How to Fingerprint Unlock Windows PC with Android

This guide shows you how to use your Android phone’s fingerprint sensor as a biometric unlock for your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. You’ll set up a Bluetooth connection between the devices and use a free app to turn your phone into a wireless fingerprint reader. This is handy if your PC lacks a built-in fingerprint scanner or Windows Hello-compatible hardware.

What You’ll Need

An Android phone with a working fingerprint sensor (most phones from 2016 onward).
A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with Bluetooth support (most laptops and many desktops have it).
The app Remote Fingerprint Unlock installed on both devices (free version available).
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for the initial setup (though Bluetooth is used for the actual unlock).

Step-by-Step

Install the app on both devices. Open the Microsoft Store on your PC and search for “Remote Fingerprint Unlock.” Install it. Then open the Google Play Store on your Android phone, search for the same app, and install it.
Pair your phone with your PC via Bluetooth. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth. Select your phone from the list. Confirm the pairing code on both devices.
Open the app on your PC. Launch Remote Fingerprint Unlock. You’ll see a window with a status indicator and a settings icon. Click the settings gear to open the configuration panel.
Open the app on your phone. Launch the same app on your Android device. Grant the requested permissions (Bluetooth, location, and notification access). The app needs these to detect your PC and show the unlock prompt.
Connect the two apps. In the PC app, note the device name (usually your PC’s name). In the phone app, tap “Scan for devices” or “Connect.” Select your PC from the list. The apps will establish a secure connection.
Test the connection. On your PC, lock the screen (Windows key + L). Your phone should vibrate or show a notification saying “Unlock PC?” Tap it, then place your finger on the phone’s fingerprint sensor. The PC should unlock instantly.
Adjust settings (optional). In the PC app, you can enable “Auto-unlock on proximity” so that the PC unlocks when your phone is nearby and you press the fingerprint sensor, without needing to lock first. You can also set a timeout for how long the connection stays active.

Common Mistakes

Bluetooth not paired before opening the app. The app relies on the system Bluetooth pairing. If you skip step 2, the apps won’t see each other.
Phone screen is off. The app needs to be running in the background. Make sure you haven’t force-stopped it or disabled its background activity in Android’s battery settings.
Using a different Wi-Fi network. While the actual unlock uses Bluetooth, the initial handshake may require both devices on the same network. If they’re on different networks, the connection may fail.
Windows Hello is disabled. The app uses Windows Hello’s biometric framework. Ensure Windows Hello is enabled in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options (even if you don’t have a built-in scanner).

Tips

Keep the app updated on both devices to avoid compatibility issues with new Windows or Android updates.
Set your phone’s screen timeout to a longer duration (e.g., 5 minutes) so the app stays active in the foreground when you’re at your desk.
Use a strong PIN or password as a fallback in case your phone dies or the Bluetooth connection drops.
Disable battery optimization for the app on your phone. Go to Settings > Apps > Remote Fingerprint Unlock > Battery > Unrestricted (or similar) to prevent Android from killing it in the background.
For security, only use this on your personal PC, not on a shared or work computer, as the phone becomes a physical key.

Troubleshooting

The phone doesn’t find the PC. Check that Bluetooth is on for both devices, and that they are paired. Restart both apps. If that fails, unpair and re-pair the Bluetooth devices.
The connection drops frequently. Move the phone closer to the PC (within 10 feet). Also, check for interference from other Bluetooth devices. Turning off Wi-Fi on the phone can sometimes stabilize the Bluetooth connection.
Fingerprint works but PC doesn’t unlock. Make sure Windows Hello is set up. Go to Settings > Accounts &em; Sign-in options and set up a PIN (Windows Hello requires a PIN as a base). Then test the fingerprint again.
The app on the PC shows “Not Connected.” Click the “Connect” button in the PC app, then on your phone, tap the PC’s name. If it still fails, check that your firewall isn’t blocking the app. Add an exception in Windows Defender Firewall for the app.
The phone doesn’t vibrate when you lock the PC. Check the notification settings on your phone. Make sure the app has notification permission. Also, ensure the app is running in the background (swipe it away from recent apps might kill it).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this secure?

Yes, the connection is encrypted and uses your phone’s fingerprint sensor, which is more secure than a simple password. However, anyone with your phone and your fingerprint could unlock your PC, so treat your phone like a physical key.

Does the phone need to be unlocked first?

No, the app works even when the phone’s screen is off. The app wakes up the sensor when it receives the unlock request from the PC.

Can I use this with a USB cable instead of Bluetooth?

No, the app is designed to work over Bluetooth. Using a USB cable would require a different app or method.

Will this work with a Windows 10 PC?

Yes, it works with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, as long as your PC supports Bluetooth and Windows Hello.

Does it work with any Android phone?

Most Android phones with a fingerprint sensor work. However, some manufacturers (like Samsung) have stricter background app policies, so you may need to adjust battery settings for the app.

Can I unlock multiple PCs with the same phone?

Yes, you can install the app on multiple PCs and pair your phone with each one. The phone app will show a list of available PCs to connect to.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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