Unlocking your Windows PC with just a fingerprint isn’t limited to high-end laptops or those with the latest hardware. Even if your device doesn’t have a built-in fingerprint sensor or an IR camera, you can still enjoy this feature using your Android phone. With the Remote Fingerprint Unlock app, you can turn your phone into a key that unlocks your PC quickly and securely. This guide will show you how to set it up and start using it right away.
What You Need
Created by XDA Forum member Andrew-X, the Remote Fingerprint Unlock app lets your Android phone act as an unlocker for your Windows PC. It works with Windows PCs running on x86 or x64 architectures from Windows Vista to Windows 11. However, it does not yet support Arm64 devices.
How It Works
To get started, download the Remote Fingerprint Unlock app from the Google Play Store. If the app is not available for your phone’s Android version, you can download the APK from an external source like APKMirror. Next, install the Windows Fingerprint Credential module on your PC. This module will allow your phone to connect to your PC over a local network. Make sure both your phone and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Installation Steps
1. Lock your computer by pressing Windows + L or using the Start menu.
2. Open the Remote Fingerprint Unlock app on your phone and tap on the Scan section.
3. Scroll down to scan devices, then select your computer.
4. If you have the pro version, you can give your computer a name and send a Wake-on-LAN packet.
5. Add your computer to the app and then go to the Accounts section.
6. Add the account you want to unlock by entering your username and password.
Once the installation is complete, lock your computer and you will see a new user called Fingerprint Unlock. If the module is active, you can unlock your computer by scanning your fingerprint on your phone.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with the fingerprint unlock feature, there are a few steps you can take to fix the issue. First, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Remote Fingerprint Unlock app. This can help reset the connection between your phone and computer, potentially fixing communication issues.
Next, it is recommended that you remove any stored fingerprints from your phone's settings before reinstalling the app. This step will allow the app to recognize a new set of fingerprint data, which can sometimes fix recognition issues.
It is important to note that not all smartphones are fully compatible with the app. For example, users with devices like the OnePlus 12 have reported certain issues where the app doesn’t work as expected. In such cases, the issue could be linked to hardware or software incompatibilities, which may require more in-depth troubleshooting or even waiting for an app update that addresses these issues.
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If standard troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, you may want to explore the app’s official forums or user communities for additional advice. Often, other users may have encountered similar issues and can offer insights or solutions that may help. Alternatively, contacting the app developer directly for support may provide a more targeted approach to resolving the issue.
Free and Pro Features
The Remote Fingerprint Unlock app offers a basic but functional free version that lets you unlock a Windows PC with a single account using your phone’s fingerprint scanner. This can be useful for users with a single device or those who just want to try the app out. Additionally, the free version supports Wi-Fi Tethering, allowing you to unlock your PC even if you’re using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
For users looking for more advanced features, the pro version is available for a reasonable fee of $1.99. Upgrading to the pro version removes all ads and offers a smoother user experience. It also unlocks the ability to add multiple PCs and multiple accounts per PC, making it ideal for people who use different devices or have multiple accounts on their PCs. Another important feature of the pro version is the Wake-on-LAN support, which allows you to wake up your PC remotely from sleep mode, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Security Concerns
When using third-party apps to unlock your computer, security is a valid concern. The Remote Fingerprint Unlock app is not open-source, which means the code is not available for public review. However, the app has a solid reputation among users and has passed several malware detection tests showing that it is free of malicious code. The developer, Andrew-X, has a good reputation in the tech community, which adds to the app’s credibility. While no app can be guaranteed to be 100% secure, current evidence suggests that Remote Fingerprint Unlock is a safe option for most users.
An Alternative: PC Bio Unlock
PC Bio Unlock is another app that offers similar functionality and lets you unlock your Windows PC using your phone’s fingerprint scanner. However, this app also supports Linux, making it a versatile option for users running different operating systems. The free version of PC Bio Unlock lets you perform basic tasks like unlocking the Windows login screen or UAC prompts. For Linux users, it supports sudo and polkit (pkexec) unlocking, as well as GNOME, GDM, KDE, and SDDM environments.
For those who want more features, PC Bio Unlock offers a variety of pro options via in-app purchases. These include Auto Unlock, which automatically unlocks your PC when your phone is within Wi-Fi or Bluetooth range, and Wear OS Notification, which lets you unlock your PC via your smartwatch. One of the key benefits of PC Bio Unlock is that the developer has open-sourced the authentication modules and desktop companion app, allowing anyone to audit the code for security and transparency.
A Handy Tool
The ability to unlock your computer with your phone’s fingerprint scanner is a valuable tool, especially for users with older computers that don’t have biometric sensors. Both Remote Fingerprint Unlock and PC Bio Unlock offer easy-to-use solutions that can improve your workflow. Despite potential compatibility issues with certain phones or computers, these apps are generally reliable and effective, making them a valuable addition to your tech toolkit. Whether you choose the free or pro version, you’ll get a convenient, streamlined way to secure your devices.