Protect Your App with Face ID, Touch ID, or Fingerprint

Your SemaQuote account holds valuable business information: client contact details, job history, pricing strategies, and financial records. If someone picks up your unlocked phone, all of that data is just a tap away.

Biometric lock solves this problem. With a quick face scan or fingerprint touch, you can add an extra layer of protection that keeps your business data secure, even if your phone ends up in the wrong hands.

This guide walks you through setting up and using biometric lock on your device.

What is Biometric Lock?

Biometric lock uses your device's built-in security hardware to verify that you are really you before opening the app. Think of it as a bouncer that checks your ID every time you want to enter.

Here is how it works on different devices:

• Face ID (iPhone X and newer, some iPads): The front camera scans your face
• Touch ID (older iPhones, some iPads): The home button reads your fingerprint
• Fingerprint (Android devices): A sensor on the back, side, or screen reads your fingerprint

When biometric lock is enabled, SemaQuote asks for verification each time you open the app. Only you, with your registered face or fingerprint, can get in.

Before You Begin

Biometric lock in SemaQuote relies on your device's biometric features. Before you can enable it in the app, you need to set up biometrics on your phone or tablet.

On iPhone and iPad:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on older devices).
3. Follow Apple's instructions to enroll your face or fingerprint.
4. Test it by locking and unlocking your phone.

On Android:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Look for Security, Biometrics, or Lock Screen (the exact location varies by manufacturer).
3. Enroll your fingerprint following your device's instructions.
4. Test it by locking and unlocking your phone.

Once biometrics work for your device's lock screen, you are ready to enable the feature in SemaQuote.

Enable Biometric Lock in SemaQuote

Here is how to turn on biometric protection:

1. Open the SemaQuote app.

2. Tap the Settings tab at the bottom of your screen.

3. Scroll down to the App section.

4. Find Biometric Lock (it has a shield icon next to it).

5. Tap the toggle to turn it on.

6. Your device will prompt you to verify using Face ID, Touch ID, or your fingerprint.

7. Complete the verification to activate the feature.

That is it. From now on, SemaQuote will ask for your face or fingerprint every time you open it.

What to Expect

Once biometric lock is active, here is how your daily experience changes:

Opening the App

When you tap the SemaQuote icon, a verification prompt appears before you see any content. Look at your phone (for Face ID) or touch the fingerprint sensor. If successful, the app opens normally. If not, you can try again.

Returning to the App

If you switch to another app and come back to SemaQuote, you may need to verify again, depending on how long you were away. This prevents someone from accessing your data if they pick up your phone while you are briefly distracted.

If Verification Fails

Forgot you were wearing sunglasses? Fingers wet from washing dishes? No worries. After a few failed attempts, your device will offer your passcode as a backup. This is the same passcode you use to unlock your phone.

Disable Biometric Lock

Changed your mind? You can turn off biometric protection at any time:

1. Open the SemaQuote app.

2. Verify with your face or fingerprint to enter.

3. Go to the Settings tab.

4. Find Biometric Lock in the App section.

5. Tap the toggle to turn it off.

6. Verify one more time to confirm.

The app will now open without asking for biometric verification.

When Biometric Verification Does Not Work

Life is not always ideal for biometrics. Here is what happens in common situations:

Face coverings: Face ID may struggle if you are wearing a mask, heavy sunglasses, or safety goggles. Your device will prompt you for your passcode instead.

Wet or dirty fingers: Fingerprint sensors do not work well with moisture, grease, or dirt on your hands. Dry your hands or enter your passcode.

Very dry skin: Extremely dry skin can also cause fingerprint recognition issues. A bit of hand lotion often helps.

Changed appearance: Got a major haircut or started wearing new glasses? Face ID should adapt over time, but you might see more passcode prompts at first while it relearns your features.

In all these cases, your device passcode serves as a reliable backup. You will never be locked out of your own data.

Multiple Fingerprints and Faces

Your device can store multiple biometrics:

Face ID: Stores one primary face by default. You can add an "Alternate Appearance" for situations like wearing glasses versus contacts.

Touch ID and Android fingerprint: Typically supports up to 5 fingerprints. You might register your thumb for one-handed access and your index finger for when you are holding your phone differently.

Important: Any biometric registered on your device will work for SemaQuote. If you have registered a family member's fingerprint on your phone (so they can unlock it in emergencies), they would also be able to open your SemaQuote app. Be thoughtful about whose biometrics you add to your device.

Your Privacy is Protected

A common concern is whether apps can access your actual biometric data. Here is the reassuring truth:

Your biometric data never leaves your device. SemaQuote does not collect, store, or have access to your face scan or fingerprint. The authentication happens entirely on your phone using a secure, isolated chip (Apple calls it the Secure Enclave; Android has similar technology).

The app only asks a question. When you try to open SemaQuote, the app asks your device: "Is this the authorized user?" Your device responds with a simple yes or no. The actual biometric comparison happens in secure hardware that even we cannot access.

Double protection. Between biometric lock on your phone and the security of your SemaQuote account (password-protected, encrypted servers), your business data is protected at every level.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Biometric lock option is grayed out

• Set up device biometrics first. You need to enroll a face or fingerprint on your device before SemaQuote can use it.
• Check app permissions. On iOS, go to Settings > SemaQuote and make sure Face ID or Touch ID is enabled. On Android, check Settings > Apps > SemaQuote > Permissions.

Verification keeps failing

• Clean your hardware. Wipe your fingerprint sensor or front camera with a soft, dry cloth.
• Re-enroll your biometrics. Sometimes starting fresh in your device settings resolves persistent issues.
• Check the lighting. Face ID works best in adequate light. Very dark rooms can cause problems.

The prompt does not appear

• Force quit and reopen. Close SemaQuote completely, then open it again.
• Restart your device. A reboot often resolves temporary glitches.
• Update the app. Make sure you have the latest version installed.

Forgot your device passcode

This is a device-level issue, not a SemaQuote issue. Follow Apple's or your Android manufacturer's instructions for resetting a forgotten passcode. Note that this process may erase your device data.

Is Biometric Lock Right for You?

Biometric lock adds security without slowing you down. Consider enabling it if:

• You work in public places where others might see or access your phone
• Friends, family, or coworkers sometimes borrow your device
• You handle sensitive client information that you need to protect
• You want quick access without typing your password every time

You might skip biometric lock if:

• You are the only person who ever touches your phone
• Your device's biometric hardware is unreliable
• The extra verification step feels unnecessary given how you use your phone

Most users find that the quick face scan or fingerprint touch becomes second nature within a day.

Strengthen Your Overall Security

Biometric lock is one piece of a strong security posture. Consider these additional measures:

• Use a strong device passcode. Avoid simple patterns like 1234 or your birthday. Your passcode is the backup when biometrics fail.
• Enable auto-lock. Set your phone to lock after 30 seconds to 1 minute of inactivity. This limits the window for unauthorized access.
• Keep your app updated. We regularly release security improvements. Stay current to benefit from the latest protections.
• Use a strong SemaQuote password. Even with biometric lock, your password protects your account when signing in on new devices.

Together, these practices create multiple layers of protection for your business data.

What's Next?

Now that your app is secured, explore more ways to protect and manage your business:

• Configure your company profile: Set up the information that appears on your quotes and invoices.
• Compare mobile and web features: Learn when to use each platform.
• Set up notifications: Stay informed without constantly checking the app.

Your business data deserves protection. Biometric lock delivers it with a single glance or touch.