, if you do not find the sensor at the back of the phone, you can be sure it will not have any other features.
Check the Security Features of the App
You can find the available biometrics on the phone by checking the security section. Just visit the settings app and click on security and biometrics. The phone will list all the biometric features available.
Besides, you can activate any of them by clicking and following the prompts. If your desired biometric is not listed, it means that the device does not support it.
How to Use Biometrics on Your Device
As stated earlier, biometric authentication is primarily used for unlocking your screen and various applications. It takes a minute to activate any of the biometrics. Here are the steps to take to activate the biometrics.
- Visit the settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and click the security option.
- Activate biometric unlock from the list of settings that will be provided.
Click on the options provided to register your profile.
If you wish to register for the fingerprint, click on the link provided. The phone will prompt you to place your index finger on the sensor and take you through the registration process.
For facial biometrics, you will be prompted to place the phone near your face. The phone will scan and create an outline of your face on the screen. On the other hand, it checks your iris colour and shape for iris scanning biometrics.
Finally, for the voice unlock feature, head to Google Settings and click Google Assistant. The feature is installed automatically in versions six and seven.
However, you may need to download and install it for newer models.
Once installed, go to Voice Math to train the assistant to understand your voice. If you wish to use the voice unlock feature to unlock the phone, you need to activate the setting that allows it to work when the screen is locked.
Click on the mobile app’s settings and activate the feature.
Next, you need to add a new command under the ‘Routines’ setting. You can now add a new command under the starter and input the action such as unlocking your screen.
You will use a primary unlock feature, such as a pin, passcode, or a pattern, with any of the biometrics to work as an alternative if there is a failure. You can also lock different third-party accounts, and perform mobile banking authentication with biometrics.
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