How to add more fingerprints to unlock your Android smartphone

Since the iPhone 5S revolutionised smartphone security by adding a fingerprint sensor, unlocking phones has never really been the same. While the evolution of iPhones has since driven the series to prefer facial recognition over fingerprints, most Android smartphones still use fingerprint authentication for quick, easy and secure unlocking.

If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely using an Android phone. However, did you know you can add more fingerprints to unlock your phone? This allows you to use your other hand when required, or even let other people you trust unlock your phone. This is because most phones support (and can recognise) at least up to five fingerprints. Here’s how to add more fingers to your phone’s security.

How to add more fingerprints to unlock your phone

Start by opening the Settings app on any Android phone. Depending on the exact user interface your phone has (OxygenOS, NothingOS, MIUI), the fingerprint settings may be situated under different sections. Instead, use the search bar on top of the Settings app to search for “fingerprint” and quickly get to the right page.

ALSO READ: Best ways to use your new iPhone

On most smartphones, this should be somewhere under the lock screen settings. Once you are in the fingerprint settings menu, look for an option to add another fingerprint. On MIUI, for instance, this will be under Fingerprint unlock > Add fingerprint.

You can add more fingers from the same hand, from your other hand, or even someone else’s fingers for a quicker unlocking experience when using your phone together with someone else, maybe for an office project.

Which fingers are the best for unlocking?

There are three kinds of fingerprint sensors on most Android phones. For each of them, the set of fingers you need to add is different.

In-display fingerprint scanner: The first is the in-display fingerprint scanner, where the sensor is embedded inside the display panel itself. In phones with an in-display fingerprint scanner, your best bet is setting up both your thumbs, so you can unlock the phone with each hand. You can also set up the index finger of each hand to use the unlocking mechanism more effectively when the phone is lying flat on a desk.

ALSO READ: How to format an Android phone

Side-mounted fingerprint scanner: On some phones, you will find the fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, usually placed on the right side of a phone. In these phones, you want to set up the thumb of your right hand and the index finger of your left hand, both of which will help you unlock the phone depending on which hand you’re holding it in.

Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner: On some older or entry-level phones, you may find sensor on the back, usually below the camera setup. When this is the case, you can set up both index fingers and ignore the thumbs for more efficient unlocking.

There you go! You have now mastered unlocking your phone with your hands. Use multiple fingers to make sure you can unlock your phone in any scenario. Just don’t forget to use your password/PIN once in a while so you don’t completely forget what it is!