Does Fingerprint Work on Privacy Screen Protectors?

From personalised passcodes to Face ID, modern smartphones come with a series of security measures that protect your private and sensitive data. Fingerprint readers are one key measure, which authenticate your identity and streamline the login process.

Another key protective accessory for phones is a screen protector, which provides a physical barrier against scratches and cracks. Many of these feature a privacy angle to prevent onlookers from reading any private information on your phone screen.

However, when used together, can a privacy screen protector affect the functionality of your fingerprint reader? Keep reading as we explore the answer to this question and explain why quality screen protectors are an essential accessory for all phones.

What is a Privacy Screen Protector?

Privacy screen protectors have two main purposes: one is to keep your phone display free from damage, and the other is to shield the content of the screen from those around you.

These tools work in the same way as a normal screen protector, featuring durable tempered glass to create an additional layer of cushioning between your phone screen and the ground. This absorbs any impact that comes as a result of dropping your phone, therefore preventing scratches and cracks.

However, they also feature a privacy filter called a micro louvre. This narrows the viewing angle of the screen so that anyone looking at your phone from the side or behind will see a dark display, rather than the content displayed.

Privacy screen protectors therefore protect your phone from prying eyes, keeping your sensitive banking, social media, work, and personal information safe. They also allow you to browse with freedom, which is great if you're trying to buy a gift when your loved one is nearby!

Will a Fingerprint Sensor Still Work with a Privacy Screen Protector?

As well as reducing the brightness of the display, some privacy screen protector models make it difficult to use your smartphone's key features. This includes the fingerprint scanner, a security measure that's used instead of a password to unlock your device.

Most fingerprint unlock sensors use capacitive touch, an electronic technology that takes high-resolution images from the subepidermal layers of skin on your finger. This technology then analyses the pattern and creates a map of your fingerprint, which includes small ridges and variations in pore structures that are too small for the human eye to see.

When you use the same finger for unlocking purposes, your phone will create a mathematical representation and compare it to the map to check that it's a match. In this case, your phone will automatically unlock – but if there's no match, you'll need to enter the password to gain access.

By adding an extra layer of protection, a privacy protector can create a barrier between your finger and the screen, making it difficult for the fingerprint reader to detect the unique variations in your skin.

So, to ensure that this security measure continues to work, always look for a screen protector that has a high level of touch sensitivity.

3 Benefits of Using Privacy Screen Protectors

By choosing a high-quality screen protector, you won't have to sacrifice any of your device's key security measures, including fingerprint unlock. This personalised unlock feature means that you can quickly and conveniently open your home screen, without worrying about someone else being able to access your private information.

Privacy screen protectors also offer a range of other benefits that enhance the safety and functionality of your phone, including the following:

1. Protects Sensitive Information

Today, smartphones are essential in every part of our lives, from staying in contact with family and friends to completing work and even banking. This means that most of us are using our phones to complete important tasks while on the go.

Although this allows us to make the most of every spare moment we're not at home, using phones in public can make you vulnerable to visual hacking. This is where unauthorised individuals access private information simply by looking at your phone screen.

Our phones contain a whole host of sensitive data, such as PIN codes, passwords, photos, text messages, emails, business and personal documents, and more. By narrowing the viewing angle, a privacy screen protector makes it harder for an onlooker to collect this information.

They therefore offer a solid defence against potential threats on public transport, in the workplace, or simply when walking through a crowded space.

2. Reduces Disturbances

Protecting sensitive information isn't the only reason you may want to keep your phone screen private.

As well as in public areas, a privacy screen protector can come in handy if you're trying to use your phone at night. This is particularly beneficial if the display light disturbs your partner or roommate, allowing you to enjoy watching videos or simply scrolling without any problems.

Some protectors also feature anti-glare coatings that allow you to see the screen in bright sunlight, while others reduce the amount of harmful blue light coming from the display to prevent eye strain.

3. Keeps Display Safe

As we've mentioned, like a normal screen protector, those with a privacy angle can also enhance the physical protection of your phone.

Durable materials such as tempered glass can prevent the display from cracking or shattering when the device is dropped by absorbing the impact from hard surfaces. It also prevents scratches, particularly if your phone is left in a purse or pocket with keys and cards.

Many screen protectors feature a hygienic anti-smudge coating that prevents oil and grease from infiltrating the screen which is especially ideal if you're regularly using the fingerprint scanner feature.

How to Choose the Best Privacy Screen Protectors

If you're buying a privacy screen protector for your phone, here are some other key features to look out for alongside touch compatibility:

• High-Quality Materials: Go for a tempered glass screen protector, which is more rigid and heavy-duty than plastic. This material also offers a higher level of impact and scratch resistance.
• Anti-Smudge: Coatings that protect against smudges and fingerprint marks not only keep your phone looking pristine, but also prevent bacteria from building up on the screen.
• Viewing Angle: A wide viewing angle means that your phone remains visible to those around you, while one that's too narrow can make it difficult for you to see the screen. The optimal angle for most people is therefore around 30 degrees.
• Protection: For quality shielding, choose a hard, durable, shatterproof screen protector that provides tough impact protection.

At Ghostek, our tempered glass screen protectors feature all of these key components, plus a handy applicator for easy glass installation. They also offer perfect touch sensitivity, so you'll never struggle to use the convenient fingerprint reader.

Check out our full screen protector collection for your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy today to enjoy everything from 9H hardness to a 28-degree privacy angle, guaranteeing complete protection for your device.