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How to use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?

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Table of Contents hide
1) What can I do with Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?
2) How to use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?
2.1) Step 1: Access Fingerprint manager
2.2) Step 2: Register fingerprints for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner
2.3) Step 3: Create backup password for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner
3) How to manager fingerprints in Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?
4) Why my fingerprints are not recognized in Galaxy Note 4?
5) How to unlock my Galaxy Note 4 if my fingerprints are not recognized?
6) If I forget the backup password for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner, how to reset it?
6.1) Can you use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner now?

What can I do with Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?

Samsung introduced fingerprint scanner in  Galaxy S5. So, Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner  is actually the second iteration of this feature.

Apparently, Samsung  did not highlight the Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner partially due to poor reception of this feature  in Galaxy S5.

In Galaxy Note 4, Samsung polished the finger scanner without dramatic change. Now, it works far better than that in Galaxy S5. But it is still not up to par compared to fApple’s Touch ID.

Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner allows you to:

  • Unlock the phone with your fingerprint. This is probably the most widely used function.
  • Verify your Samsung account with your fingerprints.
  • Sign in to websistes  with your fingerprints instead of typing password.
  • Send payments or access Paypal account with your fingerprints.

How to use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?

To use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner, you must register your fingerprints on the phone.  The fingerprint info is save only on the phone, according to Samsung.

Step 1: Access Fingerprint manager

You can go to Settings–Finger Scanner to access the Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner settings.

Tap Fingerprint manager as shown below.

The system will tell you that  your fingerprint info will be saved in the device, not on any Samsung servers. This is to address the privacy concerns of some Galaxy Note 4 owners.

use_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_1__access_finger_scanneruse_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_2__access_fingerprint_manager

Step 2: Register fingerprints for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner

You then can register your first fingerprint.

You need swipe through the home button downwards.

Of course, after you register 10 downward swipes, you can register upward direction swipes.

You cannot swipe through home button horizontally because of the two hardware buttons in each side of the home button.

Once finishing one fingerprint, you can tap Done to save the fingerprint info into the phone.

use_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_3__registering_fingerprintsuse_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_4__registering_fingerprints_done

Step 3: Create backup password for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner

When you try to save your first fingerprint info, you will be asked to set up a backup password  for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner (alternative password).

This backup password can be used when your fingerprint is not recognized, for example, when your hands are wet. In other words, whenever fingerprints are accepted, this backup password can be used as well.

This password is saved locally on the phone.  You can only change or reset this password with your fingerprints or this password itself. Google account and Samsung account can NOT change or reset the backup password unless you reset the phone.

So it is important to write down this backup password, and save it in a safe place.

The security requirement for the backup password of Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner is 6 characters long  with at least one number and one letter.

If the backup password does not meet the requirements, you simply have to provide it again before you can confirm the password as shown below.

use_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_5__creating_alternative_passworduse_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_6__confirm_alternative_password

How to manager fingerprints in  Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?

You can manage your fingerprints (e.g.,  register more fingers, delete fingerprints) in Settings–Finger scanner–Fingerprint manager.

To access fingerprint manager, you need authenticate yourself with your registered fingers, or with the backup password.

You can tap the keyboard icon to type the backup password if none of your fingerprints is recognized.

use_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_7__fingerprint_manager

Once you enter fingerprint manager, you can tap the+ button to register more fingers. Galaxy Note 4 allows you to register up to 3 different fingers.

But actually you can use different fingers for each registration, i.e., you can use different fingers for the 10 strokes.  So, it is easy to register your 5 fingers without losing accuracy.

To manage the saved fingerprints, you can tap and hold the name of the fingerprint as shown below. This will make it selected.

Once the fingerprint is selected, you can tap the pencil icon to edit, or the dustbin icon to delete it. Both icons are in the top right of the window.

use_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_8__add_fingerprintsuse_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_9__select_fingerprints

Another way to manage fingerprints is to tap the menu key (3 vertical dots) as shown below.

Then tap select.

Now you can select one of the registered fingerprints.

Once the fingerprint is selected, you get the similar icons of editing and deletion as shown above.

use_Galaxy_note_4_finger_scanner_10__fingerprints_manager_options

Why my fingerprints are not recognized  in Galaxy Note 4?

Sometimes, it is frustrating when your fingerprints are not recognized.

Some possible causes of the failure of Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner include:

  • your finger is too wet. Dry it.
  • you do not wipe through the home button. You need wipe though the home button. This can be tricky if you are using OtterBox like cases.
  • the part of finger tips is not registered. When registering your fingerprints 10 times, you need try different parts , especially for big fingers.
  • hardware failure.
  • internal software hiccup. You may reboot the phone to try again.

How to unlock my Galaxy Note 4 if my fingerprints are not recognized?

If, for whatever reasons, Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner refuses to accept your fingerprints, you can still unlock the phone through one of the two methods:

  • Use the alternative password (backup password).  On the lock screen, you can tap the keyboard icon to type the backup password to unlock the screen.
  • Use Android device manager to unlock the phone with your Google account.

Please note, your Google account can only unlock the phone. It cannot  reset the backup password for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner.

If I forget the backup password for Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner, how to reset it?

If you forget the backup password (alternative password) for finger scanner, you can reset it with one of the following 3 methods.

  • Use your fingerprints. If your fingerprints are recognized, you can go to Settings–Finger scanner – change backup password to reset the backup password by authenticating yourself with your fingerprints.
  • De-register  all fingerprints. Of course, this also requires that your fingerprints are recognized. In fingerprint manager, you can delete all fingerprints. Once all fingerprints are de-registered, the Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner is reset. You can register your fingerprints again and setup a new backup password.
  • Factory data reset. If you forget the backup password and none of your fingerprints are recognized by the Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner, you probably have to reset the phone. This essentially erase all your data and settings on Galaxy Note 4. So, you should always backup your data before resetting.

Can you use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner now?

If you have any problems or questions to  use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner, to manage fingerprints, or to manage the backup password for finger scanner,  please post them in the comment box below.

We will try to help you find a solution.

More how-to guides , tips and tricks for using Samsung Galaxy Note 4 are available at Galaxy Note 4 how-to guides page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colette says

    I just put the fingerprint scanner on my phone. I have 2 issues:
    1. When I click on the keyboard icon to put in my password nothing happens. My phone restarted and now I can’t get into my phone because you have to use the backup password and I can’t get the keyboard to appear.
    2. The fingerprint scanner doesn’t work consistently and I want to go back to not using it but I can’t figure out how to cancel it.

    Reply

  2. Nick says

    I bought the note 4 and it won’t allow me to register my fingerprints I get an error tells me to restart the phone and try again iv done that a hundred times iv cleared the cache and force stopped it iv factory reset the phone it still doesn’t work I loved my s5 but hated the s6 edge so I went with the note 4 without the use if the fingerprint scanner I may as well have reverted to the s4

    Reply

  3. Anonymous says

    Thank you so much for your post! I’ve been locked out of my phone for the past six days because when I was in power saving mode, the fingerprint option somehow disappeared and my Wi-Fi and I were both off. Because of this, I was unable to sign in via my Google account. I kept entering what I believed was my backup password and all different combinations of other passwords I use for my laptop and email etc. It wasn’t until I read your post about “the security requirement for the backup password of Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner is 6 characters long with at least one number and one letter” that a lightbulb went off. My password was correct, however I had omitted the one digit I placed in there. I’ve been so stressed out for the past week and this is a huge relief. I really feel for anyone who’s going to this because everywhere I turned, I was only given the grim choice of having to wipe my phone which was never an option. I hope this helps someone else. Good luck to all !

    Reply

  4. sina reis says

    helo all
    please help me
    my note4 suddenly lock and just want backup password
    i can connect to my phone with android device manager and can set password and it lock my phone but the fingerprint backup password is deffrent with that password myby ????

    are there 2 kind password one backup password and one pattern(that can change it with android device manager) ??
    but how we can change the finger print backup password that want in start window????

    Reply

  5. Dave Peterson says

    When trying to access private mode using fingerprint it doesn’t work (had glue on my finger) and then your prompted for password. Password has been lost and it no longer gives the option for using my fingerprint. Please answer this question: IS THERE A WAY TO GET THE OPTION BACK TO SCAN FINGERPRINT?

    Reply

  7. Mike says

    Every time I swipe my finger and it can’t read my print I get a vocal message swip slower ir no match. How do I get rid of that verbal message

    Reply

  8. Lolli says

    I just unlocked my phone! My phone was locked out at the lockscreen and for some reason I was not able to use the fingerprint scanner and it keeps prompting me to unlock with backup password. I was going to factory reset password but I found a solution from the internet that is to use Find my Mobile ( from Samsung ) to unlock it. Below the link,
    https://findmymobile.samsung.com/login.do

    I was quite surprise it actually worked!!! Hope this helps!!

    Reply

  9. jeremy says

    as of a little while ago my phone wont recognize my fingerprint and its saying the backup password is incorrect. i have no way of unlocking my device while its doing this, how can i fix it?

    Reply

  10. Freshta says

    Thanks but i don’t have samsung account on my phone, and did not received any offer to unlock by Google account, is there any other option?

    Reply

  11. Freshta says

    Hi, my note4 fingerprint option disappeared and i forgot my back up password as well, can you plz help me how to unlock my phone without losing my data

    Reply

  12. venu says

    Hi Goodmorning, My Note 4, since today morning onwards got problem with fingerprint unlock, but i could able to unlock the phone with backup password. Then i wanted to change the finger print unlock mode. then I tried in setting, i tried to swipe my finger, then its says Not Match, then i used backup password. Then there an error message saying.. ‘incorrect backup password’, but i used the same backup password to open the device in the first place. Can you please suggest how to rectify this problem. Thank you

    Reply

  13. Jacques says

    Hello,

    I have a standard white samsung galaxy note 4. I have 3 of my fingers registered to unlock my device, I however did forget my backup password. The problem I have is that no matter what I do the phone always sends me straight to the back-up password way of unlocking my phone, I have no way of using my fingerprint scanner. the fingerprint scanner option doesn’t even come up. I tried turning my phone on and off again, nothing happened. I tried letting it run out of battery and then charge it again, nothing happened. I have tried removing the battery while the phone is turned off, and then again removing the battery when it was turned on, nothing happened. After all my attempts it would always jump straight the back-up password option. I have also tried to do something using the android device manager, that also didn’t work. What do I do?

    Reply

  14. David T says

    Hi, I cannot remember my back up password for the finger print scanner, the android device locator, I changed the password but this did not work. Am I screwed? Is the re-set the only way? Being trying it for a while now!

    Reply

  15. Chuck says

    So I have the Note 4, and I use the fingerprint scan for my lock screen, and it works fine. But oddly enough, sometimes when I wake the device, I see the phone, lock, and camera icons on the lock screen, and if I just swipe across the screen, the device unlocks without prompting me for a finger print. Other time, it will prompt me for my fingerprint as soon as I unlock the device. Anyone have any ideas?

    Reply

  16. Bob says

    Here is a simple question. If the finger print scans are held locally on the phone, and samsung offers no master reset option—————then why other than tracking users for the Samsung and the NSA , would you even need to register a finger print ??? Snowden warned everybody about mass spying and this is yet another way to verify that it is “you” that was using your phone. This type of information will be used against people who the government decides has committed any type of crime. So your own phone will testify against you. Big brother in the palm of your hands !!!

    Reply

  17. Bhaskar says

    Fingerprints is currently set as the screen lock type for at least one of the following: encrypt device Exchange active sync

    Select another method and try again.
    This was the message I get when I want to deregister the fingerprint

    Reply

  18. jocyy says

    ok so I did something bad. I put in the wrong fingerprint wrong until my phone locked and I thought it was going to just give me 30 secs and then I could try again but yah that didn’t happen and I don’t know my back up password not even my gmail that Verizon created for me. aahhh idk what to do! I really do not want to reset my phone! Help me Please!!!

    Reply

  20. CKHAY says

    Go to settings, security, and clear credentials. Once complete you can go and remove or turn off you finger print scanner.

    Reply

  22. roji says

    Hello. .I am using finger print lock. But now I want to go back to Swipe screen mode. .but when I checked settings. ..in that it shows disabled by administrator . .encryption policy or credential storage. How to go back to old mode

    Reply

  23. Anne says

    The fingerprint function is a disaster for me. It will not recognize my one fingerprint, so I can’t get into the menu to stop fingerprint identification. I suspect women have more problems as our fingerprints are not as prominent. This feature should be removed as it is horrible and creates frustration and work.

    Reply

  24. zrmaker says

    I use att note 4 but could not register my fingerprints even I tried steps again and again even I reboosted not 4 several times. I thought that could be a hardware failure and how should I deal with this problem.

    Reply

  25. DFR says

    My backup password does not work. I think my finger was just wet. I would like to go back to scanner. How can I switch back from backup password to fingerprint scanner? Also, Device Manager does not unlock the phone. It only locks it. And when I enter a new password. It informs me my phone is already locked, no need to change password. I want my scanner back. I am sure it will work.

    Reply

  26. Cheryl says

    Well now, Tiana, aren’t you just the smartest thing ever!!! It worked!!!! I don’t know how you knew to do this, but I am so glad. Thank you!!

    Reply

  28. Cheryl says

    Not sure what that is exactly, but what can I do to find out if I have done this and how to reverse it? Very appreciative of your help.

    Reply

  29. Cheryl says

    I want to turn off my finger scanner but my Note 4 will not let me. I went to Lock Screen, then under Screen Lock it says ‘secured by fingerprints’. I hit that and it prompts me to scan my fingerprint. When I do this, it goes to the list of security options. The options Swipe and None are not allowing me to select them, they are grayed out and both say turned off by administrator. The others (pin, partern, etc) will allow me to select them. What do i do to get this finger scanner turned off? I don’t like it.

    Reply

  32. Roslyn says

    Everytime i go to press the fingerprint scanner button it says that theres an error and that i have to restart my phone. But even when i already restarted the phone like 20 times it still says the same thing. What am i doing wrong!?

    Reply

  33. Mark A. says

    Hi, the other input is swype . I checked the android device manager is activated. Can you tell me how I use it on my PC?
    Thanks
    Mark

    Reply

  34. Mark A. says

    I have been using my finger print scanner on my note 4. But sometimes it does not recognize my prints.Then I have to wait the 30 seconds and hope it works the next time. My big problem is that if my prints are not recognized I try to select enter backup password. All I get is a pop up saying choose input method. I choose samsung keyboard. I am then caught in a loop, I do not get a keyboard to enter my password.

    Reply

  36. Tim Thai says

    I have registered my finger print but unable to make the screen lock secured with the Fingerprint scan. In fact, when I tried to select the screenlock, The Fingerprint section is greyed out with a message that says “Turned off by administrator, encryption policy or credential storage.” How do I make my screen lock secured with my Fingerprint instead of PIN. Thank you very much for your help.

    Tim Thai

    Reply

  37. tiffanydoukoure says

    Hi im having trouble with my phone since 3days the backup password is not working, please help me dont want to delete all my files can’t have access to my phone.just received call

    Reply

  38. Dorothy says

    What if I want to temporarily want to not use the fingerprint scanner to unlock my phone. Can I turn it off without having to reinstate my fingerprints and pass word??

    Reply

  39. David says

    I have a AT&T Note 4, I tried to use the fingerprint scanner to unlock my phone after I registered my fingerprint and backup a password. The fingerprint scanner didn’t recognize my thumb print after the phone is turned off, and I have to use the backup password to access my phone, how can I reset this finger scanner if it don’t recognize my print? Please help!

    Reply

  40. Russell Powell says

    Ok, My wife has a note 4 and started using her finger scanner. Everything was going great. Then tonight, she went to scan her finger to unlock her phone and it would not recognize her finger. So she entered her backup password. That allowed her to access the phone. I advised her to go delete her finger scans and re-scan them. So she accessed the Finger Scanner menu under settings and had to put in her backup password, the phone keeps saying that the backup password is incorrect. How is this the case when it was the correct backup password for her to access the phone? PLEASE HELP!!!

    Reply

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