The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a flagship smartphone with top specs and features, it runs the latest version of Android and even has a built-in fingerprint scanner or sensor for enhanced security. Just like the iPhone 5 Samsung added a fingerprint scanner to the home button and below we’ll show you how to use it.
After months of rumors and speculation, the Samsung Galaxy S5 arrived with a fingerprint scanner in April, following in the footsteps of both Apple and HTC. It’s not as easy to use as the iPhone 5s, but it’s out there and has a number of uses for those interested.
Fingerprint scanners and technology are pretty new to smartphones, but it’s safe to say they’re not going anywhere. The Galaxy S5 has one, the Galaxy Note 4 will likely offer the same feature. And even the upcoming iPhone 6 and iPad Air 2 will likely use fingerprint sensor technology.
From authenticating your Samsung Apps account to paying via paypal and more can be done with the swipe of a finger on Android and your Galaxy S5. As long as you set and configure it on the right finger.
With the Galaxy S5, users can set up three different fingers. Probably a thumb, index finger, and a secondary thumb for your less dominant hand. However, you can set and register any finger you want. After installing the fingerprint scanner, there is a secondary password for added security and users can even use it as a primary security layer on their lock screen to keep prying eyes away from their smartphones.
If you’re interested in trying out the Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint scanner technology, read on for a quick set of instructions and an easy to understand video.
Instructions
While the Galaxy S5 fingerprint scanner is pretty limited for now, not to mention when the Galaxy Note 4 arrives this fall, we expect more uses and apps to take advantage of it as the year goes on. To get started, users simply find the gear-shaped settings button, enter the settings menu, and select the “Finger Scanner” option near the bottom of the quick settings list.
After entering Finger Scanner settings menu, you will be able to select “fingerprint manager” to add or remove your desired finger. You even have to enter a password or scan a finger to get in and manage your saved scans. But if this is your first time, you will get a tutorial directly from Samsung and you will be finished in no time.
As mentioned above, you will be able to register three fingers for use, and setup requires 7-8 swipes for a full and accurate reading of the finger being used. The video below will explain everything for those who are interested.
Galaxy S5 users will be prompted to set an alternate password in case the fingerprint scanner fails, also when someone tries it and gets an error five times, it will default to the alternate password screen so that your device can be unlocked. This double layer of security is extremely useful and is something many business owners will want to try.
As mentioned above, the new PayPal Android app allows users to instantly log in and pay for purchases via PayPal with the swipe of a finger, so give this a try.
There isn’t much in general, a simple swipe to unlock method using a fingerprint scanner to identify the user. Hopefully in the future Samsung adds quick launch apps to certain fingers for shortcuts and takes more of the technology inside the Samsung Galaxy S5. For now, enjoy the few usability and security improvements it provides and let us know what you think in the comments below.
