How to disable biometrics on Android: remove fingerprint, Face ID and iris scanner

Biometric authentication has become an integral part of modern smartphones, offering a convenient way to unlock the device without entering a password. However, not all users are ready to trust their biometric data - be it Android, offering a convenient way to unlock your device without entering a password. However, not all users are ready to trust their biometric data - whether fingerprints, face scan or iris - even the most secure device. The reasons can be different: from concerns about privacy to banal technical failures when the sensor stops working correctly.

In this article we will look at how completely disable biometrics on Android —not just delete saved data, but deactivate the very possibility of using it. You will learn what settings are responsible for biometrics on devices from different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus and others), how to bypass possible system limitations, and what to do if standard methods do not work. We will also touch on the issue of security: is it worth giving up biometrics altogether and what alternatives does it offer? Android 14/15.

Why do users want to disable biometrics on Android?

At first glance, biometric unlocking seems to be the ideal solution: fast, convenient and reliable. But it also has a downside, which forces many users to look for ways to disable it.

• 🔒 Privacy: Biometric data is stored in a secure chip (Secure Enclave or Trusted Execution Environment), but theoretically they can be retrieved with physical access to the device. Some users prefer not to leave such traces.
• 🛠️ Technical problems: Fingerprint sensors or facial recognition cameras wear out over time, begin to malfunction, or no longer recognize the owner (for example, after cutting a finger or changing a hairstyle).
• 📱 Selling/transferring a device: Before selling a smartphone, it is recommended to delete all biometric data so that the new owner cannot use them.
• 🔄 Resetting settings: After resetting to factory settings, biometrics may remain active if not deleted correctly.
• 🚫 Corporate policies: Some companies prohibit employees from using biometrics on work devices for security reasons.

In addition, in the latest versions Android biometrics may conflict with some applications, especially banking ones. For example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff sometimes they require you to disable facial recognition to access certain functions.

How to remove a fingerprint on Android: universal instructions

The fingerprint removal process differs little on devices of different brands, as it is based on standard settings Android. However, menu paths may vary slightly. Below are step-by-step guide that are relevant for most smartphones on Android 10–15.

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu or notification panel).
2. Go to section Security or Lock screen (on some devices - Biometrics and security).
3. Select Fingerprints (or Fingerprint).
4. Enter current PIN code, pattern or password to confirm your identity.
5. Click on the saved fingerprint and select Delete (or Delete).
6. Confirm the action.

If you want disable the feature completelyrather than just removing the fingerprint, find the switch at the top of the screen (for example, Fingerprint or Fingerprint unlock) and deactivate it (Xiaomi, Realme) You may need to first delete all saved fingerprints to be able to disable the feature itself.

Make sure you remember the PIN or password

Check if the fingerprint is not in use for authorization in banking applications

Make a backup copy of important data (in case of resetting settings)

Reboot the device after deletion (recommended for resetting the sensor cache)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Samsung Galaxy S22+, Google Pixel 7 Pro) after deleting the last fingerprint, the system can automatically suggest adding a new one. To avoid this, immediately disable the function in the settings.

Disable facial recognition (Face Unlock) on different devices

Face recognition is one of the most controversial functions of biometrics. On the one hand, it is convenient, on the other hand, it is less reliable than a fingerprint. finger, and can work on the owner’s photo (on older devices). The disabling process depends on the manufacturer, since each brand implements this function in its own way.

For devices Samsung (One UI)

1. Open Settings → Biometrics and security → Face recognition.
2. Enter your PIN or password.
3. Click Delete face data.
4. Turn off the switch Face recognition.

For devices Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI)

1. Go to Settings → Password and security → Face recognition.
2. Select Delete face data.
3. Disable the function in the top toggle switch.

For Google Pixel and pure Android

1. Open Settings → Security → Face recognition.
2. Click Delete.
3. Confirm the action and disable the function.

On some devices (OnePlus, Oppo), face recognition may be hidden in the menu Lock screen → Additional settingsIf you do not find the option, use the search in the settings (icon). magnifying glasses at the top of the screen).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with an infrared face scanner (for example, Samsung Galaxy S10+ or Google Pixel 4), the function may be called Face Recognition 3D. Disabling it requires additional confirmation via PIN.

How to disable the Iris Scanner?

The Iris scanner is one of the rarest and most reliable biometric technologies, which is found mainly on flagships Samsung (for example, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S8/S9).If your device supports this feature, here's how to deactivate it:

1. Open Settings → Biometrics and security → Iris scanner.
2. Enter your PIN or password.
3. Click Delete Iris Data.
4. Disable the switch Iris scanner.

On newer devices (Galaxy S20 i newer) the iris scanner can be combined with facial recognition in one menu called Intelligent ScanIn this case:

1. Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Intelligent Scan.
2. Delete all saved data.
3. Disable the function.

The iris scanner on the Samsung Galaxy S8/S9 may remain active even after resetting the settings, if it was not previously disabled manually. This is due to the hardware implementation of the function. To completely deactivate it, you need to delete the iris data BEFORE resetting.

What to do if biometrics does not turn off?

Sometimes standard methods do not work: the delete button is inactive, the settings are gray, or after deletion biometrics continues to work. Here are possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔐 The "Find Device" function is active: On some devices (Samsung, Xiaomi), biometrics are blocked if remote blocking is enabled via Google Find My Device or Mi Cloud. Disable it temporarily.
• 📱 Device in kiosk mode: If the smartphone is managed via MDM (for example, corporate phones), biometrics can be blocked by the administrator. Contact the IT department.
• 🔄 System failure: Reboot the device in Safe Mode (hold the power button → Disable → hold Disable until the request appears) and try again.
• 🛠️ The sensor is damaged: If the fingerprint is not deleted, The sensor may be physically damaged. Check its operation in the service menu (#0# on Samsung).

If all else fails, the last resort remains - reset to factory settings settings. But before that:

1. Make a backup copy of your data.
2. Make sure you know the account Googlelinked to the device (will be required after the reset).
3. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ after resetting, you may be required to enter the old PIN code or password, even if you do not remember it. This is a protection measure against theft. If you forget your password, it will be difficult to restore access.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.biometric

Alternatives to biometrics: what to use instead of a fingerprint?

If you have disabled biometrics, you will have to choose another unlocking method. Here are the available options and their features:

• 🔢 PIN code: The minimum length is 4 digits, but it is recommended to set 6+. for security. Easy to enter, but less secure than a password.
• 🔑 Pattern key: Convenient, but easy to spy on the traces on the screen. Android 9+ you can customize a complex pattern.
• 🔐 Password: The most secure option. You can use letters, numbers and symbols. Required for corporate devices.
• 📱 Smart Lock: Unlock by trusted device (for example, smart watch) or location.
• 🆔 Hardware security keys: Physical devices. (for example, YubiKey), which connect via USB or NFC. Maximum protection, but inconvenient for everyday use.

On devices with Android 14+ a function has appeared Extended PIN — extended PIN code up to 16 characters long, which is encrypted by hardware (like biometrics). This is a good alternative for those who are concerned about security.

Is it safe to disable biometrics on Android?

Disabling biometrics does not pose a direct threat to the security of the device, but it is important to understand the consequences:

• ✅ Pros:
  • The risk of biometric data leakage is eliminated.
  • Some applications (for example, banking) may work more stable.
  • Crashes associated with a faulty sensor are eliminated.
• ❌ Cons:
  • Increases dependence on a PIN code or password, which can be forgotten.
  • Some functions (for example, Google Pay or Samsung Pay) may require biometrics to confirm payments.
  • On devices with Android 13+ disabling biometrics may limit access to some system settings (for example, Developer Mode).

If you're concerned about privacy but want to maintain convenience, consider a hybrid approach:

• Use biometrics only for screen unlocking, but disable them in banking apps.
• Set Smart Lock for automatic unlocking in safe places (home, work).
• Update the firmware regularly - new versions improve the protection of biometric data. Android biometric data protection is improved.

Important: On devices c Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2+ biometric data is stored in a separate secure chip (Qualcomm Secure Processing Unit), which minimizes the risk of leakage. If your smartphone is equipped with such a processor, it is not necessary to refuse biometrics for security reasons.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling biometrics on Android