Biometric Setup


description: Enable Face ID, Touch ID, and fingerprint authentication

Biometric Setup

🔐 Why Use Biometrics?

Biometric authentication provides the perfect balance of security and convenience:

⚡ Instant Access
No typing PINs repeatedly
🛡️ Enhanced Security
Unique biological identifiers
🎯 Transaction Approval
Confirm sends with a glance
🔄 PIN Backup
Always have alternative access

📱 Supported Biometric Types

iOS Devices

👤 Face ID

  • Devices: iPhone X and newer
  • Technology: TrueDepth camera system
  • Works in: Most lighting conditions
  • With masks: Supported on iOS 15.4+

👆 Touch ID

  • Devices: iPhone SE, older iPhones, iPads
  • Technology: Fingerprint sensor
  • Location: Home button
  • Multiple fingers: Up to 5 registered

Android Devices

👆 Fingerprint

  • Devices: Most Android 6.0+ phones
  • Locations: Screen, back, or side
  • Types: Optical, ultrasonic, capacitive
  • Multiple fingers: Device dependent

👤 Face Unlock

  • Devices: Varies by manufacturer
  • Security: Depends on hardware
  • Note: Some less secure than fingerprint

🚀 Initial Setup

During Wallet Creation

After creating your wallet, you'll see:

  1. "Secure with Biometrics"screen

  2. Choose your method:

    • Enable Face ID(iOS)
    • Enable Touch ID(iOS)
    • Enable Fingerprint(Android)
    • Skip for Now(set up later)
  3. System permission prompt appears

  4. Authenticate to confirm

  5. Success confirmation

From Settings (Later Setup)

  1. Open DropFi app
  2. Enter your PIN
  3. TapSettingstab
  4. Select"Security"
  5. Toggle"Biometric Authentication"
  6. Authenticate when prompted

⚙️ Configuration Options

What Biometrics Unlock

Configure when biometrics are required:

🔓 App Access
Open app without PIN
Default: ON
💸 Transaction Signing
Approve sends and swaps
Default: ON
👀 View Secret Phrase
Extra security for backups
Default: ON
🔗 DApp Connections
Authorize new connections
Default: OFF

Fallback Options

When biometrics fail:

  • Always Available: 6-digit PIN
  • After 3 Failures: PIN required
  • Device Restart: PIN required first
  • 48 Hours: Re-authenticate required

📋 Step-by-Step Setup Guide

iOS Face ID Setup

  1. Go to Settings

    text
    Settings → Security → Biometric Authentication
  2. Toggle Face ID

    • Switch turns blue/green
    • System prompt appears
  3. Position Your Face

    • Hold phone 10-20 inches away
    • Look directly at camera
    • Complete circle motion if asked
  4. Confirmation

    • "Face ID is now enabled"
    • Test by locking and reopening app

iOS Touch ID Setup

  1. Navigate to Security

    text
    Settings → Security → Biometric Authentication
  2. Enable Touch ID

    • Toggle switch ON
    • System authentication prompt
  3. Place Your Finger

    • Rest on home button
    • Don't press, just touch
    • May vibrate when read
  4. Success Message

    • "Touch ID enabled"
    • Lock app to test

Android Fingerprint Setup

  1. Open Security Settings

    text
    Settings → Security → Biometric Authentication
  2. Enable Fingerprint

    • Toggle Fingerprint ON
    • Android system prompt
  3. Scan Your Finger

    • Follow device-specific instructions
    • Usually requires multiple scans
    • Different angles for accuracy
  4. Verify Setup

    • "Fingerprint authentication enabled"
    • Test immediately

🔧 Troubleshooting

Face ID Not Working

Common Issues:

  • Lighting: Too dark or bright
  • Angle: Hold phone naturally
  • Obstructions: Remove sunglasses
  • Updates: Check iOS version

Solutions:

  1. Reset Face ID in iOS Settings
  2. Re-scan your face
  3. Clean TrueDepth camera
  4. Restart device

Touch ID/Fingerprint Fails

Common Issues:

  • Dirty sensor: Clean with soft cloth
  • Wet fingers: Dry completely
  • Changed fingerprint: Re-register
  • Case interference: Check coverage

Solutions:

  1. Delete and re-add fingerprints
  2. Register same finger twice
  3. Use different finger
  4. Update device software

Android Face Unlock Issues

Note: Security varies by device

Recommendations:

  • Prefer fingerprint if available
  • Check manufacturer security rating
  • Consider PIN-only for sensitive use
  • Research your device model

🛡️ Security Best Practices

DO ✅

  • Register trusted fingers only
  • Keep sensors clean
  • Use PIN as backup
  • Update OS regularly
  • Test after major updates

DON'T ❌

  • Share device unlocked
  • Register others' biometrics
  • Disable PIN requirement
  • Ignore failed attempts
  • Use if injured/bandaged

Extra Security Tips

  1. Attention Awareness(Face ID)

    • Requires looking at phone
    • Prevents unlock while sleeping
    • Enable in iOS Settings
  2. Alternate Appearance(Face ID)

    • Add with/without glasses
    • Different hairstyles
    • Improves recognition
  3. Multiple Fingers(Touch ID/Fingerprint)

    • Register 2-3 fingers
    • Both hands for flexibility
    • Index and thumb common

📊 Biometric vs PIN Comparison

FeatureBiometrics6-Digit PIN
SpeedInstant (<1 sec)2-3 seconds
SecurityVery HighHigh
ConvenienceExcellentGood
Reliability95-99%100%
SharingImpossiblePossible
Backup MethodPINRecovery Phrase

🔄 Managing Biometric Settings

Temporarily Disable

When you might disable biometrics:

  • Lending phone briefly
  • Extreme sports/activities
  • Medical procedures
  • Privacy concerns

How to Disable:

  1. Settings → Security
  2. Toggle Biometrics OFF
  3. Enter PIN to confirm
  4. Re-enable anytime

Changing Biometric Type

To switch methods (e.g., Face to Fingerprint):

  1. Disable current method
  2. Enable preferred method
  3. Complete new setup
  4. Test thoroughly

Reset All Biometrics

For complete reset:

  1. Settings → Security
  2. "Reset Biometric Settings"
  3. Confirm with PIN
  4. All biometrics removed
  5. Set up fresh

🎯 Quick Tips

Optimal Face ID Use

  • Natural face angle
  • 10-20 inches distance
  • Good lighting helps
  • Works with most glasses
  • Struggles with full sunglasses

Best Fingerprint Practice

  • Register most-used finger
  • Add backup finger
  • Clean sensor regularly
  • Avoid after shower/swimming
  • Re-scan if injured

Transaction Signing

  • Look at amount carefully
  • Biometric confirms intent
  • Cannot be undone
  • Extra security layer
  • Falls back to PIN

🚨 Security Warnings

Never Do This

  • ❌ Let others add their biometrics
  • ❌ Disable PIN completely
  • ❌ Share your PIN as backup
  • ❌ Use biometrics if coerced
  • ❌ Ignore repeated failures

Emergency Access

If forced to unlock:

  1. Use wrong finger/face angle
  2. After 3 fails → PIN required
  3. Enter wrong PIN if needed
  4. Access emergency contacts

💡 Pro Tip: Register your biometrics in the conditions you'll use them most. If you wear glasses daily, set up Face ID with them on. If you often use your phone one-handed, register your thumb for easy access!