Fingerprint Not Working Android (Issues & Solutions)

If you have an Android phone, you probably have a number of ways to unlock it. The most common way to unlock your Android phone or secure its apps is via a fingerprint verification scan. The fingerprint sensor scan is one of the most secure and quickest ways to unlock your phone or its contents. However, there are many who have a hard time getting through successfully and are looking for solutions on how to fix it. This guide will show you how to fix the “fingerprint not working Android” issue. If that doesn’t work, you can use a password to access your device and its files, etc. 

TIP –  Most use a fingerprint to secure their device, because remembering passwords is challenging. However, what happens if you can’t access your phone with a fingerprint? There should always be a backup. With FastestPass, you can create strong Android phone passwords and store them securely in the digital vault for auto-fill.  

Why is Fingerprint Not Working on Android?

There are a few reasons why your fingerprint is not working on your Android device/devices. These are as follows: 

1. Dirty Fingers

This is one of the most common reasons you can’t access your phone or apps with a fingerprint scan. Before you attempt to scan your finger or thumb, ensure that there is no dust, grease, or liquid on it. To unlock your Android phone, you need to keep your scanning finger clean. Wipe your hands clean and then run a scan again. 

2. Moisture or Dust Detection on Scanner

Just like you need to have clean hands to access your phone with a fingerprint, the same goes for your phone’s scanner. Take a clean cloth to wipe the glass on the scanner, and then try verifying your fingerprint on it. The camera lens will never detect the prints if there are any layers of dirt on it. 

3. Scarring, Cuts, or Skin Injuries on the Fingers

There are some who have jobs that involve manual labor. Over time, the fingertip tissues tear or wear off. When this occurs, the user will have difficulty scanning their fingerprints. Other than this, any kind of cuts, skin rips, etc. that affect the fingertip pattern, will result in the inability to sign in via fingerprint scans. 

4. Outdated Device Software

 Always check to see if your device is up to date. Updating your phones always smooths out the overall functioning of the apps, system, and features. Go to your Android system settings and check to see if there are any pending updates.  

5. No Fingerprint Hardware

If all the above don’t seem to be the issue of why Android fingerprint is not working, then it means your device doesn’t have the hardware for it. Contact your device’s customer support for further details. 

Fingerprint Sensor Not Working On Android – Troubleshooting Guide

Now that you know the common causes of why the fingerprint scan does not work on Android, here are some repairs you can do to fix the issue: 

• Clean the sensor: begin by thoroughly cleaning the fingerprint reader carefully. You can use a soft, lint-free cloth, such as microfiber. With this, no dirt or residue will block its operation.
• Restart the device: this is a basic repair, but it works most of the time. Give your Android phone a reboot to fix temporary software errors. Power off your device completely and then switch it on again. 
• Check software updates: Verify that the latest system software is installed. Open your device’s settings and check for any available updates.
• Re-enroll your fingerprint: go to your device’s security settings, delete your current stored fingerprints, and then re-add them by following the on-screen instructions.
• Use safe mode for Android: when you start your Android phone in safe mode, you can determine if an installed app is interfering. If the fingerprint scanner now works normally in safe mode, you should try deleting recently downloaded apps.
• Perform a factory reset: try factory resetting your phone as a final resort. This is only if the other solutions don’t work. However, before you begin, ensure that you have saved all important data. Once you factory reset, you will lose all data and get a completely new device. 

FAQs – Fingerprint Not Working Android

To Conclude

Have you gone through the “fingerprint not working Android” issue? You should know there is no reason to panic. This kind of issue is pretty common and is simple to fix. The guide above shows you the exact risks and how they can be fixed. Other than this, if you are resorting to a factory reset to re-access your phone, ensure you save all passwords and data in the FastestPass digital security vault.