Top Flutter Biometric and Local Authentication packages

Last updated: May 18, 2026

There are many ways to authenticate a user's identity locally on a mobile device without requiring a network request. While the most common fallback method is through local authentication using a device PIN, Pattern, or Passcode, Biometric Authentication provides a vastly superior user experience.

Biometric authentication is a type of security that uses a person's physical characteristics—such as their fingerprint or facial structure (Face ID/Iris)—to verify their identity. Because it relies on hardware-level security enclaves within modern smartphones, it is significantly more secure and frictionless than traditional passwords.

Best Practices for Local & Biometric Auth

When implementing biometrics in Flutter, the industry standard package is local_auth, maintained by the official Flutter team. Keep these best practices in mind: - Layered Security: Biometric authentication verifies local device presence, not identity with a backend. For sensitive apps, it must be combined with secure token storage (e.g., flutter_secure_storage) and server-side authorization. - Graceful Fallbacks: The OS handles the biometric hardware. Always provide a fallback method (like a PIN) because users may be locked out due to failed attempts, wearing gloves/masks, or hardware limitations. - Android Configuration: Ensure your Android MainActivity extends FlutterFragmentActivity instead of FlutterActivity to support the biometric prompt overlay. - Sticky Authentication: When configuring options, use stickyAuth: true so the authentication process doesn't fail if the app goes into the background momentarily (e.g., due to an incoming call).

The complete list of Biometric Authentication (Fingerprint, Face ID, Iris) and Local Authentication (PIN, Pattern, Passcode) Flutter packages is provided below.