Deactivating biometric authentication on Android devices involves disabling the use of fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scanning for unlocking the device, authorizing payments, or verifying identity within apps. For instance, a user might choose to disable fingerprint unlock to rely solely on a PIN or password for device security.
Disabling biometric security features enhances privacy by preventing unauthorized access based on physical characteristics. It is particularly relevant in situations where device security is paramount, or when concerns about coerced biometric authentication arise. Historically, reliance on passwords and PINs was the primary method of security, with biometric methods offering a convenience layer that can now be bypassed if needed.