Samsung Pass is the fingerprint and face recognition system built into Samsung phones — turning it off means your phone stops using your biometric data to unlock apps and websites.

Samsung Pass stores your fingerprints or face data locally on your phone and uses it to unlock apps, fill in passwords, and verify payments without typing them out. If you want to stop using it entirely, you can disable it in your phone's settings. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't delete your other security features — your PIN or pattern lock stays active.

You might disable Samsung Pass if you prefer typing passwords, don't trust storing biometric data on your device, or straightforward don't use the feature. Turning it off doesn't affect your phone's ability to unlock with a PIN, pattern, or password.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung Pass stores your fingerprint or face data on your phone to unlock apps and websites without typing passwords.
  • You can turn off Samsung Pass in Settings under Biometrics and Security, then select Samsung Pass and choose to disable it.
  • Disabling Samsung Pass does not delete your fingerprint or face data when ready — you must also remove those biometric methods separately if you want them gone.
  • Your phone's PIN, pattern, or password lock remains active even after you disable Samsung Pass.
  • Apps that relied on Samsung Pass for login will ask you to enter your password manually after you disable it.

How to disable Samsung Pass in settings

Open your phone's Settings app and scroll down to find Biometrics and Security (the exact name varies slightly by Samsung model and Android version, but it's always in the main settings menu). Tap it, then look for Samsung Pass in the list of security options.

Tap Samsung Pass, then tap the toggle or switch next to it to turn it off. Your phone will ask you to confirm by entering your PIN, pattern, or password — this is a security check to make sure someone else isn't disabling it without your permission. Enter your unlock method and confirm. Samsung Pass is now disabled.

If you don't see Samsung Pass in your Biometrics and Security menu, your phone either doesn't have it installed or it's already disabled. Some older Samsung models or phones sold in certain regions don't include Samsung Pass.

What happens to your biometric data when you disable Samsung Pass

Disabling Samsung Pass does not automatically delete your fingerprint or face data. Your phone keeps that information stored separately for other uses — like unlocking your phone itself or using other apps that support fingerprint or face recognition.

If you want to remove your fingerprint or face data entirely, you need to delete those biometric methods separately. Go back to Biometrics and Security, find Fingerprints or Face Recognition, and delete each one you've saved. This is a different step from disabling Samsung Pass.

What stops working when you disable Samsung Pass

Apps that use Samsung Pass for login — like your bank's app, email, or shopping apps — will no longer recognize your fingerprint or face. The next time you open one of these apps, it will ask you to enter your password manually instead. You'll need to type your password every time you log in, unless the app has its own fingerprint or face recognition built in (many do).

Websites you visit in Samsung Internet (Samsung's built-in browser) that use Samsung Pass for autofill will also stop working. You'll need to type usernames and passwords by hand or use your browser's built-in password manager instead.

Your phone's own unlock method — the fingerprint or face recognition you use to unlock your device — is separate from Samsung Pass and continues to work normally.

Re-enabling Samsung Pass if you change your mind

If you disable Samsung Pass and later want to turn it back on, go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Samsung Pass and toggle it back on. You'll need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password again to confirm.

Your stored fingerprint and face data will still be there (since disabling Samsung Pass doesn't delete it), so you won't need to scan your fingerprint or face again. Samsung Pass will start working with your apps when ready.

Why someone might disable Samsung Pass

Some people disable Samsung Pass because they don't like storing biometric data on their phone, even though it's encrypted and stored locally. Others find they rarely use the feature and prefer to manage passwords through a password manager instead. Some disable it for privacy reasons or because they use a different security system.

If you're concerned about security, know that Samsung Pass data stays on your phone and doesn't get sent to Samsung's servers. Disabling it is a choice about convenience, not a necessary security step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling Samsung Pass delete my fingerprints from my phone?

No. Disabling Samsung Pass turns off the feature but leaves your fingerprint and face data on your phone for other uses. To delete that data, you must separately remove your fingerprints and face recognition in the Biometrics and Security menu.

Will my phone still unlock with my fingerprint after I disable Samsung Pass?

Yes. Your phone's fingerprint unlock is separate from Samsung Pass. Disabling Samsung Pass only stops apps and websites from using your fingerprint — your phone itself still unlocks normally.

Can I disable Samsung Pass for just one app?

No. Samsung Pass is an all-or-nothing setting. When you disable it, it stops working for all apps. Individual apps may have their own fingerprint or face recognition settings you can turn off separately.

What if I forgot my PIN and disabled Samsung Pass — can I still unlock my apps?

You'll need your PIN to confirm the change when you disable Samsung Pass. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to reset your phone or contact Samsung support. Once Samsung Pass is disabled, apps will ask for passwords instead of biometric data.

Is Samsung Pass the same as Samsung Knox?

No. Samsung Knox is Samsung's overall security platform that protects your entire phone. Samsung Pass is one feature within that system. You can disable Samsung Pass without affecting Knox or your phone's other security features.