The Samsung Galaxy flagship smartphones are pretty amazing. Not only do they have best in class build quality, processors, storage, and cameras, but they also have some of the best security you can find on a smartphone. If you own a Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, or Note 8, you might not know about a security feature that can unlock your phone by using your eyes. No eyes are alike, and Samsung developed an Iris Scanner that quickly scans your eyes to determine it’s you, and then it unlocks your phone for use. It’s simple. You don’t have to fiddle with the funky fingerprint reader or four digit pin code anymore.
Here’s how to setup your Iris Scanner on the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8.
- From the Home screen, swipe up or down from the center of the display to access the apps screen.
These instructions only apply to Standard mode and the default Home screen layout. - Navigate: Settings
> Lock screen and security. - From the Security section, tap Iris Scanner.
If presented, enter the current PIN, password, or pattern. - Do one of the following:
- For first time setup:
- Tap CONTINUE.
- If presented, select a lock screen option (e.g., Pattern, PIN, Password) then follow the steps to complete the process.
If necessary, refer to Set Up Screen Lock for assistance. - Review the disclaimer then tap OK to continue.
- Review the info then tap CONTINUE.
- While holding the phone 10-14 inches away, open your eyes wide and look at the screen.
Position your eyes within the circles shown on the screen until your irises have been registered.
If necessary, follow any additional instructions to complete the process. - Review the info then tap the right arrow icon > (lower right) to continue.
Repeat this step until all notifications are read. - If presented, tap the Notifications switch (upper-right) to turn on
or off
then tap DONE.
When on, tap any of the following to turn on or off:
- Hide content
- Notification icons only
- If presented, tap TURN ON.
- To remove irises:
- From the Manage irises section, tap Remove iris data.
- To confirm, tap REMOVE.

