To unlock the Dext mobile app with your fingerprint or face, turn on Biometrics in More > Settings. This article also covers what to do if biometric login doesn't work.
What is biometric authentication?
Biometric authentication verifies your identity using physical characteristics that are unique to you, such as your fingerprint or face. In the mobile app, it adds a layer of security: you unlock the app with your device's built-in fingerprint or face recognition.
Note: Biometric authentication only unlocks the app. It doesn't replace logging in with your email address and password.
To log in to Dext with biometrics instead of a password, go to How to set up and use passkeys in Dext
Types of biometric authentication supported
The type of biometric authentication you use depends on your device:
Fingerprint recognition: unlocks the app with your fingerprint, such as Touch ID on Apple devices
Face recognition: unlocks the app with your face, such as Face ID on Apple devices
If your device supports both, the app uses the method that's currently turned on in your device settings.
Why use biometric authentication?
Biometric authentication helps protect your account if someone else has access to your device. For example, if you've already logged in and hand your phone to someone else, they can't open the app unless they use your fingerprint or face.
Before you start
Before you turn on Biometrics in the mobile app, set up fingerprint or face recognition on your device. If you're not sure how, follow your device manufacturer's instructions:
Android devices: set up fingerprint or face unlock
After that, you can turn on Biometrics in the app.
How to turn on biometric authentication in the mobile app
To turn on biometric authentication in the mobile app, log in and turn on the Biometrics toggle in Settings:
Log in to the mobile app with your email address and password.
Go to More.
Scroll to Settings.
Turn on the Biometrics toggle.
After you turn on Biometrics, you can unlock the app with your fingerprint or face.
Troubleshooting biometric authentication
This section covers 2 problems with biometric authentication in the mobile app, with a fix for each.
Biometric login fails even though Biometrics is turned on
If you've turned on Biometrics but the app doesn't recognise your fingerprint or face, you can still access the app with your email address and password. Tap Login with credentials, then log in with your email address and password.
After you log in, you can turn off the Biometrics toggle in More > Settings if you need to.
The Biometrics option doesn't appear in the app
If you don't see Biometrics in Settings under More, check the following:
Make sure you're using the latest version of the mobile app.
Open your device settings and go to Apps > Dext. On Android, go to Security or Security & Privacy > Settings instead.
Confirm that Dext is allowed to use Face ID or Fingerprint authentication.
Close and reopen the mobile app.
After you check these settings, go back to More > Settings and look for Biometrics again. If it's still missing, go to More > Support > Ask us a question.