Introduction: Security and privacy settings on Galaxy S23 allow you to customize security and privacy-related settings to secure your data and privacy. The dashboard also highlights security or privacy-related issues identified on your Galaxy S23, and you may review them and take proper action. The settings for face recognition, fingerprint recognition, Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, and Secure WiFi are all covered under Security and privacy settings on Galaxy S23. You may check Galaxy S23 how to guides to learn more about secure your phone.
Check the device’s security and privacy status and change the settings.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy.
Lock screen: Change the settings for the locked screen.
Accounts: Change the settings for your accounts.
Find My Mobile: Turn the Find My Mobile feature on or off. Access smartthingsfind.samsung.com to track and control your lost or stolen phone. You can also check the location of the wearable devices connected to this phone. A Samsung account is required.
App security: Scan apps and keep your device safe from malicious software.
Updates: Check the version of your device’s software and check for updates.
Privacy: Change the settings for privacy.
Biometrics: Change the settings for biometric data. Refer to Face recognition and Fingerprint recognition for more information.
Samsung Pass: Verify your identity through your biometric data. Refer to Samsung Pass for more information.
Secure Folder: Create a secure folder to protect your private content and apps from others. Refer to Secure Folder for more information.
Secure Wi-Fi: Set the device to protect your data while using unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Refer to Secure Wi-Fi for more information.
Private Share: Share files with others using blockchain technology.
Samsung Blockchain Keystore: Manage your blockchain private key safely.
Install unknown apps: Set the device to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources.
Other security settings: Configure additional security settings.
Some features may not be available depending on the carrier or model.
Face recognition
You can set the device to unlock the screen by recognising your face.
If you use your face as a screen lock method, your face cannot be used to unlock the screen for the first time after turning on the device. To use the device, you must unlock the screen using the pattern, PIN, or password you set when registering the face. Be careful not to forget your pattern, PIN, or password.
If you change the screen lock method to Swipe or None, which are not secure, all of your biometric data will be deleted.
Precautions for using face recognition
Before using the face recognition to unlock your device, keep the following precautions in mind.
Your device could be unlocked by someone or something that looks like your image.
Face recognition is less secure than Pattern, PIN, or Password.
For better face recognition
Consider the following when using face recognition:
Consider the conditions when registering, such as wearing glasses, hats, masks, beards, or heavy makeup
Ensure that you are in a well-lit area and that the camera lens is clean when registering
Ensure your image is not blurry for better match results
Registering your face
For better face registration, register your face indoors and out of direct sunlight.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Face recognition.
Read the on-screen instructions and tap Continue.
Set a screen lock method.
Position your face inside the frame on the screen. The camera will scan your face.
If unlocking the screen with your face is not working properly, tap Remove face data to remove your registered face and register your face again.
To enhance the face recognition, tap Add alternative appearance to enhance recognition and add an alternate appearance.
Unlocking the screen with your face
You can unlock the screen with your face instead of using a pattern, PIN, or password.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Face recognition.
Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.
Tap the Face unlock switch to turn it on. 4 On the locked screen, look at the screen.
When your face is recognised, you can unlock the screen without using any additional screen lock method. If your face is not recognised, use the preset screen lock method.
Deleting the registered face data
You can delete face data that you have registered.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Face recognition.
Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.
Tap Remove face data → Remove.
Once the registered face is deleted, all the related features will also be turned off.
Fingerprint recognition
In order for fingerprint recognition to function, your fingerprint information needs to be registered and stored in your device.
This feature may not be available depending on the carrier or model.
Fingerprint recognition uses the unique characteristics of each fingerprint to enhance the security of your device. The likelihood of the fingerprint sensor confusing two different fingerprints is very low. However, in rare cases where separate fingerprints are very similar the sensor may recognise them as identical.
Thick protective film can affect performance. If you use a screen protector, check to make sure it’s labeled as compatible with the on-screen fingerprint sensor. (such as screen protectors sold by Samsung)
If you use your fingerprint as a screen lock method, your fingerprint cannot be used to unlock the screen for the first time after turning on the device. To use the device, you must unlock the screen using the pattern, PIN, or password you set when registering the fingerprint. Be careful not to forget your pattern, PIN, or password.
If your fingerprint is not recognised, unlock the device using the pattern, PIN, or password you set when registering the fingerprint, and then re-register your fingerprints. If your pattern, PIN, or password is forgotten, you will not be able to use the device if you do not reset it. Samsung is not responsible for any data loss or inconvenience caused by forgotten unlock codes.
If you change the screen lock method to Swipe or None, which are not secure, all of your biometric data will be deleted.
For better fingerprint recognition
When you scan your fingerprints on the device, be aware of the following conditions that may affect the feature’s performance:
The device may not recognise fingerprints that are affected by wrinkles or scars.
The device may not recognise fingerprints from small or thin fingers.
To improve recognition performance, register the fingerprints of the fingers used most often to perform tasks on the device.
Your device has a built-in fingerprint recognition sensor at the bottom centre of the screen. Ensure that the screen protector or the touch screen on the fingerprint recognition sensor area is not scratched or damaged by objects, such as coins, keys, pens, and necklaces.
Ensure that the fingerprint recognition sensor area at the bottom centre of the screen and your fingers are clean and dry.
If you bend your finger or use a fingertip, the device may not recognise your fingerprints. Press the screen so that your fingertip spreads over the wide surface of the fingerprint recognition area.
Registering fingerprints
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Fingerprints.
Read the on-screen instructions and tap Continue.
Set a screen lock method.
Tap Register and place your finger on the fingerprint recognition sensor. After the device detects your finger, lift it up and place it on the fingerprint recognition sensor again.
Repeat this action until the fingerprint is registered.
When you are finished registering your fingerprints, tap Done.
You can check whether your fingerprint is registered by tapping Check added fingerprints.
Unlocking the screen with your fingerprints
You can unlock the screen with your fingerprint instead of using a pattern, PIN, or password.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Fingerprints.
Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.
Tap the Fingerprint unlock switch to turn it on.
On the locked screen, place your finger on the fingerprint recognition sensor and scan your fingerprint.
Changing the fingerprint recognition icon setting
Set the device to show or hide the fingerprint recognition icon when you tap the screen while the screen is turned off.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Fingerprints.
Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.
Tap Show icon when screen is off and select an option.
Deleting registered fingerprints
You can delete registered fingerprints.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Fingerprints.
Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.
Select a fingerprint to delete and tap Remove.
Samsung Pass
Register your biometric data to Samsung Pass and verify your identity when using services which require your login or personal information.
The website sign-in feature is only available for websites that you access through the Samsung Internet app. Some websites may not support this feature.
Registered biometric data is only saved to your device and is not synced with other devices or servers.
Registering Samsung Pass
Before using Samsung Pass, register your biometric data to Samsung Pass.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Samsung Pass. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Verifying the Samsung account password
You can use your registered biometric data to verify your identity instead of entering your Samsung account password when, for example, you purchase content from Galaxy Store.
On the Samsung Pass main screen, tap → Settings → Account and syncing, and then tap the Verify with Samsung Pass switch to turn it on.
Using Samsung Pass to sign in to websites
You can use Samsung Pass to sign in to websites that support ID and password autofill.
On the sign-in page of the website, enter your ID and password, and then tap the website’s sign-in button.
When a pop-up window asking whether you want to save the sign-in information appears, tick Sign in with Samsung Pass and tap Remember.
Using Samsung Pass to sign in to apps
You can use Samsung Pass to sign in to apps that support ID and password autofill.
On the sign-in page of the app, enter your ID and password, and then tap the app’s sign-in button.
When a pop-up window asking whether you want to save the sign-in information appears, tap Save.
Managing sign-in information
Check out the list of websites and apps you have set to use Samsung Pass and manage your sign-in information.
On the Samsung Pass main screen, tap Apps/websites and select a website or app from the list.
Tap Edit and modify your ID, password, and the website’s or app’s name.
To delete your sign-in information, tap Delete.
Using Samsung Pass with websites and apps
When using websites or apps that support Samsung Pass, you can sign in with Samsung Pass.
To check out the list of websites and apps that support Samsung Pass, on the Samsung Pass main screen, tap → Settings → Partners. If there are no websites or apps that support Samsung Pass, Partners will not appear.
Available websites and apps may vary depending on the service provider or model.
Samsung is not responsible for any loss or inconvenience caused by signing in to websites or apps through Samsung Pass.
Entering your personal information automatically
You can use Samsung Pass to enter your personal information, such as your address or payment card information, on apps that support autofill.
On the Samsung Pass main screen, select an option under Private info.
Enter the information and tap Save.
You can now use the biometric data you registered to Samsung Pass when entering the personal information automatically on supported apps.
Deleting your Samsung Pass data
You can delete your biometric data, sign-in information, and app data registered to Samsung Pass.
On the Samsung Pass main screen, tap → Settings → See all devices using Samsung Pass → → Leave Samsung Pass.
Your Samsung account will remain active.
The Samsung Pass data on other devices signed in to your Samsung account will also be deleted.
Secure Folder
Secure Folder protects your private content and apps, such as pictures and contacts, from being accessed by others. You can keep your private content and apps secure even when the device is unlocked.
Secure Folder is a separate, secured storage area. The data in Secure Folder cannot be transferred to other devices through unapproved sharing methods, such as USB or Wi-Fi Direct. Attempting to customise the operating system or modifying software will cause Secure Folder to be automatically locked and inaccessible. Before saving data in Secure Folder, make sure to back up a copy of the data in another secure location.
Setting up Secure Folder
Open Settings and tap Security and privacy → Secure Folder.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
When a pop-up window asking whether you want to reset the Secure Folder lock type with your Samsung account appears, tap Activate. If you have forgotten the lock type, you can reset it using your Samsung account. If you do not turn on this feature, you cannot reset the lock type when you have forgotten it.
When the setup is complete, the Secure Folder screen will appear and the Secure Folder app icon () will be added to the Apps screen.
When the Secure Folder app is locked, you must unlock it using your preset lock method.
To change the name or icon of Secure Folder, tap → Customise.
Setting an auto lock condition for Secure Folder
Open the Secure Folder app and tap → Settings → Auto lock Secure Folder.
Select a lock option.
To manually lock your Secure Folder, tap → Lock and exit.
Moving content to Secure Folder
Move content, such as pictures and videos, to Secure Folder. The following actions are an example of moving an image from the default storage to Secure Folder.
Open the Secure Folder app and tap → Add files.
Tap Images, tick images to move, and then tap Done.
Tap Move.
The selected items will be deleted from the original folder and moved to Secure Folder. To copy items, tap Copy.
The method for moving content may vary depending on the content type.
Moving content from Secure Folder
Move content from Secure Folder to the corresponding app in the default storage. The following actions are an example of moving an image from Secure Folder to the default storage.
Open the Secure Folder app and tap Gallery.
Select an image and tap → Move out of Secure Folder.
The selected items will be moved to Gallery in the default storage.
Adding apps
Add an app to use in Secure Folder.
Open the Secure Folder app and tap .
Tick one or more apps installed on the device and tap Add.
Removing apps from Secure Folder
Touch and hold an app to delete, and tap Uninstall.
Adding accounts
Add your Samsung and Google accounts, or other accounts, to sync with the apps in Secure Folder.
Open the Secure Folder app and tap → Settings → Manage accounts → Add account.
Select an account service.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account setup.
Hiding Secure Folder
You can hide the Secure Folder shortcut from the Apps screen.
Open the Secure Folder app, tap → Settings, and then tap the Add Secure Folder to Apps screen switch to turn it off.
Alternatively, open the notification panel, swipe downwards, and then tap (Secure Folder) to turn off the feature. If you cannot find (Secure Folder) on the quick panel, tap and drag the button over to add it.
If you want to show the Secure Folder again, open Settings, tap Security and privacy → Secure Folder, and then tap the Add Secure Folder to Apps screen switch to turn it on.
Uninstalling Secure Folder
You can uninstall Secure Folder, including the content and apps in it.
Open the Secure Folder app and tap → Settings → More settings → Uninstall.
To back up content before uninstalling Secure Folder, tick Move media files out of Secure Folder and tap Uninstall. To access data backed up from Secure Folder, open the My Files app and tap Internal storage → Download → Secure Folder.
Notes saved in Samsung Notes will not be backed up.
Secure Wi-Fi
Secure Wi-Fi is a service that secures your Wi-Fi network connection. It encrypts data using Wi-Fi networks and disables tracking apps and websites so that you can use Wi-Fi networks safely. For example, when using an unsecure Wi-Fi network in public places, such as cafes or airports, Secure Wi-Fi is automatically turned on so that no one can hack your login information or monitor your activity in apps and websites.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Secure Wi-Fi and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
When Secure Wi-Fi is turned on, the icon will appear on the status bar.
Using this feature may result in a slower Wi-Fi network speed.
This feature may not be available depending on the Wi-Fi network, carrier, or model.
Selecting apps to protect using Secure Wi-Fi
Select apps to protect using Secure Wi-Fi so that you can safely protect data, such as your password or your activity in apps, from being accessed by others.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Secure Wi-Fi → → Settings → Protected apps and tap the switches next to the apps you want to protect using Secure Wi-Fi.
Some apps may not support this feature.
Purchasing protection plan
You are provided with a free protection plan for Wi-Fi networks every month. You can also purchase paid protection plans and have unlimited bandwidth protection for a limited time.
On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Secure Wi-Fi.
Tap Protection plan → Upgrade and select the plan you want.
For certain protection plans, you can transfer the protection plan to another device signed in to your Samsung account.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
Galaxy S23 accessories guides. Galaxy S23 accessories guides explore useful Galaxy S23 accessories and show you how to use them to protect your phone or increase your productivity (or fun).
→ Settings → Account and syncing, and then tap the Verify with Samsung Pass switch to turn it on.
) will be added to the Apps screen.
→ Customise.
→ Settings → Auto lock Secure Folder.
→ Settings → Auto lock Secure Folder.
→ Move out of Secure Folder.
→ Move out of Secure Folder.
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and drag the button over to add it.
icon will appear on the status bar.
