Empowering Biometric Testing on Android Emulators: Configuring the Fingerprint Sensor

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through configuring the fingerprint sensor within an Android emulator. This setup enables a range of testing scenarios directly on the virtual device.

Not all emulators support fingerprint simulation, and the availability of this feature depends on the version of the emulator and the system image you are using. Make sure you are using an emulator system image that includes support for fingerprint simulation.

Here are the key steps involved.

Configure the Fingerprint Sensor in your emulator using Pixel Imprint and the Fingerprint Profile with Touch Sensor Button from the Extended Controls.

Additional Consideration.

Remember that the emulator’s fingerprint sensor is simulated, potentially affecting authentication accuracy.

First, In Android Studio open the Android Virtual Device (AVD) Manager and start the emulator you want to configure.

Android Studio Device Manager screen

In your emulator go to the Settings app and search for Fingerprint or Pixel Imprint in the search bar. And then select the Pixel Imprint option.

Results showing the Pixel Imprint option

Select Pixel Imprint again to set up your virtual fingerprint.

Security screen with Pixel Imprint option

Now, select the best screen lock option for you. Between Pattern, PIN or Password.

Choose a Screen lock screen with Pixel Imprint + Pattern, Pixel Imprint + Pin and Pixel Imprint + Passwords options

Select the best Lock screen notification option for you. And press DONE.

Lock screen notifications options

Now the screen to set up fingerprint will appear. Press More and then I agree button to continue.

Set up Pixel Imprint Screen

And the following screen Touch the sensor will be displayed indicating that you need to press the sensor of your device.

Touch the sensor screen

But, we are using a virtual device so we cannot physically access that sensor so we must do the following:

While the emulator is running, click on the three dots (...) in the emulator control panel to open Extended Controls. In Extended Controls, select the Fingerprint option.

Extended controls, Fingerprint options Screen

In the Fingerprint settings, you should find an option for Fingerprint. Select an option or continue with the predefined “Finger 1” and press the Touch Sensor button.

Fingerprint settings with the Touch Sensor button

You will see that on your virtual device the animation is shown as if the fingerprint is completing, this means that the sensor is working. Press the Touch Sensor button several times to complete the setup on the virtual device.

Virtual device and Extended control with Fingerprint selected screen

When it is completed, press the DONE button and you can now use the sensor in any app on the virtual device.

Fingerprint added screen

By following these steps, you’ll successfully configure the fingerprint sensor in your Android emulator, empowering thorough testing of biometric functionality within your applications.

Keep in mind that the steps and options might vary slightly depending on the version of the Android Emulator and the system image you are using.

And that’s all, have fun testing your apps!