androidandroid-biometric-promptandroid-biometric

BiometricPromptCompat: Disable Iris/Face recognition (only allow fingerprints)


I've got an app that uses BiometricPrompt to implement biometric based authentication. I've noted that some devices offer Iris/Face recognition as an option alongside fingerprint scan.

I want my app to only allow fingerprint scanning. It it possible to only allow this? Alternatively, would it be possible to determine what method the user selected to authenticate so I could deny the request in my callback code?


Solution

  • My worry is invalid.

    Here's the offical word:

    While both strong and weak biometrics will be allowed to unlock a device, weak biometrics:

    • Require the user to re-enter their primary PIN, pattern, password or a strong biometric to unlock a device after a 4-hour window of inactivity, such as when left at a desk or charger. This is in addition to the 72-hour timeout that is enforced for both strong and weak biometrics.

    • Are not supported by the forthcoming BiometricPrompt API, a common API for app developers to securely authenticate users on a device in a modality-agnostic way.

    • Can't authenticate payments or participate in other transactions that involve a KeyStore auth-bound key.

    • Must show users a warning that articulates the risks of using the biometric before it can be enabled.

    These measures are intended to allow weaker biometrics, while reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

    https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2018/06/better-biometrics-in-android-p.html