Samsung Galaxy S10s fingerprint scanner was easily bypassed
Samsung issued a statement regarding the problem
Samsung has asked users to use Samsung-approved screen protectors with the S10
When Samsung launched the Galaxy S10, the company had said that the fingerprint scanner was ‘revolutionary’ because the in-screen scanner would use ultrasound to map out the ridges of the users fingerprint and match it accordingly. This was a new development in the world of in-screen scanners as most scanners that used the tech were of the optical kind. Optical scanners use projected light under the screen to read users’ fingerprints and unlock their respective devices. But, as it turns out, the ultrasound scanner could be easily bypassed.
A user discovered that after she had installed a gel screen protector, her phone was being unlocked by unregistered fingerprints. Apparently, the screen protector also interfered with another S10 when it was used in conjunction with it. So clearly, it isn’t a problem with the gel protector but with the unlocking technology itself.
Samsung had addressed the issue and said that users should only use Samsung approved protectors and were looking into the issue internally. They also said that they were issuing a software patch to address the issue. The company also released a statement regarding the Galaxy S10’s fingerprint scanner problem.
This is what the company had to say:
This issue involved ultrasonic fingerprint sensors unlocking devices after recognizing 3-dimensional patterns appearing on certain silicone screen protecting cases as users’ fingerprints.
To prevent any further issues, we advise that Galaxy Note10/10+ and S10/S10+/S10 5G users who use such covers to remove the cover, delete all previous fingerprints and newly register their fingerprints.
If you currently use front screen protective covers, to ensure optimum fingerprint scanning, please refrain from using this cover until your device has been updated with a new software patch.
A software update is planned to be released as early as next week, and once updated, please be sure to scan your fingerprint in its entirety, so that the all portions of your fingerprint, including the center and corners have been fully scanned.
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