Biometrics vs PINs: Which Unlocks Your Phone More Securely?

Modern phones offer several ways to unlock. The best choice depends on what you are protecting against.

PINs and passcodes

A long numeric or alphanumeric passcode is hard to guess, but it can be observed over your shoulder. A six-digit PIN is the minimum; longer is better.

Fingerprint

Fast and hard to observe, but a fingerprint can sometimes be used against your will, for example by someone pressing your finger on the sensor.

Face recognition

Convenient, and high-quality systems are difficult to spoof. Like fingerprints, it can be used while you are unaware or under pressure.

Best practice

• Use a strong passcode as the foundation.
• Use biometrics for convenience.
• Know how to temporarily disable biometrics, such as holding side buttons for an emergency lock.
• Set a short auto-lock time.