How to use your fingerprint or face to sign into the M&S Banking App

A simple guide to explain and set up biometric authentication

What is fingerprint and facial recognition?

You might have seen or heard us use the term 'biometric authentication' before but not be sure what it is. Biometric authentication is where you can use your fingerprint or facial recognition instead of your Digital M&S PASS to confirm you are who you say you are when signing into our app. Apple call facial recognition 'Face ID' and fingerprint recognition 'Touch ID' while Android use the term 'Android Biometrics' for both fingerprint and facial recognition.

Where do we use fingerprint and facial recognition?

In the M&S Banking App, you can use biometric authentication instead of your Digital PASS PIN to:

Sign into the M&S Banking App

Generate a security code for signing into Internet Banking

Verify online transactions

As an added layer of security, we will ask you to use fingerprint or facial recognition to reconfirm your identity before you complete some actions such as viewing your PIN in the app, changing your contact details or completing a balance transfer. Being able to use fingerprint and facial recognition to confirm your identity can be more convenient when completing these actions rather than having to remember and type in your Digital PASS PIN again.

You may still be asked for your Digital PASS PIN occasionally so it's important that you remember what it is in case we need to verify your identity without using biometric authentication.

Not yet registered for the M&S Banking App?

Why do we use fingerprint and facial recognition in our app?

Fingerprint and facial recognition can be safer and more convenient than using your Digital PASS PIN to sign into the app because:

  • You don't have to rely on remembering your Digital PASS PIN every time you sign in or complete actions in the app
  • Your fingerprint and facial features are incredibly difficult for someone else to replicate
  • Verifying your face or fingerprint is simple
  • It's quicker and more convenient than typing in your Digital PASS PIN

Is fingerprint and facial recognition safe?

By using your physical characteristics like your fingerprint or face, we can check that it is actually you who is trying to access your account. Your face and fingerprint are always with you and unique to you. While they can be similar, no two are exactly the same. If someone obtains your passcode, it could be remembered and used by another person but your fingerprint and face are incredibly difficult for someone else to reproduce and use.

Your fingerprint or facial data is never stored by M&S Bank or in the M&S Banking App. We recommend that you do not use fingerprint and facial recognition if you have the app set up on a shared device where other people have registered their fingerprint or face to the device. You must keep your device updated with the latest operating system that your device can support and keep your M&S Banking App updated to the most recent version.

How do I set up fingerprint and facial recognition?

Apple

If you have an Apple iPhone or tablet with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor or Face ID functionality enabled in your device's settings, you'll be prompted to enable Face ID or Touch ID when you first sign in to the app but you can enable Face ID or Touch ID at any time.

  1. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the 'Balances' screen
  2. Select 'Security', then 'Manage Security' from the menu
  3. Finally, tap the button to enable Face ID or Touch ID

Android

If you have an Android phone or tablet with biometric authentication functionality enabled in your device's settings, you'll be prompted to enable it when you first sign in to the app but you can enable biometric authentication at any time.

  1. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the 'Balances' screen
  2. Select 'Security', then 'Manage Security' from the menu
  3. Finally, tap the button to enable biometric authentication

How can I stop using fingerprint and facial recognition?

Apple

There are two ways to disable Face ID or Touch ID:

  • In our app, go to 'Manage Security' in the 'Security' section and then disable Face ID or Touch ID
  • Go to your device 'Settings' and then deselect Face ID or Touch ID for the M&S Banking App

Android

There are two ways to disable Android Biometrics:

  1. In our app, go to 'Manage Security' in the 'Security' section and then disable Android Biometrics
  2. Go to your device 'Settings' and then disable the Android Biometrics for the M&S Banking App

Helpful information

What do I do if my face or fingerprint hasn't been recognised?

You can still access our app by typing in your Digital M&S PASS PIN. If you have forgotten your Digital PASS PIN you can use our Mobile and Internet Banking Access Help Tool. You may also want to follow the advice specific for your device if you are having continued issues with biometric authentication.

Which devices use fingerprint and facial recognition?

iPhone X or above and iPad 5th generation or above support Face ID while iPhone 5s or above and iPad 5th generation or above support Touch ID. Android devices using Android 8.0 or above with a fingerprint or facial sensor can use biometric authentication.

Which devices is the M&S Banking App is compatible with?

Find out which devices our app can be used on

Why can't I log in to the mobile banking app with my fingerprint or face anymore?

If you change the biometric data stored on your device, or reset your Digital PASS PIN, you might need to set up your biometric authentication again when you next log in to the app. If you are having continued issues with using fingerprint and facial recognition you can try updating your operating system and downloading the latest version of our app.

How else does M&S Bank keep my account safe?

You can find out more about how we protect you on our online security page.

Forgotten your Digital PASS PIN?

Whether you've forgotten your sign in details or just can't remember your Digital PASS PIN, our handy Mobile and Internet Banking access help tool can help you get back online.

Use the tool If you've forgotten your details, you can reset them using our help tool

Have a question about our digital banking services?

Just ask our Virtual Assistant to see if it can help.

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