Unlock Secure Authentication with Facial Recognition and Touch ID in Flutter
What is Biometric Authentication?
Biometric authentication is a cutting-edge security measure that uses unique biological traits, such as facial features, voice recognition, and fingerprints, to verify user identities. This advanced technology ensures that sensitive information remains secure, eliminating the risk of exposure through third-party servers.
Getting Started with Local Auth Plugin
To implement biometric authentication in Flutter, we’ll utilize the local_auth plugin, developed by the Flutter team. This powerful tool enables local, on-device authentication, providing an additional layer of security beyond traditional password credentials.
Project Setup and UI Building
Create a new Flutter project and add the local_auth plugin as a dependency. Our application will consist of two screens: the LoginScreen, where users will authenticate, and the PrivateScreen, accessible after successful authentication.
Local Auth Plugin Overview
The local_auth plugin offers three primary features:
- Check for Device Compatibility: Verify if the device hardware supports biometric authentication.
- List Supported Biometric Types: Retrieve a list of biometric types supported by the device, including facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris scanning.
- User Authentication: Authenticate users using biometrics or PIN, with optional parameters for customized settings.
Implementing Biometric Authentication
In our implementation, we’ll first check if the device supports biometric authentication, then limit users to biometric-only authentication. After successful authentication, we’ll grant access to the PrivateScreen.
Setting App Permissions
For Android, add the USE_FINGERPRINT permission to your AndroidManifest.xml file. For iOS, add a line to the Info.plist file to define the message requesting Face ID permission.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we’ve explored the world of biometric authentication and implemented it in a Flutter app using the local_auth plugin. With this advanced security measure, you can ensure the protection of sensitive information and provide a seamless user experience.