Password vs PIN vs Fingerprint - The best way to lock your Android phone
Find out the best way to lock your Android phone so no one can access your data, selfies, and life. These days, you'll be required to set a password on your Android phone to help prevent unauthorized access. There are some ways to unlock your phone, but is the password the best way? Let's take a look at other ways to protect your phone, including fingerprint and PIN lock.
PASSWORD
Pro: A strong password is very secure.
Cons: Inconvenient to type multiple times a day.
Pro: Easier to enter than a password.
Cons: A strong PIN can be hard to remember.
When to use it: As a backup to a biometric security option. A PIN code is a simple alternative to a password. Android allows PIN codes of up to 16 digits, which equals 10 quadrillion combinations. Although a 16-digit PIN is extremely secure, it is difficult to remember. Most people are more likely to choose a four-digit PIN, which has 10,000 combinations. It's unlikely anyone will guess it, as long as you don't use something obvious like 1234 or 5555.
PASSWORD
Pro: A strong password is very secure.
Cons: Inconvenient to type multiple times a day.
When to use: When the highest level of security is required. Despite all its flaws, the password is still the safest way to lock your phone. A strong password or better yet a passphrase can be difficult or impossible to crack and will ensure the security of your phone and everything on it. The downside of the password is that you have to enter it when you unlock your phone. It's something we do up to a hundred times a day, on average, and it's just not practical. Instead, try using a password as a backup for a biometric option for a solid security solution.
PIN CODE
Pro: Easier to enter than a password.
Cons: A strong PIN can be hard to remember.
When to use it: As a backup to a biometric security option. A PIN code is a simple alternative to a password. Android allows PIN codes of up to 16 digits, which equals 10 quadrillion combinations. Although a 16-digit PIN is extremely secure, it is difficult to remember. Most people are more likely to choose a four-digit PIN, which has 10,000 combinations. It's unlikely anyone will guess it, as long as you don't use something obvious like 1234 or 5555.
PATTERN LOCK
Pro: Simple and intuitive to use.
Cons: Many people choose simple, predictable patterns.
When to use it: If you don't have a fingerprint reader and don't like PIN codes. The sequence block prompts you to draw a pattern on a nine-point grid. You must join between four and nine horizontally, vertically or diagonally. It's easy to use because the swiping gestures feel completely natural, and once you've built up your muscle memory, you can do it quickly. Like passwords, pattern locking is only as good as the pattern you choose. The combination of only four points gives only 1,624 combinations. The use of all nine has nearly four hundred thousand. Research shows that people can be both predictable and lazy when creating patterns. They use four or five dots, start at one of the corners, and draw common shapes. Worse still, someone can figure out your pattern by looking over your shoulder. Because of all this, reasons are not a good option.
Advantages: quite fast and safe.
Disadvantages: The sensors are not always placed in the right place.
When to use it: The default for most users. Fingerprint sensors are now so common that you'll find them in many entry-level phones as well. It has become the preferred unlock method for many. It's not hard to see why. It is fast, intuitive and safe. The fingerprint sensor bypasses the lock screen, allowing you to access your apps faster. Some phones, like Pixel devices, even support fingerprint gestures. You can open the notification panel by sliding the sensor. It's perfect for large-screen phones that are difficult to use with one hand. Unfortunately, not all fingerprint sensors are created equal. Some are more reactive than others and are not always positioned in the best position (centre back). you also can't use them with gloves on, so you'll need a backup method to unlock your device.
FACE RECOGNITION
You don't need to access banking or payment apps. Android first offered face unlock in 2011. It offered notoriously weak security that you could break using a photo and as a result it has now been relegated to a Smart Lock feature, which we will examine later. However, some manufacturers persist with their own form of face unlock. There are two types of facial recognition.
Apple's Face ID uses an infrared sensor to read a very detailed 3D view of your face. It's not entirely foolproof, but Apple claims it's 20 times more accurate than a fingerprint sensor. This is likely to become the future of facial recognition. Huawei is the first Android maker to introduce a system that works similarly.
The second method is used on devices like the Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 5T - a 2D image recorded by the front camera. It can be fast, but it's also easy to fool. It can also break if you wear glasses or stand in bad light. Generally, if a manufacturer allows it to use facial recognition to unlock payment and banking apps, you can consider it safe. If they don't, you can't. Samsung and OnePlus are among those that don't.
IRIS SCANNER
Pros: One of the most secure forms of biometric identification.
Cons: Can be obstructed by bright light or glasses.
When to use it: If you prefer it to your phone's fingerprint reader. Iris scanning is one of the most secure forms of biometric identification, even more so than fingerprints. As of this writing, it is only offered on Samsung phones such as Galaxy S9 and Note 8 as it is not natively supported in Android If, as expected, it's implemented in Android P, you can expect to see it become more mainstream. The iris scanner scans both eyes. It's fast and accurate, and it's secure enough to use with financial apps. The downside is that it requires a little extra work.
You have to press the power button first (unlike using the fingerprint reader) and it takes a more deliberate gesture to hold the phone in the correct position to scan the eyes. The iris scanner has difficulty even in bright light conditions and may not work as well if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
SMART LOCK
In addition to the main security options, Android offers five Smart Lock features designed to make unlocking your phone less intrusive. Active body detection This feature keeps your phone unlocked when it detects that you are carrying it, for example in a pocket or purse. Of course, that means your phone can also be unlocked when it's in someone else's pocket. Body detection is more about convenience than security.
TRUSTED PLACE
Trusted places unlock your phone whenever you are in a specific location. wherever you go regularly. Remember that anyone can use your phone as long as it's in that location, so only use it for the most trusted locations.
TRUSTED DEVICE
With the Trusted devices setting, your phone will be unlocked whenever it comes within range (about 30 feet) of a specific Bluetooth device. It can work well with a Bluetooth watch always with you, but it's less secure if you use it with common devices of security. that you get from the other options. It's quite handy if you just want to protect your data if your phone is stolen or lost. Otherwise, it is better to avoid it.
VOICE MATCH
Voice Match lets you use the "OK Google" keyword to unlock the This is a good option if you use the Google Assistant a lot or need hands-free access to your phone, like when driving. The Best Android Lock Method for Your Needs Ultimately, you need to decide which security method works best for you. For many of us, that means fingerprint scanning backed by a strong password or PIN.
Face and iris scanning might become a better option once Android fully embraces them. However, biometric security is not for everyone. There are still questions about the legal implications of using a fingerprint instead of a password. In addition, all the biometric systems of the phones have been hacked, although generally in a technical and complicated way. And, while your phone should securely store finger and iris scans, some users still have concerns about privacy issues related to biometrics. Whichever method you choose, remember that any method is better than none. And be sure to protect your Android in other ways as well.
Pro: Simple and intuitive to use.
Cons: Many people choose simple, predictable patterns.
When to use it: If you don't have a fingerprint reader and don't like PIN codes. The sequence block prompts you to draw a pattern on a nine-point grid. You must join between four and nine horizontally, vertically or diagonally. It's easy to use because the swiping gestures feel completely natural, and once you've built up your muscle memory, you can do it quickly. Like passwords, pattern locking is only as good as the pattern you choose. The combination of only four points gives only 1,624 combinations. The use of all nine has nearly four hundred thousand. Research shows that people can be both predictable and lazy when creating patterns. They use four or five dots, start at one of the corners, and draw common shapes. Worse still, someone can figure out your pattern by looking over your shoulder. Because of all this, reasons are not a good option.
FINGERPRINT DETECTOR
Advantages: quite fast and safe.
Disadvantages: The sensors are not always placed in the right place.
When to use it: The default for most users. Fingerprint sensors are now so common that you'll find them in many entry-level phones as well. It has become the preferred unlock method for many. It's not hard to see why. It is fast, intuitive and safe. The fingerprint sensor bypasses the lock screen, allowing you to access your apps faster. Some phones, like Pixel devices, even support fingerprint gestures. You can open the notification panel by sliding the sensor. It's perfect for large-screen phones that are difficult to use with one hand. Unfortunately, not all fingerprint sensors are created equal. Some are more reactive than others and are not always positioned in the best position (centre back). you also can't use them with gloves on, so you'll need a backup method to unlock your device.
FACE RECOGNITION
You don't need to access banking or payment apps. Android first offered face unlock in 2011. It offered notoriously weak security that you could break using a photo and as a result it has now been relegated to a Smart Lock feature, which we will examine later. However, some manufacturers persist with their own form of face unlock. There are two types of facial recognition.
Apple's Face ID uses an infrared sensor to read a very detailed 3D view of your face. It's not entirely foolproof, but Apple claims it's 20 times more accurate than a fingerprint sensor. This is likely to become the future of facial recognition. Huawei is the first Android maker to introduce a system that works similarly.
The second method is used on devices like the Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 5T - a 2D image recorded by the front camera. It can be fast, but it's also easy to fool. It can also break if you wear glasses or stand in bad light. Generally, if a manufacturer allows it to use facial recognition to unlock payment and banking apps, you can consider it safe. If they don't, you can't. Samsung and OnePlus are among those that don't.
IRIS SCANNER
Pros: One of the most secure forms of biometric identification.
Cons: Can be obstructed by bright light or glasses.
When to use it: If you prefer it to your phone's fingerprint reader. Iris scanning is one of the most secure forms of biometric identification, even more so than fingerprints. As of this writing, it is only offered on Samsung phones such as Galaxy S9 and Note 8 as it is not natively supported in Android If, as expected, it's implemented in Android P, you can expect to see it become more mainstream. The iris scanner scans both eyes. It's fast and accurate, and it's secure enough to use with financial apps. The downside is that it requires a little extra work.
You have to press the power button first (unlike using the fingerprint reader) and it takes a more deliberate gesture to hold the phone in the correct position to scan the eyes. The iris scanner has difficulty even in bright light conditions and may not work as well if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
SMART LOCK
In addition to the main security options, Android offers five Smart Lock features designed to make unlocking your phone less intrusive. Active body detection This feature keeps your phone unlocked when it detects that you are carrying it, for example in a pocket or purse. Of course, that means your phone can also be unlocked when it's in someone else's pocket. Body detection is more about convenience than security.
TRUSTED PLACE
Trusted places unlock your phone whenever you are in a specific location. wherever you go regularly. Remember that anyone can use your phone as long as it's in that location, so only use it for the most trusted locations.
TRUSTED DEVICE
With the Trusted devices setting, your phone will be unlocked whenever it comes within range (about 30 feet) of a specific Bluetooth device. It can work well with a Bluetooth watch always with you, but it's less secure if you use it with common devices of security. that you get from the other options. It's quite handy if you just want to protect your data if your phone is stolen or lost. Otherwise, it is better to avoid it.
VOICE MATCH
Voice Match lets you use the "OK Google" keyword to unlock the This is a good option if you use the Google Assistant a lot or need hands-free access to your phone, like when driving. The Best Android Lock Method for Your Needs Ultimately, you need to decide which security method works best for you. For many of us, that means fingerprint scanning backed by a strong password or PIN.
Face and iris scanning might become a better option once Android fully embraces them. However, biometric security is not for everyone. There are still questions about the legal implications of using a fingerprint instead of a password. In addition, all the biometric systems of the phones have been hacked, although generally in a technical and complicated way. And, while your phone should securely store finger and iris scans, some users still have concerns about privacy issues related to biometrics. Whichever method you choose, remember that any method is better than none. And be sure to protect your Android in other ways as well.
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