Set up a fingerprint, PIN, pattern, or password

The Pixel Tablet has a fingerprint sensor on the power button. If you set up fingerprint authentication on your tablet, you can touch the sensor to quickly unlock your device.

You can also set up a PIN, pattern, or password to unlock your device.

Note: Some features are not available in all countries or languages.

Set up or add a fingerprint or password

If you don't set up a fingerprint, PIN, password, or pattern when you set up your tablet, you can add one at any time.

Add a fingerprint

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Security & privacy.
3. Tap Device unlock Fingerprint Unlock.
4. When prompted, enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
5. Add a fingerprint.
   • If no fingerprints are set up, scroll down tap I agree follow the on-screen instructions.
   • If at least one fingerprint is set up, tap Add fingerprint follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: To get a better scan, place your finger at different angles.

Add a PIN, pattern, or password

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Security & privacy.
3. Tap Device unlock Screen lock.
4. If needed, enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
5. Tap the password type you want to set up follow the onscreen instructions.

Unlock your tablet with your fingerprint

1. Touch the sensor on the power button with your finger until your tablet unlocks.
2. Sometimes for security, you'll need to use your backup PIN, pattern, or password. A few examples of when this is required:
   • Your fingerprint isn't recognized after a few tries.
   • You restart (reboot) your tablet.
   • You switch to a different user.
   • Your tablet has been idle for a while since you last unlocked it with your fingerprint.

Change or remove a fingerprint, PIN, pattern, or password

Remove a fingerprint

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Security & privacy.
3. Tap Device unlock Fingerprint Unlock.
4. When prompted, enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
5. Next to the fingerprint you want to remove, tap Delete Delete.

Change a PIN, pattern, or password

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Security & privacy.
3. Tap Device unlock Screen lock.
4. If needed, enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
5. Tap the password type you want to switch to. To stop using a password, tap None.

Turn on Auto-confirm unlock

Turn on Auto-confirm unlock to automatically unlock your device when you input a correct PIN of six digits or more. If you turn this setting on, you don't need to tap Enter after you input your PIN.

Important: Auto-confirm unlock is slightly less secure than tapping Enter to confirm.

If you don't have a PIN with at least six digits, set one up first:

1. Open your device's Settings app
2. Tap Security & privacy.
3. Tap Device unlock Screen lock. If needed, enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
4. Tap PIN. If needed, enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
5. Type a new PIN with at least six digits.
6. Select Auto-confirm correct PIN.
7. Finish setting up your new PIN.

If you have a PIN of six or more digits:

1. Open your device's Settings app
2. Tap Security & privacy.
3. Tap Device unlock.
4. Next to "Screen lock", tap Settings .
5. Turn on Auto-confirm unlock.

Frequently asked questions about Fingerprint Unlock

Where's my fingerprint saved? How secure is it?

Your fingerprint data is stored securely and doesn't leave your Pixel Tablet. Your fingerprint data isn't shared with Google or any apps on your device. Apps are notified when your fingerprint is verified. Learn more about how fingerprint data is secured.

When do I need to use a PIN, pattern, or password instead of a fingerprint?

In some cases, you might need to use a backup PIN, pattern, or password instead of a fingerprint. A few examples of when this is required:

• Your fingerprint isn't recognized after a few tries.
• You restart (reboot) your tablet.
• You switch to a different user.
• Your tablet has been idle for a while since you last unlocked it with your fingerprint.

My tablet unlocks when I touch the sensor. Can I stop this from happening?

Yes. Open your device's Settings app tap Security & privacy Device unlock Fingerprint Unlock turn off Touch to unlock anytime.

Why doesn't my Pixel Tablet recognize my fingerprint?

If your tablet's sensor doesn't recognize your fingerprint, make sure:

• When you set up a fingerprint, hold your tablet and finger in the same position you'll usually unlock it.
• If your finger is wet, dry it and try again. If it's dry, moisturize it and try again.

I can't set up my fingerprint. Help!

If you can't add your fingerprint, clean the power button gently with a soft and dry lint-free cloth, then try again. If that doesn't work, make sure your tablet's software is updated and try again with a different finger.

What if I forget my PIN, pattern, or password?

If you forget your Pixel Tablet’s PIN, pattern, or password, you can use your tablet's buttons to perform a factory reset. This will let you set up your tablet again and set a new screen lock. If you can't sign into your Google Account when you set up your tablet, learn how to recover your account.

Why can't I sign in to some websites with my fingerprint?

Some websites have not implemented Fingerprint Unlock, so you won't be able to sign in with your fingerprint on those sites.

Related resources

• Upgrade to passkeys for your Pixel phone or tablet
• Sign in with a passkey instead of a password