A method in an electronic device comprising a processor, a touchscreen display arranged on the front of the device, a fingerprint sensor, and adjacent to the fingerprint sensor a plurality of proximity sensors distinct from both the touchscreen and the fingerprint sensor, a first of the proximity sensors being to one side of the fingerprint sensor, and a second of the proximity sensors being to another side of the fingerprint sensor, the method comprising: receiving (304, 404) signals at the processor of the electronic device from the plurality of proximity sensors, the signals including a signal from each of the first and second proximity sensors, the signals indicating the presence of an object; determining (306, 406) a swipe direction of the object based on the signals, using the processor; wherein the determining of the swipe direction of the object is with respect to the fingerprint sensor; determining (308, 410) whether the fingerprint sensor has authenticated the object; in the event that the fingerprint sensor is determined to have authenticated the object, performing an action (310, 408) on the electronic device in response to the authentication and the swipe direction, using the processor; wherein: the plurality of proximity sensors and the fingerprint sensor are positioned on the back of the electronic device or are positioned on a bezel area around the touchscreen display of the electronic device; the plurality of proximity sensors are each positioned to a different side of the fingerprint sensor; the object is a finger or a thumb; and the action is one of: opening an application, calling a phone number, sending a predetermined text message or email, taking a picture with a camera on the electronic device, or securely previewing notifications. receiving (304, 404) signals at the processor of the electronic device from the plurality of proximity sensors, the signals including a signal from each of the first and second proximity sensors, the signals indicating the presence of an object; determining (306, 406) a swipe direction of the object based on the signals, using the processor; wherein the determining of the swipe direction of the object is with respect to the fingerprint sensor; determining (308, 410) whether the fingerprint sensor has authenticated the object; in the event that the fingerprint sensor is determined to have authenticated the object, performing an action (310, 408) on the electronic device in response to the authentication and the swipe direction, using the processor; wherein: the plurality of proximity sensors and the fingerprint sensor are positioned on the back of the electronic device or are positioned on a bezel area around the touchscreen display of the electronic device; the plurality of proximity sensors are each positioned to a different side of the fingerprint sensor; the object is a finger or a thumb; and the action is one of: opening an application, calling a phone number, sending a predetermined text message or email, taking a picture with a camera on the electronic device, or securely previewing notifications. the plurality of proximity sensors and the fingerprint sensor are positioned on the back of the electronic device or are positioned on a bezel area around the touchscreen display of the electronic device; the plurality of proximity sensors are each positioned to a different side of the fingerprint sensor; the object is a finger or a thumb; and the action is one of: opening an application, calling a phone number, sending a predetermined text message or email, taking a picture with a camera on the electronic device, or securely previewing notifications.