Biometric Login

Biometric login lets you access Balance quickly and securely using your fingerprint or face recognition. This guide explains how to set up and use biometric authentication.

What is Biometric Login?

Biometric login uses your device’s built-in security features to authenticate your identity:

• iOS: Face ID or Touch ID
• Android: Fingerprint or Face Unlock
• Web: Not available (password only)

How it works:

1. You enable biometric login in Balance
2. Your credentials are stored securely on your device
3. Next time you open Balance, you use your biometric instead of typing your password
4. Your device verifies your identity and logs you in automatically

Benefits of Biometric Login

Speed

• No typing - Open the app and you’re in
• Instant access - Authentication takes seconds
• Less friction - Check budgets anytime without hassle

Security

• More secure than passwords - Biometric data can’t be guessed or stolen
• Device-specific - Your credentials stay on your device
• Multi-layered - Combines your biometric with encrypted credentials
• Failed attempt protection - Limits on authentication attempts

Convenience

• No memorizing - Don’t need to remember or type passwords
• Works offline - Can authenticate without internet
• One-touch access - Perfect for checking quick budget updates
• Partner-friendly - Each person uses their own biometric

Supported Devices

iOS

• iPhone X and newer - Face ID
• iPhone 8 and older - Touch ID (if equipped)
• iPad - Touch ID or Face ID (model dependent)
• Requirements: iOS 14 or later

Android

• Fingerprint sensor - Most Android phones since 2015
• Face recognition - Available on supported devices
• Requirements: Android 10 or later
• Device security - Must have biometric enrolled in device settings

Not Supported

• Web browsers - Use password login
• Devices without biometric hardware - Use password login
• Public/shared devices - Not recommended for security

How to Enable Biometric Login

First-Time Setup

1. Download and install Balance app (iOS or Android)
2. Log in with your email and password
3. After successful login, you’ll see a prompt:
   • “Enable Face ID?” (iOS)
   • “Enable Fingerprint?” (Android)
4. Tap “Enable” to set up biometric login
5. Authenticate once with your biometric to confirm
6. Done! Next time you open the app, biometric login will be active

[Screenshot: Biometric enable prompt]

Manual Setup (If You Skipped Initial Prompt)

1. Open Balance app
2. Tap your profile picture or menu icon
3. Open the side menu (three lines)
4. Toggle “Login with Face ID” or “Login with Fingerprint”
5. Confirm you want to enable
6. Authenticate with your biometric
7. You’ll see a confirmation message

[Screenshot: Settings menu with biometric toggle]

Using Biometric Login

Daily Login

1. Open the Balance app
2. You’ll see the biometric prompt:
   • iOS: “Log in with Face ID”
   • Android: “Place finger on sensor”
3. Authenticate:
   • Face ID: Look at your device
   • Touch ID: Place finger on sensor
   • Face Unlock: Look at camera
4. Access granted - You’re logged in!

That’s it! No password typing required.

Fallback to Password

If biometric authentication fails or is unavailable:

1. After a failed attempt, you’ll see “Cancel” or “Use Password”
2. Tap “Use Password”
3. Enter your Balance password
4. Log in normally

When you might need password:

• Biometric not recognized
• Device restarted recently
• Too many failed attempts
• Biometric temporarily disabled
• Gloves on (for fingerprint)
• Face obscured (for Face ID)

How Your Credentials Are Stored

Security Details

Your Balance credentials are stored using your device’s Secure Enclave or Keystore:

• Encrypted storage - Your password is encrypted before storing
• Biometric-protected - Only accessible with your biometric
• Device-only - Never leaves your device
• Hardware security - Uses device’s built-in security chip
• Balance never sees it - We don’t have access to stored credentials

What Gets Stored

• Encrypted refresh token - Lets Balance keep you logged in
• Not your password - Your actual password is never stored
• Device-specific - Each device stores its own credentials

What Doesn’t Get Stored

• ❌ Your biometric data (stays in device secure area)
• ❌ Your actual password in plain text
• ❌ Banking credentials
• ❌ Financial account information

Disabling Biometric Login

How to Turn It Off

1. Open Balance app
2. Log in (with biometric or password)
3. Open the side menu
4. Toggle “Login with Face ID/Fingerprint” to OFF
5. Confirm you want to disable
6. You’ll see a confirmation message

After disabling:

• Stored credentials are deleted from your device
• You’ll need to enter your password on next login
• Your Balance account and data remain unchanged

When to Disable

Consider disabling biometric login if:

• Selling your device - Remove credentials before transferring
• Sharing device temporarily - Prevent others from accessing
• Security concern - If you think someone else used your biometric
• Changing devices - Disable on old device before switching
• Privacy preference - You prefer manual password entry

Common Questions

Q: Is biometric login secure?
A: Yes! Biometric authentication is generally more secure than passwords. Your biometric data never leaves your device, and stored credentials are encrypted.

Q: Can someone use my fingerprint/face while I’m sleeping?
A: Modern biometric systems have liveness detection. Face ID requires attention and eyes open. However, for maximum security, you can disable biometric and use a password.

Q: What if I change my Face ID or fingerprint?
A: Biometric login should continue working. Your device manages the biometric data, not Balance. You may need to re-enable if you completely reset biometrics.

Q: Does biometric login work offline?
A: Yes! Initial authentication is done locally on your device. However, Balance needs internet to sync data after logging in.

Q: Can both my partner and I use biometric login on the same device?
A: Only one person’s credentials can be stored per device. If you share a device, the last person to enable biometric login will have theirs saved. Consider using separate devices.

Q: Will I ever need my password if I use biometric login?
A: Yes, occasionally:

• After app updates (sometimes)
• If biometric fails multiple times
• When logging in on a new device
• After changing your password
• If you disable and re-enable biometric

Q: Does this work on iPad or tablets?
A: Yes! As long as your iPad or Android tablet has biometric hardware (Touch ID, Face ID, fingerprint sensor).

Troubleshooting

Biometric Login Not Offered

Problem: Never saw prompt to enable biometric login

Solution:

1. Check device has biometric capability
2. Ensure biometric is enrolled in device settings
3. Update Balance app to latest version
4. Enable manually from settings menu
5. Restart app and try again

Biometric Authentication Fails

Problem: Face ID or fingerprint not recognized

Solution:

1. Clean sensors - Wipe camera or fingerprint sensor
2. Adjust position - Better angle for camera, full finger contact for sensor
3. Check device settings - Ensure biometric still enrolled
4. Re-train biometric - Delete and re-add in device settings
5. Use password - Tap “Use Password” to log in
6. Disable and re-enable - Toggle biometric off and on in Balance

“Biometric Login Unavailable”

Problem: Error message or grayed out toggle

Possible causes:

• No biometric enrolled - Add fingerprint/face in device settings
• Device not supported - Check supported devices list
• Security update needed - Update iOS/Android
• Biometric disabled - Check device security settings
• Balance outdated - Update Balance app

Solution:

1. Go to device Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Security)
2. Ensure biometric authentication is enabled
3. Enroll at least one fingerprint or face
4. Restart device
5. Open Balance and try again

Prompt Appears Every Time

Problem: Asked to enable biometric on every app launch

Solution:

1. Actually enable it by tapping “Enable” and completing authentication
2. Check device permissions for Balance app
3. Reinstall Balance app if problem persists
4. Contact support if still experiencing issue

Works on Some Apps But Not Balance

Problem: Biometric works elsewhere but not in Balance

Solution:

1. Check Balance has permission to use biometric:
   • iOS: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Balance
   • Android: Settings > Apps > Balance > Permissions
2. Grant permissions if needed
3. Restart Balance app
4. Try disabling and re-enabling in Balance settings

Disabled Accidentally

Problem: Biometric login turned off by mistake

Solution:

1. Open Balance app
2. Log in with password
3. Go to settings menu
4. Toggle biometric login back ON
5. Authenticate to confirm
6. Biometric login restored

Security Best Practices

Do’s

• ✅ Enable on your personal device - Best security
• ✅ Keep device OS updated - Security patches improve biometric security
• ✅ Use strong device passcode - Backup security if biometric fails
• ✅ Re-train biometrics occasionally - For better recognition
• ✅ Disable on lost devices remotely - Use Find My Device features

Don’ts

• ❌ Don’t share device - Others’ biometrics might be enrolled
• ❌ Don’t enroll others’ biometrics - Keep your device secure
• ❌ Don’t ignore failed authentications - Could indicate security issue
• ❌ Don’t forget your password - You’ll need it occasionally
• ❌ Don’t use on public devices - Security risk

Platform-Specific Tips

iOS Face ID

• Requires attention - You must be looking at the device
• Works with glasses - Usually no issues
• Works with masks - May require Apple Watch authentication
• Alternative appearance - Can add second face in settings
• Sunglasses - May not work with very dark sunglasses

iOS Touch ID

• Clean sensor regularly - For best recognition
• Multiple fingers - Can enroll up to 5 fingerprints
• Wet hands - Won’t work when sensor or finger is wet
• Position matters - Place finger flat on sensor
• Add alternate finger - Use different finger if one is often unavailable

Android Fingerprint

• Varies by device - Different sensor technologies
• Multiple prints - Usually 4-5 fingerprints supported
• Location varies - Back, front, or in-screen sensor
• Sensitivity - Some sensors more sensitive than others
• Update firmware - Check for sensor updates

Android Face Unlock

• Less secure than iOS Face ID on some devices
• May work with photo on older devices
• Lighting important - Needs sufficient light
• Consider fingerprint - Often more reliable on Android

Next Steps

Now that you’ve set up biometric login:

• Password Best Practices - Keep your account secure
• How Balance Keeps Data Safe - Our security measures
• Profile Settings - Manage your account
• Mobile App Guide - iOS and Android tips

Need help? Contact our support team - we’re here to assist!