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How to Secure Samsung Galaxy Face Unlock from Being Hacked

ByHarold Hisona

If your Samsung Galaxy’s Face Unlock is vulnerable to being fooled by a photo or similar face, it’s essential to strengthen its security. This guide provides multiple methods to enhance the reliability of Face Unlock and protect your device from unauthorized access.

1. Enable the “Require Open Eyes” Option

This feature ensures that Face Unlock only works when your eyes are open, preventing unauthorized access using a sleeping or unconscious face.

  1. Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy.
  2. Go to Biometrics and Security: Scroll down and tap on Biometrics and Security.
  3. Select Face Recognition: Enter your PIN, pattern, or password if prompted.
  4. Enable Require Open Eyes: Toggle on the option for Require Open Eyes to prevent face unlock when your eyes are closed.
  5. Test the Feature: Lock your phone and attempt to unlock it with your eyes closed to ensure the setting is working.

2. Improve Face Recognition with Better Scanning

Re-registering your face in optimal lighting and different angles can make Face Unlock more secure and accurate.

  1. Delete Existing Face Data: Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Face Recognition, then tap Remove Face Data.
  2. Re-register Your Face: Tap Register Face and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face.
  3. Use Good Lighting: Make sure you’re in a well-lit environment while setting up face recognition.
  4. Capture Multiple Angles: Slightly tilt your face in different directions during scanning for better recognition.
  5. Save and Test: Complete the setup, then lock and unlock your device to check the improvements.

3. Disable Face Unlock for High-Security Needs

If you suspect Face Unlock is too vulnerable, consider disabling it and using stronger authentication methods.

  1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
  2. Access Face Recognition Settings: Navigate to Biometrics and Security > Face Recognition.
  3. Turn Off Face Unlock: Toggle off Face Unlock to prevent the use of facial recognition for unlocking your phone.
  4. Choose a More Secure Option: Set up Fingerprint Unlock or Strong Password/PIN instead for better security.

4. Use Alternative Lock Methods with Face Unlock

Combining Face Unlock with another security option increases protection against unauthorized access.

  1. Open Settings: Access Settings > Biometrics and Security.
  2. Go to Screen Lock Type: Select Screen Lock Type to view available options.
  3. Enable Multiple Security Methods: Choose Face Recognition along with PIN, Pattern, or Fingerprint for layered security.
  4. Confirm Changes: Follow the prompts to save and activate multiple authentication methods.

5. Keep Your Software Updated

Updating your Samsung Galaxy’s software ensures you have the latest security enhancements for Face Unlock.

  1. Open Settings: Navigate to Settings > Software Update.
  2. Check for Updates: Tap Download and Install to see if an update is available.
  3. Install the Latest Version: Follow the on-screen instructions to update your device.
  4. Restart Your Phone: Once updated, restart your phone and test Face Unlock again.

6. Avoid Using Face Unlock in Low-Security Situations

Face Unlock is convenient but may not be the best choice for sensitive data or financial transactions.

  1. Review Security Settings: Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security.
  2. Disable Face Unlock for Payments: Under Biometric Preferences, disable Face Recognition for Samsung Pay or other sensitive apps.
  3. Use Stronger Authentication: Opt for fingerprint recognition or PIN/password for banking and confidential access.
  4. Enable Secure Folder: Store sensitive files in Secure Folder, which requires a password or fingerprint to access.

7. Protect Against Photo-Based Hacks

Prevent your device from being unlocked with a printed or digital image of your face.

  1. Avoid Using Simple Face Recognition: If possible, rely on fingerprint authentication for higher security.
  2. Enable Liveness Detection (if available): Check for an option in Settings > Biometrics and Security > Face Recognition that ensures depth detection.
  3. Test Face Unlock with a Photo: Try unlocking your device with a printed image of yourself to see if it can be fooled.
  4. Reconfigure Face Recognition If Necessary: If your phone unlocks with a photo, re-register your face using better angles and lighting.

8. Secure Your Lock Screen Notifications

Limiting lock screen notifications prevents potential intruders from accessing sensitive information even if they bypass Face Unlock.

  1. Open Settings: Navigate to Settings > Lock Screen.
  2. Tap on Notifications: Select the Notifications option under Lock Screen settings.
  3. Hide Sensitive Content: Choose Hide Content or disable notifications altogether to prevent exposure of private messages.
  4. Confirm Changes: Lock your phone and verify that notification details are hidden when the screen is locked.

9. Monitor and Lock Your Device Remotely

Using Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature allows you to lock your phone if Face Unlock security is compromised.

  1. Enable Find My Mobile: Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Find My Mobile and ensure it’s turned on.
  2. Sign In to Your Samsung Account: Link your device to a Samsung account for remote access.
  3. Access Find My Mobile Online: Visit Find My Mobile from a browser and log in.
  4. Lock Your Device Remotely: If your phone is lost or at risk, use the Lock Device feature to secure it immediately.

These steps will help you improve the security of Face Unlock on your Samsung Galaxy and minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

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