SecurityBiometric Unlock

Biometric Unlock

How to enable Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint unlock for the Forbidden Finance app, and how it differs from login authentication.

Overview

Biometric unlock lets you return to the Forbidden Finance app using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device's fingerprint sensor instead of re-entering your password. It activates when you switch back to the app after it has been in the background, preventing someone from picking up your phone and seeing your financial data.

Biometric unlock is a convenience feature that adds a layer of protection on top of your existing login. It is not a replacement for your password, passkey, or MFA -- those are required when you log in from scratch, switch devices, or after a session expires.

How to Enable Biometric Unlock

Open Security Settings

Go to Settings > Security > Biometric Unlock in the Forbidden Finance app.

Toggle biometric unlock on

Enable the Biometric Unlock toggle. Your device immediately prompts you to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint to confirm.

Confirm the biometric prompt

Complete the biometric verification. Biometric unlock is now active.

When Biometric Unlock Triggers

Biometric unlock activates in these situations:

ScenarioBiometric Prompt?
The app is in the background for longer than your Lock again after delayYes
You lock your phone and come back to the app past that delayYes
You switch away briefly -- under the delay -- and come backNo
You are actively using the appNo
Your session expires (30-minute inactivity or 8-hour cap)No -- full login required
You log out manuallyNo -- full login required
You open the app on a new deviceNo -- full login required

When you unlock, you land back on the exact screen you were on -- three levels deep in settings, a transaction you were reading, wherever you left off. The lock protects your data; it does not cost you your place.

Choose When It Re-Locks

By default the app locks again after it has been in the background for 1 minute. You can change that under the biometric unlock toggle:

Open Security Settings

Go to Settings > Security and find Lock again after, shown under the app-lock toggle while it is on.

Pick a delay

Choose Immediately, After 1 minute, After 5 minutes, or After 15 minutes. Immediately re-locks on any trip to the background, however short.

Confirm with biometrics

Changing the delay asks for Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint, or your device passcode first -- in both directions, so nobody who picks up your unlocked phone can quietly widen the window.

A longer delay is for real life: fetching a code from your authenticator app, approving a bank redirect, or answering a message routinely takes more than a minute. Pick the shortest delay that does not fight the way you actually use your phone.

Supported Platforms

PlatformBiometric Method
iPhoneFace ID or Touch ID
AndroidFingerprint sensor or face recognition
iPadFace ID or Touch ID
Web (desktop)Not available -- use a passkey for quick re-authentication

How to Disable Biometric Unlock

Open Security Settings

Go to Settings > Security > Biometric Unlock.

Toggle biometric unlock off

Disable the toggle. You may be prompted to authenticate one final time to confirm the change.

Tips

Enable biometric unlock if you check Forbidden Finance throughout the day. It eliminates the friction of re-entering your password every time you switch back to the app.
Biometric unlock works alongside privacy mode. Even with biometric unlock enabled, you can use privacy mode to hide amounts on the dashboard for extra discretion in public.
Biometric unlock relies on your device's biometric security. If someone else's face or fingerprint is enrolled on your device, they can also unlock the app. Review your device's biometric settings to make sure only your biometrics are registered.
If your device does not have biometric hardware, this option does not appear in your settings. Use a passkey or authenticator app instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is biometric unlock the same as a passkey?

No. They are different features. A passkey is a login credential that replaces or supplements your password for signing into your account. Biometric unlock is a convenience lock that protects the app when you resume it after switching away. Both use your device's biometrics (Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint), but they serve different purposes. You can and should use both.

Does biometric unlock work if my session expires?

No. When your session expires (after 30 minutes of inactivity or 8 hours total), you need to log in again with your password, passkey, or MFA. Biometric unlock only applies within an active session.

Can I use biometric unlock on the web?

No. Biometric unlock is available only on iOS and Android. On the web, use a passkey for quick sign-in, and consider enabling the "Remember me" option to keep your email pre-filled.

What if biometric unlock stops working?

First, check that your device's biometric settings still have your face or fingerprint enrolled. If they do, try toggling biometric unlock off and on again in Forbidden Finance settings. If the issue persists, see the Login Problems guide.

Does enabling biometric unlock make my account less secure?

No. Biometric unlock adds a layer of protection for app resumption. It does not weaken your password, passkey, or MFA. Without biometric unlock, anyone who picks up your phone while the app is in the foreground can see your data. With it enabled, they would need your face, fingerprint, or device PIN.

Passkeys

Set up a passkey for secure, passwordless login.

Privacy Mode

Hide monetary amounts on the dashboard.

Session Management

Understand session timeouts and device management.

Security Overview

See all security features at a glance.

Need more help? Contact us at [email protected].

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