Biometric authentication

Biometric authentication unlocks a phone or app using your body, such as a fingerprint or face, instead of only a PIN or password.

Biometric authentication: Biometric authentication checks who you are using a physical feature like a fingerprint, face or iris. Phones store a mathematical template of it, not a normal photo, in a protected area. It is quick and handy, but it works best together with a strong PIN as the backup.

Most Indian phones use a fingerprint sensor or face unlock. It stops casual snooping and is hard to copy at home. Weaker face unlock that uses only the front camera can be fooled by a photo on some cheap phones, so read what your phone says about its security level. Some banking apps allow biometrics, but the app should still ask for its own PIN for payments.

A key risk is that your face and fingerprint cannot be changed like a password, and someone may press your finger while you sleep or under pressure. Also, the PIN behind it is what a thief can learn by watching. Choose a long PIN, hide it when typing and use biometrics for convenience. A phone that was reset or newly bought needs fresh setup, so test your lock after any update.

Tips

• Use a 6 digit PIN or longer as the backup for your fingerprint or face lock.
• Do not register another person's fingerprint on your phone, even a family member's.
• Prefer fingerprint or secure face unlock over basic face unlock on cheap phones.

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