Your Samsung phone has a hidden fingerprint reader trick — try it now

How To
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Here’s how to use finger sensor gestures on Samsung phones

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 open on its home screen
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Knowing how to use finger sensor gestures on your Samsung phone will unlock an effortless way to access your notifications or Samsung wallet with a simple swipe of a digit.

This hidden Samsung feature is one that’s been part of many of the best Samsung phones for several years now, but it’s one that you may not have known about.

One caveat is that it only works on phones with a traditional fingerprint reader, such as those found on most mid-range Samsung phones, or even on the Z Fold 4 or Z Flip 4. So, this won’t work if your phone has an under-display fingerprint reader.

How to use finger sensor gestures on Samsung phones

1. Open the settings menu, then tap Advanced features.

(Image credit: Future)

2. Tap Motions and gestures then select Finger sensor gestures.

(Image credit: Future)

3. Tap the toggle by Open notification panel to activate this feature. Alternatively, tap the toggle by open Samsung Wallet to activate that instead.

(Image credit: Future)

You’re now good to go. To try it out, swipe your thumb or finger over your fingerprint sensor and prepare to be amazed as the notification shade or your Samsung Wallet appears before your very eyes.

Now you know how to use finger sensor gestures on your Samsung phone, take a look at our other Android guides, including how to check Android battery health and how to share files between Android and iPhone. Just got a new Android phone? You'll definitely want to learn how to transfer data from Android to Android, to make sure you move everything safely from your old device to your new one.

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Dale Fox
Dale Fox
Freelance Journalist

Dale Fox is a freelance journalist based in the UK. He's been a tech nerd ever since childhood, when he used the money from his first job as a paperboy to buy a subscription to GamesMaster magazine. Dale was previously a presenter and editor in China, where he also worked as a copywriter for OnePlus at its Shenzhen HQ.