I just got a Barnes & Noble Nook 9″ Tablet. It’s based on Android 13, so it can utilize face recognition. How can I get this set up on my new Nook so I don’t have to enter my PIN every time I pick it up?
Android does indeed have various biometric options for logging in to your device, whether your device is a tablet or a smartphone. The accuracy of these device sensors vary, but it’s fairly easy to set up and try for yourself. The B&N Nook 9″ Tablet is built atop a Lenovo Tab M9, so it’s running Android 13 and can enable biometrics for security through the front-facing camera.
I recommend that you set up multiple login options so that if one is flakey (for example, a fingerprint sensor but you’ve injured your finger and have a bandage blocking the fingertip!) you have alternatives. I have found face recognition on the Lenovo tablets to be rather hit or miss too, possibly due to having facial hair (more on that in a minute!) so being able to drop down to a PIN is helpful!
FINDING BIOMETRIC LOGIN OPTIONS IN SETTINGS
To start, launch the Settings application and search for “face“, as shown:
The emoji it shows next to “Facebook” and “FaceTime” as entry options is amusing; is that a judgment from the operating system? 🙂
The first entry, “Face Match”, is related to Google Assistant, the voice interaction system in Android, and not what you seek. Instead, choose the second match, “Face-recognition: Unlock and security“.
Lots to explore here if you’re unfamiliar with this area of Android; keeping it set correctly will help you keep your new Nook device safe and secure. Definitely turn on “Find My Device” so if you misplace your Nook you can find it by going to the Android Find My Device webpage.
For our purposes, however, tap on “Face-recognition“, as highlighted.
LET ANDROID SCAN YOUR FACE
The first thing you’ll see is a pretty lengthy disclaimer:
Hopefully you read all of that. I encourage you to also check the box adjacent to “Enable “Raise to wake” for a better experience using facial recognition.” because, well, it is a better experience!
Ready to proceed? Hair brushed, light illuminating your face and not your background? Standing against a neutral background like a wall? Tap “Continue“.
As you can see, the software seems to think that my facial hair covers my mouth. Annoying; I find that I have to scan my face 3+ times before it actually believes it’s a human face. Unsure what that means about its assessment of my appearance, but… hey, it’s just a machine, right? 😂
Hopefully your experience will be better, in which case you will quickly get to this screen:
If it fails you can easily try again until you get it to work, by the way. But here it’s done, so a tap on “Done” wraps up this process. You just have to make one more decision about how you want it to work once the tablet has recognized your face:
I recommend Direct unlock, but you can switch and see which works better for you. And that’s it. You’re all set up for facial recognition on your new Nook 9″ Tablet / Lenovo Tab M9. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: There are lots of ways to manage your Android devices and ensure the best possible experience. Learn more by checking out my extensive Android help area while you’re here!