← Back to FAQ overview

Android & iOS

Unlocking with fingerprint/biometrics in the mobile apps – setup and limits

The free Password Depot apps for Android and iOS can unlock your database biometrically – on Android with your fingerprint, on iOS with Face ID or Touch ID. Biometrics do not replace the master password; they only speed up subsequent sign-ins: the basis always remains your database's master password.

Requirements and setup

  1. First set up biometric recognition in your device's operating system (fingerprint or Face ID/Touch ID in the device settings).

  2. Open your database once with the master password (and the key file, if used). On a new device or with a new database, this one-time password entry is always required before biometric unlocking can be used.

  3. After that, unlocking via biometrics is available in the app.

How unlocking works technically

  • Password Depot does not open your database directly with the password; instead, it derives a 256-bit key from the master password (and, optionally, a key file).

  • After a successful sign-in, the app stores this key in encrypted form in a private area protected by the operating system, which other apps cannot access.

  • For recognition, the app uses the operating system's biometric functions exclusively. Only when the system confirms the user does the app decrypt the stored key and use it to open the database.

  • If recognition fails, the stored key is discarded and you must enter the master password again.

  • The key never leaves your device, and your master password cannot be reconstructed from it.

Limits

  • The master password remains mandatory: Remember your master password even if you use biometrics exclusively – a reset or recovery by AceBIT is technically impossible. After a device change, the app first asks for the master password again; this is normal behavior.

  • Enterprise Server, as of version 19: Active Directory users sign in to the mobile apps with the Windows Domain Credentials authentication method. With this authentication method, biometric unlocking is currently not available; support is planned. Affected users enter their credentials at each sign-in for the time being.

Related topics:

Problem not solved?

Our support team is happy to help – report a bug, suggest an improvement, or schedule an appointment.

Contact support