fprintd-enroll

register fingerprints for authentication

TLDR

Record the right index finger for whoever is logged in

$ fprintd-enroll

Record a different finger

$ fprintd-enroll --finger [left-thumb]

Record a print for another user, which needs root

$ sudo fprintd-enroll [username]

Name both the finger and the user

$ sudo fprintd-enroll --finger [right-middle-finger] [username]

See the finger names it will accept

$ fprintd-enroll --help

SYNOPSIS

fprintd-enroll [options] [username]

fprintd-enroll registers fingerprints into the fprintd database for biometric authentication. During enrollment, the user is prompted to scan their finger multiple times to build a reliable fingerprint template.The default finger is right-index-finger. Multiple fingers can be enrolled by running the command multiple times with different --finger values.Enrolled fingerprints can be used for PAM authentication, allowing fingerprint login, sudo verification, and other authentication contexts when properly configured.

PARAMETERS

-f, --finger FINGER

Specify which finger to enroll: left-thumb, left-index-finger, left-middle-finger, left-ring-finger, left-little-finger, right-thumb, right-index-finger, right-middle-finger, right-ring-finger, right-little-finger. Default: right-index-finger.

--help

Display help message.

INSTALL

sudo apt install fprintd

sudo dnf install fprintd

sudo pacman -S fprintd

sudo apk add fprintd

sudo zypper install fprintd

nix profile install nixpkgs#fprintd

CAVEATS

Enrollment quality depends on the fingerprint reader and skin condition. Dry or damaged skin may result in poor enrollment. Multiple scans are required for reliable templates. Root privileges may be needed to enroll fingerprints for other users.