Note 4 Fingerprint scanner - HELP!

[SimonWilding]

Having a major problem with my Note 4.

It beeped as I had a messgage, there was a message on the front screen saying that the fingerprint unlock was not available and I had to use my back up password. But I can't remember what it is!

I have tried turning the phone off and on again but when I do so and try to unlock it it doesn't give me the option of using the scanner it merely gives me the keyboard to enter the password. Pressing the back key does not do anything.

Questions 

1 does anyone know why this has happened and how can I cure it?

2 how mnay times can I put the wrong password in before the phone does anything?

3 when I exceed the limit for attempts what will happen to the phone? bricked?

4 how do I get a password reminder?

5 any other tips?

Cheers!

[drey_p]

Hi SimonWilding

I don't think there is a way past the backup password, not that I have found at least.  The idea is to prevent unauthorised use of your device and it does that pretty effectively.  

A factory reset of the device would wipe it and you'd be able to start over.  However, you'll lose all the data on your phone so you'll need to restore from a back up.

[SimonWilding]

Thanks but how do I do a reset when the phone is locked and I can't access the menu?

[kradcliffe2]

The S7 has an option to reset the device after 15 wrong entries but I don't think the note 4 has that. Just a case of trying to remember the code or doing a full device wipe I guess.

[kradcliffe2]

To reset you need to press home + volume up + power then select wipe data/factory reset.

You really only want to do this as a last resort .....

[BandOfBrothers · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I would suggest visiting a Samsung Service Centre if local and or speak with Samsung Uk Support before a Hard Reset. 

They maybe able to advise. 

Samsung Service Location.

Samsung uk/support

[drey_p]

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@kradcliffe2 wrote:

To reset you need to press home + volume up + power then select wipe data/factory reset.

You really only want to do this as a last resort .....

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Yep - that would be the last resort.  

You'll need to turn the phone off first, then press and hold those buttons until the recovery screen shows.  You'll recognise it as it has a picture of a broken Android on it. 

[SimonWilding]

Ok sorted (sort of) - called the Samsung Support line (who were great) and he told me how to unlock the phone remotely using the Samsung findmymobile webpage. Worked like a dream.

Phone unlocked and I've updated the backup password to one I can remember.

The only odd thing is that even after doing all that, I still can't use the fingerprint to unock the phone. The fingerprint scanner works as I had to use this to be able to change the password but it doesn't give me the option to use it on the lock screen.

Very odd but I can live with it!

[kradcliffe2]

Try resetting the app data and cache.

[BandOfBrothers]

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@SimonWilding wrote:

Ok sorted (sort of) - called the Samsung Support line (who were great) and he told me how to unlock the phone remotely using the Samsung findmymobile webpage. Worked like a dream.

Phone unlocked and I've updated the backup password to one I can remember.

The only odd thing is that even after doing all that, I still can't use the fingerprint to unock the phone. The fingerprint scanner works as I had to use this to be able to change the password but it doesn't give me the option to use it on the lock screen.

Very odd but I can live with it!

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Glad the suggestion helped in part.