How to Set Up Facial Recognition on the Galaxy Note 8

The iPhone X may offer Face ID, Apple’s take on facial recognition. But Samsung had the feature first with the Galaxy S8. Now the new security option appears on the Note 8, and while it’s not as secure as using a fingerprint, facial recognition is a super fast way to unlock your phone, since all you have to do is look at the device.

Credit: Tom's Guide

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Face recognition is just one of the security features Samsung offers with the Note 8. You can also unlock the phone with your fingerprint or use iris scanning. You will have to choose between iris scanning or facial recognition, though, as the Note 8 can't support both methods at once.

MORE: Galaxy Note 8: Features to Enable and Disable

Here’s how to set up facial recognition on the Galaxy Note 8.

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap on Lock Screen and Security.

3. Select Face Recognition.

4. Create a PIN.

5. Follow the instructions and move out of direct sunlight to make it easier for the Note 8’s camera to record your face. Tap Continue.

6. Get ready to hold your phone directly in front of your face and position it inside the circle.

7. Once your face has been scanned, turn on facial recognition as your preferred method to unlock your phone.

8. Customize your facial recognition settings so your phone unlocks automatically when you look at it. You can even toggle on a setting to speed up that process, but Samsung says there’s tradeoff: faster facial recognition leads to decreased security.

TOPICS

Caitlin is a Senior editor for Gizmodo. She has also worked on Tom's Guide, Macworld, PCWorld and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. When she's not testing out the latest devices, you can find her running around the streets of Los Angeles, putting in morning miles or searching for the best tacos.

Latest in Samsung Phones
Showing the front of a Galaxy S25 Ultra held in hand
One UI 7 will arrive late for US Samsung users — here’s when it’ll launch for you
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (L) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras
I took 200 macro photos with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro — here's the winner
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge back
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge price comes into focus with latest leak
Latest in How To
Woman changing bedding
How to get rid of bed bugs and dust mites from your bedding and pillows if a hot wash isn’t an option
How to delete TikTok
TikTok has rolled out a vital new security feature — here's how to use it
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
Your iPhone has a custom voice command feature — here's how to use it
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
You can change your iPhone's default browser — here's how
Shutterstock Sora image
5 must-try Sora prompts for creating incredible AI videos
Ninja Air Fryer
Air fryer dos and don'ts — 7 safety tips for everyday use