I've had my share of grief with the fingerprint sensor on my Pixel 6, but it's totally usable and I was generally fine with it. Until I realised yesterday that all that oh-so complex and safe AI security procedure that allegedly makes the sensor so slow is complete bs.
I was sitting next to a friend who had never used an in-screen fingerprint sensor before and he wanted to mess around with it. After like 5 seconds he unlocked the phone. His left thumb was accepted by the phone. I was in utter shock. He was able to unlock the phone every single time without any problems whatsoever. So I thought ok, this might be rare, but there is a tiny chance that two people have very similar fingerprints. But needless to say, I was not able to unlock his iPhone with my fingerprint.
I have a few things that I dislike about the Pixel, but this safety concern feels major to me.
This has been recently publicised. There is a chance that other people may be able to unlock your 6.
freeflyer said:
This has been recently publicised. There is a chance that other people may be able to unlock your 6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it sure has been reported before but seeing it from others with the simplicity to bypass it is not just scary but hopefully embarrassing for Google and I hope they fix this.
freeflyer said:
This has been recently publicised. There is a chance that other people may be able to unlock your 6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, hadn't heard about that yet. In the past I've heard that those simple face unlocks can be tricked by as little as a picture of someone, but I always thought fingerprint sensors would be precise and safe. Well, leave it to google to mess it up I guess.
I thought google hardware would be worth something in 2021, but this phone does not feel good at all.
Scary potential security problems indeed...
Did you have Smart Lock enabled? Did it actually scan the finger (i.e. did it get really bright on that part of the screen). The screen shows the fingerprint icon even when the phone is unlocked.
I didn't realise it was unsafe as well as being completely useless.
I have a use my pin to unlock it 50% of the time.
It also uses a CCD (i.e. camera) to read the fingerprint, so in theory, a picture of your finger should trick it into unlocking.
Related
I am looking for a password / Secrets keeper / safe which is utilizing the fingerprint reader.
I would like strong encrypting and also a master password.
Just think the fingerprint will add a lot to the security.
Any suggestions???
Robert
Would actually be pretty neat if some apps came out that utilized the scanner on their own for security. I don't really want to use it as a lock-method for my phone but it would be great for some other things.
Have to wait for a dev to let us know if it's possible to tap into it like that. Pretty sure there's no apps out there now that already do this.
Robert_it said:
I am looking for a password / Secrets keeper / safe which is utilizing the fingerprint reader.
I would like strong encrypting and also a master password.
Just think the fingerprint will add a lot to the security.
Any suggestions???
Robert
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want this only to increase security, I can say that fingerprint readers are generally pretty trivial to hack. A long password is better (and I am an information sec. guy).
fincan said:
If you want this only to increase security, I can say that fingerprint readers are generally pretty trivial to hack. A long password is better (and I am an information sec. guy).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be a nice feature for when you're letting someone use the phone and you don't want them looking into certain folders. But I agree as far as total security, you're best bet would be to do a full wipe if it is lost or stolen.
I started a thread over here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980402
maybe combine the two?
fincan said:
If you want this only to increase security, I can say that fingerprint readers are generally pretty trivial to hack. A long password is better (and I am an information sec. guy).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting... could you elaborate? How did you get into that biz? Pretty cool stuff, like a spy
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
ChongoDroid said:
That's interesting... could you elaborate? How did you get into that biz? Pretty cool stuff, like a spy
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not like being a spy actually, more like a glorified IT system admin work
You can find various ways to do that over the web, basically something like kids putty, gummy bear, or anything that you can mold that has the consistency of human skin, or on really bad ones even a tape can be used to pull the fingerprint and can be used as a makeshift finger to fool these scanners, unless your device have a very high end f.print scanner that checks for the temperature and/or the veins (with an infrared sensor) in the finger so that it can be sure that it is a real finger.
Also there are usually settings on the f.rpint scanner drivers or software to specify how precise it has to scan the finger. If you make that level too high than you will face with false negatives, meaning you really have to scan the finger good and it should absolutely match with your original scan. If you make that threshold level too low it becomes more user friendly (e.g. if the print matches %60 of the original scan, accept it) but also makes it inherently less secure, which is probably what motorola did with our phone's scanner since it rarely gives me "could not scan properly/could not match the f.print" errors even when my fingers are dirty.
I think even mythbusters did an episode about this.
Also don't forget that your fingerprint scanner is as good as your password since there is always a way to unlock the device with the password.
fincan said:
It's not like being a spy actually, more like a glorified IT system admin work
You can find various ways to do that over the web, basically something like kids putty, gummy bear, or anything that you can mold that has the consistency of human skin, or on really bad ones even a tape can be used to pull the fingerprint and can be used as a makeshift finger to fool these scanners, unless your device have a very high end f.print scanner that checks for the temperature and/or the veins (with an infrared sensor) in the finger so that it can be sure that it is a real finger.
Also there are usually settings on the f.rpint scanner drivers or software to specify how precise it has to scan the finger. If you make that level too high than you will face with false negatives, meaning you really have to scan the finger good and it should absolutely match with your original scan. If you make that threshold level too low it becomes more user friendly (e.g. if the print matches %60 of the original scan, accept it) but also makes it inherently less secure, which is probably what motorola did with our phone's scanner since it rarely gives me "could not scan properly/could not match the f.print" errors even when my fingers are dirty.
I think even mythbusters did an episode about this.
Also don't forget that your fingerprint scanner is as good as your password since there is always a way to unlock the device with the password.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man that's crazy... I don't use the pattern any more just because the oil off of your finger is a give away. Wipe er down every time haaha I just keep where's my Droid at all times
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
ChongoDroid said:
Man that's crazy... I don't use the pattern any more just because the oil off of your finger is a give away. Wipe er down every time haaha I just keep where's my Droid at all times
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah same with me, even with a quick wipe, I could still see the pattern on my old nexus one. They's why I live the finger print scanner.
@fincan, can you see if those methods you mentioned are able to by pass the scanner? I want to know how secure it is.thanks
Rocking my Bell Atrix!
-Roze- said:
Yeah same with me, even with a quick wipe, I could still see the pattern on my old nexus one. They's why I live the finger print scanner.
@fincan, can you see if those methods you mentioned are able to by pass the scanner? I want to know how secure it is.thanks
Rocking my Bell Atrix!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanna see this phone get unlocked so bad... imagine being able to lock any app with a fingerprint... or multiple profiles so that the phone could have a guest mode? Or even different set ups for different fingers haha ah man I wish I was smart enough to chef up some goodness... maybe next year
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
will the new no lock app
will the new no lock app disable finger print scaner,awnser is yes i tryed it it works great love that app
Has this happened to anyone? Like after a couple of hours of inactivity, it sometimes requires you to enter PIN before allowing users to use biometric unlock method. It says ' For your security, use your PIN to unlock your phone. You can use biometrics next time.' As shown screenshot attached below.
The weird thing is, this happens, sometimes it doesn't, and biometric unlock works fine without needing to enter PIN again.
Not a big issue, but kinda annoying needing to enter PIN from time to time
Yeah, I get that every now and then, too. Guess it's Android's (or Samsung's) way of making sure someone hasn't managed to fool the fingerprint or face unlock.
meyerweb said:
Yeah, I get that every now and then, too. Guess it's Android's (or Samsung's) way of making sure someone hasn't managed to fool the fingerprint or face unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a relief to know. Weird thing is that my S8+ running official Oreo never had such issue. Oh well.. at least it isn't a bug.
gabriellovesmusic said:
That's a relief to know. Weird thing is that my S8+ running official Oreo never had such issue. Oh well.. at least it isn't a bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings,
My S8+ (Oreo) is doing the same since day 1. My S5 (Marshmallow) was also doing it, it was asking for password and not allowing use of fingerprint from time to time. Many people have the same issue but no solution / reasoning explained yet, I believe.
GPrien said:
Greetings,
My S8+ (Oreo) is doing the same since day 1. My S5 (Marshmallow) was also doing it, it was asking for password and not allowing use of fingerprint from time to time. Many people have the same issue but no solution / reasoning explained yet, I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't an issue.
It's a security measure taken time to time to prevent unauthorized access.
I disagree with "This isn't an issue." If it is driving me to turn off all my security because it won't allow me to disable it, then it is an issue. I've read the same sentiment from others.
jf.jf said:
I disagree with "This isn't an issue." If it is driving me to turn off all my security because it won't allow me to disable it, then it is an issue. I've read the same sentiment from others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know placing your fingure over the reader is hell
atheitopia said:
I know placing your fingure over the reader is hell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ comment makes no sense.
The stupid feature Google has introduced, is randomly demanding PIN instead of fingerprint. It will happen every couple of days or so, even when phone has not been restarted. You might have used it 10 minutes ago, doesn't matter... you will be asked for PIN and it says "use biometrics next time". It's so arrogant, and takes away control of our phone security. They are treating us like children. It's condescending and disrespectful.
The thing is, we can already choose to have no pin if we want, just swipe to unlock. So why can't we have biometrics ONLY without pin? Because we can't have nice things? Why?
It's the worst thing about my new phone by far. I will never stop looking for a way to get around this brain-dead "feature". How I unlock my phone should be up to me, not some crusty old Android developer sitting in a dark room, dreaming up ways to piss people off. If anyone knows how to stop it asking for pin, and use biometrics all the time (except after reboot) then please share knowledge.
"Its a Feature, not a Bug"
The fact that this is a feature rather than a bug does not make it okay. In fact, it makes it worse. It is a problem when a company tries to force its way upon me and upon a product I own and I have zero ability to do anything about it. If its "for my security" then it is MY choice to decide not to be forced to put in some pin at random when I have a perfectly good fingerprint that works just fine. I am not personally worried about someone cutting my finger off and revealing the occult secrets hidden within my phone, so I should be able to turn this off. If you try to force me to do something and make it impossible to get around, I might just leave your stupid platform forever.
There is one big problem with this phone.
I'm a guy of 18 and mi 8 always unlock my younger sisters and a friend of mine.
How can an algorithm be so bad written? I can understand if it unlock twins brother or sister (in fact it does, i made an attempt some days ago).
I cannot accept that a flagship phone unlocks both my sister (and we don't look alike) and a friend of mine - he is completely different, he has a very dark skin and I have a pale skin, the eye's color is different, the nose shape either.
I also tried to unlock my friend's phone (huawei p20 lite with no ir or dedicated hardware for face unlock!!) and the attempt was unsuccessful (so huawei algorithm is better I guess)
The last try was to register his face and then try to unlock. I wasn't able to unlock it. So my dear xiaomi thinks me = my friend but my friend ≠ me
Is there a way to use a different algorithm? Or maybe Xiaomi could fix this...
Do not think that's just my problem. It's possible that one day somebody will take your phone and unlock it without pin / fingerprint, and i read other thread about this issue.
Sorry for my bad English.
Just use another method of security
It's been said again and again that face unlock is meant more for convenience than for security.
Seems you are the only person who has problems understanding this fact.
Use your fingerprint for security and can also save yourself some battery drain.
nice
Just purchased a 7t pro used only 4 months old , now i have had a 7 pro and a 7T oneplus mobile before. The fingerprint sensor on lockscreen is not recognised most of the times . Tried changing fingerprints by putting more than 3 , also have hard reset it and used unbrick tool to downgrade to 10.0.8 That did not work also. wipe cached basically tried everything also taken of screen protector .
I have given now thinking it has to be a faulty sensor.
Anyone else has had same problem and maybe know a way to sort it out
pro4ever said:
Just purchased a 7t pro used only 4 months old , now i have had a 7 pro and a 7T oneplus mobile before. The fingerprint sensor on lockscreen is not recognised most of the times . Tried changing fingerprints by putting more than 3 , also have hard reset it and used unbrick tool to downgrade to 10.0.8 That did not work also. wipe cached basically tried everything also taken of screen protector .
I have given now thinking it has to be a faulty sensor.
Anyone else has had same problem and maybe know a way to sort it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do the finger print on the same finger 2or3 times that should help
No issues here, i have only one fingerprint setup.
Works perfect and haven't had a mismatch ever.
jaythenut said:
Do the finger print on the same finger 2or3 times that should help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that also its still very hit and miss . Also tried on some of my family , same there hit and miss
I had similar issues but in relation to my second thumb. (I only use thumbs to unlock). The right one worked just fine. The left one was hit or miss. Now it works much better. I can say it'stable .
The best way to configure fingerprint was in my case: 1) try to cover reader area by moving finger little bit, small steps are the best 2) try to configure fingerprint when you actually hold the phone. The angle and the position of the touching finger when you hold it and try to unlock is basically not always the same when your device rests on a flat surface. I think it's worth a shot.
Moreover reader area can be dirty or greasy/and so can be finger. Try to wipe it, and then try lock/unlock couple of times.
I got the impression FR has "learnt" both fingers and it's much much better now. Right finger precision is 9/10 and left one is like 7-8/10.
That is what i dont get its not like i have not had a oneplus device before . but this one seems to be hit and miss, where else others for me was instant
I used devices with analog fingerprint readers and they were instant indeed. In-screen scanners are getting better too. I've owned P40 Pro for a month and I must say that it was almost no difference compared to the analog one - blazing fast and high precision. The one on OP7T pro is not as good (well it's not as modern either), but when you find solution to set it up properly you'll be satisfied. Mine works really good now. Best of luck!
Sent it back now looking for another one
forever_lol said:
I had similar issues but in relation to my second thumb. (I only use thumbs to unlock). The right one worked just fine. The left one was hit or miss. Now it works much better. I can say it'stable .
The best way to configure fingerprint was in my case: 1) try to cover reader area by moving finger little bit, small steps are the best 2) try to configure fingerprint when you actually hold the phone. The angle and the position of the touching finger when you hold it and try to unlock is basically not always the same when your device rests on a flat surface. I think it's worth a shot.
Moreover reader area can be dirty or greasy/and so can be finger. Try to wipe it, and then try lock/unlock couple of times.
I got the impression FR has "learnt" both fingers and it's much much better now. Right finger precision is 9/10 and left one is like 7-8/10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly the same, i dont know whats wrong wirh my left thumb
pro4ever said:
Just purchased a 7t pro used only 4 months old , now i have had a 7 pro and a 7T oneplus mobile before. The fingerprint sensor on lockscreen is not recognised most of the times . Tried changing fingerprints by putting more than 3 , also have hard reset it and used unbrick tool to downgrade to 10.0.8 That did not work also. wipe cached basically tried everything also taken of screen protector .
I have given now thinking it has to be a faulty sensor.
Anyone else has had same problem and maybe know a way to sort it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this issue just after 4 days of buying. 90% of times my 7T Pro would not recognize the fingerprint. I submitted my device to the service center thrice, even showed them the video recordings of sensor being faulty and they kept telling me that its a software glitch. Well I approached them and literally yelled at them when the issue occurred the 4th time. They changed some hardware component in front of me which is related to the fingerprint and the issue was resolved. Turned out I was right the whole time and they apologized to me. So trust me, it is the hardware issue and you need to get some hardware part changed in your phone. Go with the video recording if you have to and do not leave the service center until they replace the component. We also do not need to factory reset the phone for this so just say NO for factory reset. God knows why service center executives in India always suggest factory reset as the first option to every problem. Hope this helps.
Sumedh Pendse said:
God knows why service center executives in India always suggest factory reset as the first option to every problem. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they do not have any respect for other people's time. Just like the giant bank .. where it's a culture to ask you to come next day ( which never comes by the way ).
hyperorb said:
Because they do not have any respect for other people's time. Just like the giant bank .. where it's a culture to ask you to come next day ( which never comes by the way ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the reason is that many issues can be resolved by factory resetting. That it doesn't apply to a lot of situations is the issue with that.
But their philosophy is that if 50 percent of issues can be resolved by factory resetting, they have more resources than if they guide you through 500 steps until a factory reset becomes the only option.
That's why XDA comes in handy
That's actually kind to say but it's a notion to pickup the easiest ( even if it may not be correct ) way.
hyperorb said:
That's actually kind to say but it's a notion to pickup the easiest ( even if it may not be correct ) way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this is the same approach by every company. Even at an Apple Store you are presented the easiest option and every other step until you finally get a physical repair.
Just like you rarely get objective advise at a retail store. You are pushed towards a higher priced product so the seller profits from it.
You will never go to an Apple Store just to let the staff tell you a Nokia is cheaper and better for your needs.
I eagerly installed the Dec 2021 update on my Pixel 6 a couple of weeks back - hoping to improve the FP pass rate.
But I am convinced its gotten worse.
It seemed better at first - but soon deteriorated...
Since the update, whilst it still unlocks on the 1st attempt occasionally, I am finding far more instances where it completely fails to recognise my FP and I am forced to put my PIN number in to unlock.
Prior to the update, it would unlock more often on the 1st attempt - otherwise it may have taken 2-3 attempts to unlock and very rarely I would have to enter the PIN.
Same here! adding more of the same finger did not help!
It was better or about the same from 13/12 until 25/12, and now I hardly can use it. have to enter password all the time.
harryw66 said:
I eagerly installed the Dec 2021 update on my Pixel 6 a couple of weeks back - hoping to improve the FP pass rate.
But I am convinced its gotten worse.
It seemed better at first - but soon deteriorated...
Since the update, whilst it still unlocks on the 1st attempt occasionally, I am finding far more instances where it completely fails to recognise my FP and I am forced to put my PIN number in to unlock.
Prior to the update, it would unlock more often on the 1st attempt - otherwise it may have taken 2-3 attempts to unlock and very rarely I would have to enter the PIN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure where you are located geographically, but in the northern hemisphere it is now winter. As such the overall humidity levels (particularly indoors) tends to be very low and skin is drier. What you may be seeing is your skin seasonally drying out - and the P6 is terrible at reading dry fingerprints.
chaimav said:
I am not sure where you are located geographically, but in the northern hemisphere it is now winter. As such the overall humidity levels (particularly indoors) tends to be very low and skin is drier. What you may be seeing is your skin seasonally drying out - and the P6 is terrible at reading dry fingerprints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can confirm, i live in Vermont and the finger print reader takes 4-6 times to register..everytime. used to do it in 1-2 before the temp dropped. its by far the most frustrating part of this phone so far.
dehelfix said:
can confirm, i live in Vermont and the finger print reader takes 4-6 times to register..everytime. used to do it in 1-2 before the temp dropped. its by far the most frustrating part of this phone so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a feeling about this - but never had the same issue with my previous OnePlus phones with screen based FP reader.
Also, the back sensor on cheap Oppo phone or basic Nord N100 work fine - unlock first time...
Did anybody here read the other 8+ threads here in the Pixel 6 thread about the finger print reader. ?
Just curious, why no one found any help there....
Not looking for help, just sharing and trying to get an idea of other people's experiences post Dec update.
harryw66 said:
I had a feeling about this - but never had the same issue with my previous OnePlus phones with screen based FP reader.
Also, the back sensor on cheap Oppo phone or basic Nord N100 work fine - unlock first time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back sensors use different technology than in screen ones.
harryw66 said:
Not looking for help, just sharing and trying to get an idea of other people's experiences post Dec update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think his point was that there are a half dozen FPR threads already and another is not really needed. Why not find an older one and update that? Wouldn't that make more sense?
Worst FPR ever put on a phone
Ok this is beyond a joke now. Why in the hell would these morons remove face unlock only to add the absolute worst fingerprint reader I've ever dealt with on any phone I've ever owned. I never thought I'd consider going back to pin unlock...
forum.xda-developers.com
Just installed a glass screen protector and FPR won't recognize
I did the steps people have said to do like increase touch sensitivity and re add all the fingers I would use but it still won't work. I don't know who made this protector since I got it off a marketplace site and when I met with the person all...
forum.xda-developers.com
chaimav said:
Back sensors use different technology than in screen ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you will note, I mentioned that multiple OnePlus phones with screen based sensors worked fine for me.
I am also aware that back sensors use different tech - the point was that cheapo bottom of the range phones have no problems with fingerprints - so why does my £600 phone not work as well. It's not good enough.
bobby janow said:
I think his point was that there are a half dozen FPR threads already and another is not really needed. Why not find an older one and update that? Wouldn't that make more sense?
Worst FPR ever put on a phone
Ok this is beyond a joke now. Why in the hell would these morons remove face unlock only to add the absolute worst fingerprint reader I've ever dealt with on any phone I've ever owned. I never thought I'd consider going back to pin unlock...
forum.xda-developers.com
Just installed a glass screen protector and FPR won't recognize
I did the steps people have said to do like increase touch sensitivity and re add all the fingers I would use but it still won't work. I don't know who made this protector since I got it off a marketplace site and when I met with the person all...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because some are pre update, and some of the post update threads are more concerned with who has received the update and who has not.
Seriously don't understand the problem, I create a thread with a very specific question and suddenly I am took to task for it...woah....
No problem in the fingerprint department for me since Dec update. It is almost perfect now. Very rare to get failed reads.
If only I had some cell signal though
harryw66 said:
As you will note, I mentioned that multiple OnePlus phones with screen based sensors worked fine for me.
I am also aware that back sensors use different tech - the point was that cheapo bottom of the range phones have no problems with fingerprints - so why does my £600 phone not work as well. It's not good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent it back for a refund.
I would not put up with all the troubles that you are having.
My P6 works good before the December update and after the December update.
As said multiple times in the
other threads.
vandyman said:
Did anybody here read the other 8+ threads here in the Pixel 6 thread about the finger print reader. ?
Just curious, why no one found any help there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup so much pixel spam on the same issues over and over lol
vandyman said:
Sent it back for a refund.
I would not put up with all the troubles that you are having.
My P6 works good before the December update and after the December update.
As said multiple times in the
other threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to - but its been over 2 months since I ordered it. I foolishly hoped that Google would fix it ASAP - and the 1st attempt has been less than satisfactory...Wish I had returned it within the 30 days...
There seems to be some hope of a workaround... Fingerprint Reader tip