Google debuted a native biometrics API with Android 10 that lets app developers provide biometric authentication options for their apps natively through the OS. This allows for apps to provide fingerprint and/or face unlock options, the latter which is especially useful for devices like the Pixel 4 line of phones. While some of the search giant"s services leverage this feature for authentication, it has not yet seen widespread adoption.
Now, OneDrive for Android is receiving an update (spotted by AndroidPolice) that enables the option for users to choose face unlock as the authentication method, in addition to using a pin or a fingerprint. Microsoft’s cloud storage service previously had the option to lock the app with either a fingerprint or a pin, and the addition of the face unlock feature will be a welcome addition to users of Google’s smartphones that do not come with a fingerprint scanner.
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To enable the feature, users can head to the ‘Me’ section in the bottom navigation > Settings > Passcode and turn on the ‘Use biometrics to authenticate’ option. Those who haven’t set up any form of authentication will first be prompted to set a Pin. Once set up, the authentication happens every time the app is opened or based on the passcode timeout, and users can then confirm the prompt or dismiss it to use the pin.
The update to the app should be rolling out to all users over time. You can head to the Play Store to check if there is an update manually.