Disable fingerprint unlock

1. Automate Community
2. Security

⚠️EDIT: This is now a standard android setting, at least on the latest Android running on pixel devices. Fingerprint settings now include toggles for screen or app unlock separately.

You can also "lockdown" the phone from the power menu now.

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A very simple flow with only one thing in mind: It makes sure you cannot open your phone with a fingerprint.

This will let you still use biometrics for apps (like password managers, banks, etc) without completely compromising your device security.

It does this by detecting when the device has been locked and then locking it again as a device admin, which disabled biometrics (like how when you restart the device you need a pin before you can start using fingerprint unlock). The documentation of the lock block describes this as well.

Warning: The "is locked?" block is set to "when changed". Do NOT set it to "immediately" unless you want to have to disable automate with adb.

Why is a fingerprint dangerous? Because while a pin or password is protected under the constitution (meaning police cannot force you to unlock your phone) your biometrics are not. Therefore if a police officer decides to search your phone and you have fingerprint or face unlock set, there is nothing protecting you from potential risks that follow.

Another reason is if you are sleeping or someone lifts your fingerprint they won't be able to unlock your phone.

In my opinion this should be a built-in setting for Android, but alas...

EDIT: They added it, at least on pixel phones. Still might be useful in some scenarios. I have it run from my other flow "Driving Mode enhanced" so that I don't need to remember to lockdown my phone every time.


Testing:
For Pixel 6a: works as intended, no issues found