Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Enable, Manage and Use Fingerprint as Screen Lock in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

There are some users who use their Samsung Galaxy S5 to do some important tasks or save some sensitive files, that's why this phone is equipped with some screen lock methods, ranging from the low security method to high ones, to help you securing your phone from unauthorized access. Different with its predecessor, Samsung Galaxy S5 provides their users with a new screen lock method named fingerprint lock. This method works by utilizing the fingerprint recognition sensor planted at the Home button to scan the registered fingerprint in order to unlock the screen.


How to enable fingerprint as screen lock?
Before using fingerprint as the screen lock, you have to register your fingerprint first by using the following steps:
  1. Swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notifications panel.
  2. Tap the Settings icon to enter the Settings menu.
  3. With the Settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the Personalization section and then tap Finger scanner .
  4. Tap Fingerprint manager.
  5. In the Disclaimer screen, tap OK button.
  6. Now, you can register your fingerprint by using the following steps:
    • Place the finger you want to register in the fingerprint area at the bottom centre of the screen.
    • Tap and hold the screen in the fingerprint area and then drag your finger downward over the Home key. 
    • You have to repeat this action using the same finger until your fingerprint is registered. FYI, it'd better if you register fingerprint of the hand used most often to perform tasks on your device.
  7. Enter your alternative password (it can be used to unlock the screen instead of scanning your fingerprints) and then tap Continue button.
  8. Re-enter your alternative password to verify your new password and then tap OK button.
  9. When your fingerprint has been registered, you'll be asked whether you want to enable fingerprint lock. If that so, tap OK button.
  10. Tap Fingerprint.
  11. Done. You have managed to set fingerprint as the screen lock.

How to add, delete or rename fingerprints?
You can manage your fingerprint to make it suit with your need, such as add additional fingerprints, delete the unused one, or rename the fingerprint name. You can do so by using the following steps:
  1. Swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notifications panel.
  2. Tap the Settings icon to enter the settings menu.
  3. With the settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the Personalization section and then tap Finger scanner .
  4. Tap Fingerprint manager.
  5. Tap and hold the screen in the fingerprint area at the bottom centre of the screen by using your registered finger and then drag your finger downward over the Home screen. Once the phone recognizes your fingerprint, you'll be allowed to manage or edit registered fingerprints.
  6. Add other fingerprints.
  7. Since you're allowed to register up to 3 fingerprints, then you can add additional fingerprints by using the following steps:
    • Tap .
    • In the Disclaimer screen, tap OK button.
    • Place the finger you want to register in the fingerprint area at the bottom centre of the screen.
    • Tap and hold the screen in the fingerprint area and then drag your finger downward over the Home screen. Repeat this action until your fingerprint is registered.
    • Your additional fingerprint has been registered.
  8. Rename registered fingerprints.
  9. In case you want to change the default name of your registered fingerprint, then you can do so by using the following steps:
    • Tap and then select Select.
    • Tap the required fingerprint you want to rename.
    • Tap .
    • Enter the new name for the selected fingerprint.
    • Tap OK button.
    • The name of the selected fingerprint has been renamed.
  10. Delete registered fingerprints.
  11. In case you want to remove one or more registered fingerprints, then you can do so by using the following steps:
    • Tap and then select Deregister.
    • Tap the required fingerprint you want to remove.
    • Tap to delete the selected fingerprint.
    • Tap OK button.
    • The selected fingerprint has been deleted.


How to change alternative password?
In case you want to change the alternative password for your fingerprint lock then you can do so by using the following steps:
  1. Swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notifications panel.
  2. Tap the Settings icon to enter the Settings menu.
  3. With the Settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the Personalization section and then tap Finger scanner .
  4. Tap Change alternative password.
  5. Enter your current password and then tap Continue button.
  6. Enter your new password and then tap Continue button.
  7. Re-enter your new password to confirm and then tap OK button.
  8. The alternative password has been changed.


How to use fingerprint to unlock the screen?
If you have registered your fingerprint and have set it as the screen lock, then you can use your registered fingerprint as well as the alternative password to unlock the screen as listed in the following steps:
  1. While the screen is off, press the Power key or Home key to go to the lock screen.
  2. Unlock the screen with fingerprint.
  3. To make this feature works well, make sure the Home key has no scratch or damaged by metal object. Also make sure you finger are clean, dry and have no scratch or wrinkle so that the phone can recognize your fingerprint with ease.
    • Tap and hold the screen in the fingerprint area at the bottom centre of the screen by using your registered finger and then drag your finger downward over the Home screen at a moderate speed.
    • If the device recognizes your fingerprint, then the screen will be unlocked.
  4. Unlock with alternative password.
  5. Instead of scanning fingerprint, you can also use alternative password to unlock the screen.
    • Tap Alternative password.
    • Enter your alternative password.
    • Tap Done button.
    • If the password is entered correctly, the screen will be unlocked.

I personally prefer using fingerprint as screen lock because it has the same security level as PIN or password but it's easier to be done compared if I have to enter PIN or password each time I want to unlock the screen. Unfortunately, while you're using this method as screen lock, you can't activate lock screen effect on your phone which make the lock screen looks so plain without any animation.

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