You can log in to your system using a supported fingerprint scanner.
GNOME Documentation Project
gnome-doc-list@gnome.org
Paul W. Frields
stickster@gmail.com
Adam Matoušek
adamatousek@gmail.com 2012

# Log in with a fingerprint

If your system has a supported fingerprint scanner, you can record your fingerprint and use it to log in. You must have administrative privileges to perform these steps.

First, record a fingerprint the system can use to identify you.

If your finger is too dry, you may have difficulty registering your fingerprint. If this happens, moisten your finger slightly, dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth, and retry.

Click your name on the top bar, then click the picture next to your name to open the User Accounts window.

Unlock your account using the Unlock button in the top-right corner of the User Accounts tool.

Enter your password at the prompt.

Select the Disabled option next to Fingerprint Login.

Select an option for the fingerprint you want to register. You may choose your right index finger, your left index finger, or a different finger. Then select Forward.

Swipe the finger you selected three times at a moderate speed over your fingerprint reader. Each time the fingerprint reader recognizes your fingerprint properly, the corresponding picture of a hand will transform into a picture of a fingerprint with a check mark. After the third swipe, you will see the message Done!

Select Forward. You will see a confirmation message that your fingerprint was saved successfully. Select Close to finish.

Now check that your new fingerprint login works. If you register a fingerprint, you still have the option to log in with your password.

Save any open work, and then log out. Select your name in the upper right-hand corner and then select Log Out….

A confirmation message will appear. Select Log Out to confirm. The login screen appears.

At the login screen, select your user name from the list. The password entry form will appear.

Within 30 seconds, select the fingerprint button above and to the right of your name.

The fingerprint button is labeled with a picture of a hand. If the timer runs out, the button will disappear and you will only be permitted to log in with a password. If you want to try again, select the Cancel button and return to the previous step.

Swipe the finger you registered at a moderate speed over your fingerprint scanner. You will be logged in.

If you previously created a login keyring, it is secured by your password. To unlock it, enter your password.