Best Ways to Fix Fingerprint Scanner Not Working on Android Phones

Phones with fingerprint scanners have been around for a long time. From capacitive scanners on the back of phones to ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners, they've come a long way. It's safe and convenient to unlock your phone with your fingerprint. We've become so accustomed to it that when the fingerprint scanner stops working, it can be aggravating.

If you use an Android phone with a fingerprint scanner – regardless of whether it’s rear-mounted, side-mounted, or in-display, and it’s not working, there are a few solutions you can try to fix the problem. Here are a few ways to fix fingerprint scanners not working on Android phones.

1. UNREGISTER AND RE-REGISTER YOUR FINGERPRINTS

This is one of the simplest ways to get the fingerprint scanner to function, however it is time consuming. Re-registering your fingerprints may be the key to reviving your fingerprint scanner. Here's how to go about it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone and select Biometrics and Security. This option name might be different on various Android phones.

Step 2: Tap on the Fingerprints option.

Step 3: Enter your PIN to access your registered fingerprints.

Step 4: Select a registered fingerprint and tap on the Remove or Delete option. Repeat the process for all the registered fingerprints.

Step 5: Choose the Add fingerprint option and register all your fingerprints one at a time.

2. MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE DRY AND CLEAN

If your finger is damp or unclean, fingerprint scanners, both capacitive and optical, will not be able to read it. As a result, the fingerprint scanner is unable to identify it. Wipe your fingertips with a dry rag or tissue to keep them clean.

After that, use them to unlock your phone once more.

3. CLEAN THE FINGERPRINT SCANNER SURFACE

Apart from keeping your fingers clean, the fingerprint scanner must be clear of any dirt or filth. To clean the fingerprint scanner, use a microfiber cloth and gently rub it on the surface.

Wipe your phone's display with an Iso Propyl cleanser applied on a microfiber cloth if it has an in-display fingerprint scanner.

4. REMOVE SCREEN PROTECTOR FOR IN-DISPLAY FINGERPRINT SCANNERS

Optical and ultrasonic fingerprint scanners are the two major types of in-display fingerprint scanners. Optical scanners capture an image of your fingerprint by shining a light through the glass. This is how you unlock your phone. Screen protectors don't usually cause problems with these scanners.

Ultrasound scanners, on the other hand, use a sound wave reflected off your finger to unlock the phone. If the screen protector is too thick, it may cause problems with the scanner. Regardless of the sort of in-display fingerprint scanner on your phone, it's a good idea to remove the screen protector and scan your finger to make sure it's working.

For the optimum compatibility, it's preferable to use a screen protector made by the manufacturer of your smartphone.

5. ENABLE INCREASED TOUCH SENSITIVITY FOR IN-DISPLAY FINGERPRINT SCANNERS

If you wish to keep using your phone's screen protector, try raising the touch sensitivity of the display to make the in-display fingerprint scanner work. Unfortunately, not all Android phones have this feature. It's typically found on Samsung and Google Pixel phones. Check your device's Display settings to see if a comparable option is available.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone and navigate to the Display section.

Step 2: Scroll down and find the Touch Sensitivity option. Enable the toggle next to it.

6. ADD THE SAME FINGER TWICE

Some Android phones have a fingerprint scanner that’s not very fast or accurate. If that’s the case with your phone too, you can try adding the same fingerprint twice to improve the accuracy.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone and select Biometrics and Security. The name of this option may change depending on the phone you have but it’s generally something along the lines of Lockscreen and Security.

Step 2: Tap on the Fingerprints option.

Step 3: Enter your PIN to access your registered fingerprints.

Step 4: Choose the Add fingerprint option and register a particular finger.

Step 5: Return to the previous menu and add another fingerprint. Add the same finger as you did in the last step.

7. UPDATE YOUR PHONE TO THE LATEST SOFTWARE VERSION

Software controls all hardware components on your phone, including the fingerprint scanner. The fingerprint scanner's speed can be affected if something goes wrong with your phone's software or if there are flaws. Check for and install any available updates for your phone.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone and select the Software Update option.

Step 2: Wait for your phone to check and download any updates. If an update is available, tap on Install and wait till it’s done.

8. FACTORY RESET

Resetting your phone to factory settings is your last resort if none of the other options work. Before you begin, make a thorough backup of your Android phone because this will remove all of your data.

Step 1: Open the Setting app on your Android phone. Since the Reset option is present in different places on all phones, it’s best to use the search bar to locate it. Tap on it and type Reset.