Best Tips to Fix Fingerprint Sensor Not Working

You reach for your phone to unlock it, but the finger sensor is not working. Sound familiar? A malfunctioning fingerprint scanner is a common tech headache. Many smartphone owners have experienced issues with their Android fingerprint sensors not working correctly.

But don’t despair; you can try several easy troubleshooting tips to get your fingerprint sensor working again. From updating your phone’s OS to re-registering your prints, this article will walk you through the top methods to try when your phone’s fingerprint reader stops functioning correctly. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be unlocking your phone with ease again.

Part 1: Why Does Your Fingerprint Sensor Not Working on Android?

There are a few common culprits behind an unresponsive fingerprint scanner on your Android device. Before you try more complex troubleshooting, consider these basic issues first:

Software glitch: An app or system update may have caused a bug that affects the fingerprint sensor. Rebooting your device or installing the latest updates can often resolve software-related issues.

Physical damage: Sometimes, the phone’s OLED screen gets cracked over the fingerprint region, or the scanner could get damaged; it will have trouble reading prints accurately. For this, inspect the sensor for any visible damage.

Unregistered fingerprints: This is a rare issue. Frequently, the sensor doesn’t recognize your print. This problem can arise when you haven’t properly scanned and registered your fingerprints. Re-registering your prints and trying again can solve the issue.

Dirt/debris: Built-up grime, oil, or water on the scanner’s surface can interfere with print reading. Gently clean the sensor area and retry.

Part 2: How to Fix Fingerprint Sensor Not Working on Android?

Don’t lose hope if basic troubleshooting hasn’t resolved your Android’s fingerprint scanner issues. You can take several additional steps to get your faulty reader working again.

• Method 1. Re-Enroll Fingerprints
• Method 2. Remove Sensor Contaminants
• Method 3. Install Software/Firmware Updates
• Method 4. Use Secondary Fingerprint Profile
• Method 5. Clear System Cache
• Method 6. Full Device Reset

Method 1. Re-Enroll Fingerprints

Delete your registered fingerprints and enrol in another one from the biometric settings menu. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to the phone’s settings > security section > Fingerprint unlock for this.

Step 2: Perform scans of multiple areas of each fingertip for optimal data samples.

Method 2. Remove Sensor Contaminants

Gently wipe the physical scanner surface with a microfiber cleaning cloth. This step will eliminate residual oils, sweat, or small particulate matter that could obstruct fingerprint reading. Avoid liquid cleansers as they can penetrate and disturb internal electronics.

Method 3. Install Software/Firmware Updates

Download and install the newest Android OS version or OEM device software updates. A software bug is usually the main culprit, and this step can provide improved fingerprint driver packages.

Step 1: Go to the phone’s settings and search “Software updates.”

Step 2: Update scanner firmware if prompted. Usually, updates resolve many sensor glitches.

Method 4. Use Secondary Fingerprint Profile

Experiment with recording and using another finger’s biometric profile if your primary fingerprint is not registering accurately. This process can determine if it’s an isolated finger issue. Repeat method 1 to enroll a new finger.

Method 5. Clear System Cache

Cache are the temporary data files which an app stores for proper functioning. However, clearing the cache will not impact the application’s performance but can solve specific issues. Thus, try clearing the system cache if the fingerprint sensor is malfunctioning.

Step 1: Turn off your smartphone and press the Power and Volume Up button to boot into Recovery mode.

Step 2: Use the volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select the Wipe Cache Partition.

Step 3: Reboot the device to finish the process.

Method 6. Full Device Reset

If the above troubleshooting methods are unsuccessful, perform a factory reset to wipe all data and restore the original device software operation.

Step 1: Go to Settings and tap on Backup and Reset.

Step 2: Tap on Factory Data Reset > Reset Device > and Erase Everything.

This step can eliminate any corrupted fingerprint data or software conflicts. However, your data can be lost during this process.

Part 3: Locked Out of Your Device as Fingerprint Sensor Not Working?

If your Android’s fingerprint scanner is not working anymore and you don’t have a backup unlock method – you might get locked out of your phone. However, don’t panic! Third-party software like FonesGo Android Unlocker can get you back in when the sensor refuses to recognize your finger.

FonesGo Android Unlocker is an easy-to-use lock screen removal tool. Here’s what this tool offers:

To use FonesGo Lock Screen Removal Tool, follow these steps:

1. Step 1 Download and install the FoneGo Android Unlocker app on a computer. Launch the software and select “Remove Screen Locks”.
2. Step 2 Connect the locked device to the computer via a USB cable and confirm your phone identity.
3. Step 3 Put your phone in recovery mode. Then follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
4. Step 4 Once done, the screen locks on your Android device will be removed completely.

Conclusion

A fingerprint sensor failure can be frustrating, but you can get your faulty biometric reader working again with targeted troubleshooting. Start by cleaning the scanner, updating software, or toggling sensor settings. For inaccessible devices, third-party unlocking software like FonesGo Android Unlocker provides a foolproof way past a stubborn scanner.

With various potential solutions mentioned in this guide, you can outsmart that unresponsive sensor and regain access to your phone.