using passcode or pattern instead of 'backup password' - Galaxy Note5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello, I'm using Fingerprints as security screenlock type on my Note 5.
Sometimes when the fingerprint does not work it will ask for the backup password , which is must be at least 6 characters including 1 number and 1 letter.
The problem is , I don't want to use the backup password because it is very annoying and I prefer a quicker way to enter. Do we have any way to change the secondary security layer to a passcode or pattern?
Many thanks.

Bumps! i find this annoying as well! especially when i am doing sports and have sweaty fingers. Even after wiping the fingerpint sensor is unable to read. I really find it a hassle to type all the full length out just to reply a OK for example.

I wondered too & have not found a way. I really like using the fingerprint scanner cause it's quick & easy. But when my fingers cut minor cuts/knicks from work or are damp the scanner doesn't work well. I have others fingers registered to use as a backup when another finger doesn't work but this became annoying & a waste of time. I now just use pattern swipe as it ends up being quicker in my situation & doesn't fail no matter what condition my fingers are in.

Related

Some questions regarding phone security...

My Galaxy Note was stolen a few weeks ago. Fortunately, my parents were nice enough to buy me a new one. Now I'm trying to protect it with maximum security. I've set up the pattern lock screen, I was also asked to set up a back up PIN code just in case I forget the pattern. Now when I try to draw the wrong pattern on purpose for over 20 times, it only tells me "Sorry, try again." It doesn't stop me from trying nor does it ask for the PIN code. Is everyone's Note like this or is there something wrong with mine?
I want to know if it's possible to NOT have it ask for the pattern every time I unlock the device? Is it possible to have it ask for the pattern every hour or something? It's quite annoying having to draw a complicated pattern every time I unlock the device.
I also heard of some security app that takes a picture with the front camera after numerous wrong passcode/pattern attempt and sends the picture to my email. Anyone know what apps have the ability to do that?
Lastly, what are some of your advices/suggestions/recommendations for security apps or keeping the phone more secure?
Loads of thanks.
rcheung28 said:
My Galaxy Note was stolen a few weeks ago. Fortunately, my parents were nice enough to buy me a new one. Now I'm trying to protect it with maximum security. I've set up the pattern lock screen, I was also asked to set up a back up PIN code just in case I forget the pattern. Now when I try to draw the wrong pattern on purpose for over 20 times, it only tells me "Sorry, try again." It doesn't stop me from trying nor does it ask for the PIN code. Is everyone's Note like this or is there something wrong with mine?
I want to know if it's possible to NOT have it ask for the pattern every time I unlock the device? Is it possible to have it ask for the pattern every hour or something? It's quite annoying having to draw a complicated pattern every time I unlock the device.
I also heard of some security app that takes a picture with the front camera after numerous wrong passcode/pattern attempt and sends the picture to my email. Anyone know what apps have the ability to do that?
Lastly, what are some of your advices/suggestions/recommendations for security apps or keeping the phone more secure?
Loads of thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Hmm, for me after 5 incorrect patterns, it just says try again in 30 seconds, don't really have the patience for 20 But I remember one time I gave my friend my phone to hold on to before going for an exam, and she locked the device completely, in which case I had to enter my google account email.
2. there should be a "Lock Delay" option in lock screen settings, and you can delay screen lock, up to 30 min
3. I know what you are talking about with the face taking picture app, but right now for my life of me I can't remember what that app was, back from march-ish, cause I did have it. I used to have Kaspersky anti-theft after that, but got rid of it around june. I felt like it lacked some features, but its been a while, so there could have been an update with more features and stuff. There's an app called Ceberus anti theft that supposedly does the face picture, but I have not used it so can't confirm on that. And there's a specific app on the market Gotya! Face trap. Haven't used it, you can buy it and try it.
3. I'm currently using avast mobile security, since july. I feel like it covers my bases, the only thing thats not featured is the "lock device if entered incorrectly" and essentially the face picture, but i don't really care for that.
Personally, I just use the slider unlock, just quicker, no hassle, especially when driving, its on me always, I trust my friends around me, if someone steals my phone, I have avast to do the magic.
There's many anti-theft/mobile security apps out there, and most are free to install with no in app billing extended features. Kaspersky you have to buy initially, Cerberus is free initially, and has an in app extended feature billing. Just shop around, see what suits your needs
dr. xp55 said:
1. Hmm, for me after 5 incorrect patterns, it just says try again in 30 seconds, don't really have the patience for 20 But I remember one time I gave my friend my phone to hold on to before going for an exam, and she locked the device completely, in which case I had to enter my google account email.
2. there should be a "Lock Delay" option in lock screen settings, and you can delay screen lock, up to 30 min
3. I know what you are talking about with the face taking picture app, but right now for my life of me I can't remember what that app was, back from march-ish, cause I did have it. I used to have Kaspersky anti-theft after that, but got rid of it around june. I felt like it lacked some features, but its been a while, so there could have been an update with more features and stuff. There's an app called Ceberus anti theft that supposedly does the face picture, but I have not used it so can't confirm on that. And there's a specific app on the market Gotya! Face trap. Haven't used it, you can buy it and try it.
3. I'm currently using avast mobile security, since july. I feel like it covers my bases, the only thing thats not featured is the "lock device if entered incorrectly" and essentially the face picture, but i don't really care for that.
Personally, I just use the slider unlock, just quicker, no hassle, especially when driving, its on me always, I trust my friends around me, if someone steals my phone, I have avast to do the magic.
There's many anti-theft/mobile security apps out there, and most are free to install with no in app billing extended features. Kaspersky you have to buy initially, Cerberus is free initially, and has an in app extended feature billing. Just shop around, see what suits your needs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The lock delay doesn't work as I want it to because as long as there's some activity within 30 minutes, it doesn't lock. I'm looking for something that looks the phone EVERY certain amount of time, just don't know if it's impossible. Nonetheless, you have given me a great list of suggestions and apps. I'll look into those apps.
I'm open for more suggestions.
rcheung28 said:
The lock delay doesn't work as I want it to because as long as there's some activity within 30 minutes, it doesn't lock. I'm looking for something that looks the phone EVERY certain amount of time, just don't know if it's impossible. Nonetheless, you have given me a great list of suggestions and apps. I'll look into those apps.
I'm open for more suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For security thing, see if you can use this.. http://www.samsungdive.com/DiveMain.do
For more info about using this, please go to Ketan's thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1946240
First, don't use a lock pattern, it's not safe. The only thing that is really safe is password that is composed of numbers and letters.
For delayed locking I recommend the app delayed lock. The name makes sense doesn't it
Further I recommend some kind of encryption tool to protect sensitive data on your phone. There are many available on google play. For logins etc. you can try keepass which is freeware (open source). For photos, videos and any other file types I use droid crypt which is paid software but offers a long trial periode.
Sent from my Galaxy Note running ICS
Create account on samsung dive & u r good to go...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Thank you all. My previous Note had Samsung Dive set up but immediately (well 10 minutes) after I lost the phone, I tried using Dive but it did not find the phone. I did set it up on my second Note but I'm not fully relying on it.
Ceberus seems like a good app as a few of you guys have already suggested to me. I'll definitely try that out.
Altae, thanks for the list of apps! And I agree that numbers+letters is the most safe password but it takes quite a bit of effort to type and it's not something I can do without me looking at the screen.
Thanks again everyone.

Storage Encryption

Even though there was zero documentation and nobody else seems to have tried it, I turned on storage encryption on my HTC One.
Not impressed. Here are a few observations:
1. At power up (once the drive is encrypted), it appears to go through a full boot cycle. It then presents you with an authentication screen to enter your credentials. It then appears to reboot itself through another full boot cycle and then finally move on to the lock screen. This seems really idiotic.
2. There is no separate crypto password. If you use a 5 digit numerical pin, this is automatically your encryption password. If someone were to really attack the storage crypto, they would be able to brute force a pin in seconds (probably less). Long complicated passwords are too cumbersome to be used on a lockscreen.
3. Luckily, performance impact appears to be minimal once booted - at least not enough to noticeably bother me. I don't have enough comparative data to talk to battery impact, but it appears to be minimal.
4. There is no way to undo encryption....you have to do a factory reset. To be fair, this was documented in the warning screens.
Overall, it feels that this entire feature was an engineering afterthought added to make sure there is a check box for encryption for those customers that require it.
This is a standard Android feature (and therefore provided by Google not HTC). If you search there is plenty of information on this feature, just not in this HTC One specific sub-forum.
Rumball said:
This is a standard Android feature (and therefore provided by Google not HTC). If you search there is plenty of information on this feature, just not in this HTC One specific sub-forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarification.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
I turned on encryption the day after receiving mine. It hasn't seemed to impact battery life or performance but as the previous poster mentioned, it acts like other Android devices with encryption upon boot.
It is a pain but not near as bad as losing my phone and knowing someone with very little computer skill might be able to get at my data.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
rootshot said:
2. There is no separate crypto password. If you use a 5 digit numerical pin, this is automatically your encryption password. If someone were to really attack the storage crypto, they would be able to brute force a pin in seconds (probably less). Long complicated passwords are too cumbersome to be used on a lockscreen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you looked at Cryptfs Password?
it lets you set a separate password for your encrypted volume, so you can have something long 'n complex, but a short numerical pin for your lockscreen
i use it and it's totally awesome
PS: there's also EncPassChanger, it does the same thing
Advance Mobile Care has a folder specific encryption facility called 'privacy locker'
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2290180
There are other folder specific encryption apps available.
The main issue with encryption apps is their reliability. Can you really trust them not to lock you out for an unspecified, unrecoverable error?
Zoltair Wright said:
have you looked at Cryptfs Password?
it lets you set a separate password for your encrypted volume, so you can have something long 'n complex, but a short numerical pin for your lockscreen
i use it and it's totally awesome
PS: there's also EncPassChanger, it does the same thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

Multi user Fingerprint logging-on in Marshmallow

Ok so now i've updated to marshmallow i now have the option to have multi-users. But there SEEMS to be a bit of a missed opportunity by either samsung or google (or me, if i'm doing it wrong??)
I've created a new test user and registered my (different) finger with it.
When logging in to the device, would it not be obvious that if i was scanning MY finger, I'd want to log in as ME? apparently not.
It seems that you have to physically go into the user button in the top right, select your user if your user is not the one that is currently selected, and then scan your finger. What a waste of time.
I really hope that there is a setting somewhere that i'm missing... any ideas?
Were you able to find this?

Can not pin action memos to home screen any more

Experts,
I've been using an old version (5.2.04.25) of s-notes (not Samsung notes) for the well known issue that many people have of preferring it over Samsung notes.
One of main reason to use s-notes is the ability to pin any number of action memos to the home screen very easily and quickly . which was great, till now !
Some how it stopped working , even though the usual message "Action memo pinned to home screen and saved in S Notes" will flash , but it actually just saved in S-notes without pinning !
I wish I can track the changes in my device that triggered this, but I can't .
Any ideas?
Or any practical alternatives
regards,
Alternative: use Samsung Notes, as you can pin these notes to home screen as well!
OnnoJ said:
Alternative: use Samsung Notes, as you can pin these notes to home screen as well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you can not pin them directly after you double tap with the s-pen , you will have to save them first and then open Samsung notes and only then you will be able to pin them......so not really practical
Works for me, as I do not pin many notes per day to my homescreen. If you do, I agree it is not practical...
hasan_dubais said:
Experts,
I've been using an old version (5.2.04.25) of s-notes (not Samsung notes) for the well known issue that many people have of preferring it over Samsung notes.
One of main reason to use s-notes is the ability to pin any number of action memos to the home screen very easily and quickly . which was great, till now !
Some how it stopped working , even though the usual message "Action memo pinned to home screen and saved in S Notes" will flash , but it actually just saved in S-notes without pinning !
I wish I can track the changes in my device that triggered this, but I can't .
Any ideas?
Or any practical alternatives
regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have exactly the same story - can't pin memos any more to my home screen of my Note8. It happened last month after i install Android software update provided by Samsung. Most likely the issue with memos is related to the increase of the security of Android OS. Unfortunately Android security updates can't be reverted. I think no one will be able to fix this ((
I'm having the same problem, so if someone has an answer, I'd be interested in knowing what it is.
Anyone found a solution?

I desperately need help with my K20 pro.

Hello,
This is my first post here and I'm really desperate.
My phone has a fingerprint, face scanner, and pattern unlocks configured. On Friday I changed my pattern and as you know after 72 hours MIUI asks you to re-enter your pattern. Yesterday on Monday I tried entering it and I found out that I had forgotten the pattern I set on Friday ( I know I'm stupid for not backing up the important things I had there but I've been dealing with many personal problems and I'm currently not very stable at the moment)
I went through many threads and I didn't find a solution to remove the pattern unlock without losing my files or to at least allow me to backup some important things like the pictures and videos of my father before his death and some other important files that are currently there.
Is there any way I can disable the pattern unlock and make fingerprint unlock or the face unlock the primary unlocking methods? because these ones are also configured.
What options do I have to fix this without losing the data?
I would really appreciate it so much if I can get any advice on how to proceed with this.
Thank you very much and I do apologize for my English.
linblv said:
Hello,
This is my first post here and I'm really desperate.
My phone has a fingerprint, face scanner, and pattern unlocks configured. On Friday I changed my pattern and as you know after 72 hours MIUI asks you to re-enter your pattern. Yesterday on Monday I tried entering it and I found out that I had forgotten the pattern I set on Friday ( I know I'm stupid for not backing up the important things I had there but I've been dealing with many personal problems and I'm currently not very stable at the moment)
I went through many threads and I didn't find a solution to remove the pattern unlock without losing my files or to at least allow me to backup some important things like the pictures and videos of my father before his death and some other important files that are currently there.
Is there any way I can disable the pattern unlock and make fingerprint unlock or the face unlock the primary unlocking methods? because these ones are also configured.
What options do I have to fix this without losing the data?
I would really appreciate it so much if I can get any advice on how to proceed with this.
Thank you very much and I do apologize for my English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, this is Google's policy that pin/password or pattern come first / being considered more secure than biometrics (fingerprit, face recognition).
Hence you cannot make fingerprint or face recognition your primary login methods
You could access and copy your files from TWRP, but again TWRP would ask you for your pin or pattern - since you switched to pattern, you would also need the same pattern.
Data partition and Internal memory are encrypted with that pattern you set-up, and to decrypt and proceed (Android or TWRP) it needs that pattern (would be pin if you did not switch to pattern but now is too late)
You can use your PC and check your Google account settings but I don't know if you could make a change there that would help you to bypass your existing encryption on the phone
Again, Internal file system personal is encrypted with that pin/pattern (whatever you set-up last time) and on reboot, you need to provide it that Android can decrypt and use.
Filesystem is not encrypted with your biometrical info but with pin/pattern, hence fingerprint or face can not be used on reboot
Once you pass that step, Android will remember and will read your biometrical data saved from the last time and
for further screen unlocking you could use either pin/pattern or biometrics
In TWRP you can bypass entering the pin/pattern but then TWRP couldn't decrypt internal storage and all files will be useless (you don't even see their names but some garbage/'randomized' names)
locked or unlocked bootloader?

Categories

Resources