If you see the error "The biometric flow either expired or wasn't allowed", Chrome may not be able to access your device's security features.
On Android, biometrics setup works through Chrome using your device's fingerprint or face unlock. For it to work, Chrome must have permission to use your device's security features. Use this guide to check and update your permissions.
Using an iPhone? How to fix biometric activation on your iPhone.
These options may look slightly different depending on your device or Android version.
Options to try
Use Google Chrome
Biometrics may not work in some browsers. Copy the activation link and open it in Chrome instead.
Update Chrome
An outdated version can cause the biometrics setup to fail. Open the Google Play Store, search for Chrome, and select Update if available.
Switch out of Incognito mode
Biometrics won't work in Incognito tabs. Open a standard tab and try again.
Check your screen lock
Biometrics won't work without a PIN, fingerprint, pattern, or password set up on your device. Open your device's Settings to add one.
Check biometric enrollment
- Go to your device's Settings.
- Find your biometrics or password management settings.
- Make sure at least one fingerprint or face unlock is enrolled.
If your fingerprint or face unlock doesn't seem to work, delete it, re-enroll, and then try setting up your biometrics again.
Check Chrome's app permissions
- Go to your device's Settings.
- Find Chrome in your app settings.
- Make sure the Camera permission is set to Allowed or Ask first (only needed if you use face unlock).
Check Chrome site permissions
Chrome may need permission to access certain page features when you're setting up your biometrics.
- Open Chrome on your Android device.
- Go back to the page where you were trying to set up biometrics.
- Select the three-dot menu next to the address bar, then select the info icon (ⓘ) or lock icon (🔒) to open site details.
- Under Permissions, make sure Camera is set to Allow or Ask first.
- This only applies if you use face unlock.
If you don't see either icon, select Settings > Site settings > Permissions instead.
Clear the authenticator
- Open Chrome and clear your authenticator data. You'll see a "Session cleared" confirmation. Close the tab.
- Then, log out of your session. You can close this tab too.
- Close Chrome fully (swipe it away from your recent apps).
- Reopen Chrome.
- Try setting up biometrics again using the original link.
Restart your device and clear Chrome's cache
This clears your Chrome browsing history, cookies, and cached data.
- Restart your device fully (power off, then back on).
- In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data.
- Select Cached images and files and Cookies and site data, then select Delete data.
- Try setting up biometrics again.
Need help?
If setting up your biometrics continues to fail after trying these options, use your passcode to confirm instead.
If the issue affects multiple users on your account, submit a support request so the support team can investigate.