Biometric Authentication

Use Face ID or Touch ID for quick and secure access

Back to Help Center

What is Biometric Authentication?

Biometric authentication allows you to unlock your Oculock vault using Face ID (on iPhones with Face ID) or Touch ID (on iPhones with Touch ID or iPads). This provides quick access to your vault without entering your master password each time.

Security Note

Your biometric data (Face ID or Touch ID) is stored securely in your device's Keychain and is managed entirely by iOS. It never leaves your device and is never transmitted to Oculock or any external servers. The biometric authentication is used to unlock access to your vault, but your master password is still required for certain operations.

Setting Up Biometric Authentication

How to Enable Face ID or Touch ID

  1. Open the Oculock app
  2. Go to Settings (tap the gear icon)
  3. Navigate to "Security"
  4. Toggle on "Biometric Authentication"
  5. If this is your first time, you'll be prompted to set up Face ID or Touch ID in your device settings
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup

Using Biometric Authentication

Once enabled, biometric authentication works automatically:

  • When opening the app: If your vault is locked, you'll see a prompt to use Face ID or Touch ID
  • Quick unlock: Simply look at your device (Face ID) or place your finger on the sensor (Touch ID)
  • Fallback option: If biometric authentication fails, you can always enter your master password instead

When Master Password is Still Required

For security reasons, your master password is still required in these situations:

  • First time setting up biometric authentication
  • After restarting your device
  • After 48 hours of inactivity (configurable in settings)
  • When creating a new vault
  • When changing vault settings
  • When biometric authentication fails multiple times

Disabling Biometric Authentication

How to Disable

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Navigate to Security
  3. Toggle off "Biometric Authentication"
  4. You'll need to enter your master password to confirm

Troubleshooting

Face ID or Touch ID Not Working

  • Check device settings: Make sure Face ID/Touch ID is enabled in your device's Settings app
  • Clean the sensor: For Touch ID, make sure the sensor is clean
  • Check for obstructions: For Face ID, ensure nothing is blocking the TrueDepth camera
  • Re-enroll: You may need to re-enroll your face or fingerprint in device settings
  • Use master password: You can always use your master password as a fallback

Biometric Authentication Disabled After Update

Sometimes after iOS updates, biometric authentication may need to be re-enabled. Simply go back to Settings > Security and toggle it on again.

Security Best Practices

  • Use a strong master password: Even with biometric authentication, your master password is your primary security key
  • Don't share your device: Biometric authentication is tied to your device - anyone with access to your device can potentially unlock your vault
  • Enable auto-lock: Configure the app to lock automatically after a period of inactivity
  • Use biometric authentication: It's more secure than entering your password in public places where it could be observed

Related Topics