18 Ways Fix Fingerprint Not Working on Android or iPhone
Fingerprint Not Working on Android: Fingerprint recognition technology has become a common feature in modern smartphones, allowing users to unlock their devices quickly and conveniently without the need for passwords or patterns.
However, there are times when fingerprint sensors may malfunction, causing frustration and inconvenience for users. The issue of fingerprints not working on Android mobiles can arise due to several reasons, including software glitches, hardware damage, and improper settings configuration.
One of the primary reasons for fingerprint not working on Android mobiles is software glitches. In many cases, updates to the operating system or installed applications may cause compatibility issues, leading to fingerprint recognition problems.
Why Does the Mobile Fingerprint Not Work?
Another common reason for fingerprint not working on Android mobiles is hardware damage. A damaged or faulty fingerprint sensor can lead to recognition issues or complete failure. If the device has suffered physical damage, such as a cracked screen, it is possible that the fingerprint sensor has also been damaged. In such cases, the only solution may be to replace the sensor or have the device repaired.
Lastly, improper settings configuration can also cause fingerprint not working on Android mobiles. In some cases, users may have accidentally turned off fingerprint recognition or disabled the feature due to privacy concerns. Therefore, it is essential to check the device settings and ensure that the fingerprint recognition feature is enabled.
Overall, fingerprints not working on Android mobiles can be a frustrating issue for users. However, by following the above steps and properly troubleshooting the problem, it is usually possible to resolve the issue and get the device functioning properly again.
Reason of Not Working “Fingerprint Sensors on Smartphones/Android”
Fingerprint sensors on smartphones have become a popular way to unlock devices, provide secure authentication, and even make payments. However, users may encounter issues with the fingerprint sensor not working on their Android or iPhone device.
This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on this feature to access your phone and apps. In this article, we will explore 13 ways to fix fingerprint not working issues on Android and iPhone devices.
Clean the Fingerprint Sensor
- The first step to fixing fingerprint not working issues is to clean the fingerprint sensor. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the sensor and remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Do not use water or other liquids as it may damage the sensor.
Reboot Your Device
- If cleaning the fingerprint sensor does not work, the next step is to reboot your device. This can help reset the system and fix any software-related issues that may be causing the fingerprint not working problem.
Delete and Re-Add Your Fingerprint
- If rebooting your device does not work, try deleting and re-adding your fingerprint. This can help fix any issues with the stored fingerprint data. To delete and re-add your fingerprint, go to Settings > Security > Fingerprint on Android devices, and Settings > Touch ID & Passcode on iOS devices.
Remove Screen Protector or Case
- Screen protectors or cases may interfere with the fingerprint sensor’s ability to detect your fingerprint properly. Remove any screen protectors or cases and try using the fingerprint sensor again.
Update Your Device’s Software
- If your device’s software is outdated, it may cause issues with the fingerprint sensor. Update your device’s software to the latest version to fix any software-related issues.
Remove and Reinsert the SIM Card
- Removing and reinserting the SIM card can help fix any issues with the fingerprint sensor that may be caused by a faulty SIM card.
Clear Cache and Data of Fingerprint App
- Clearing the cache and data of the fingerprint app can help fix any software-related issues that may be causing the fingerprint not working problem. To clear the cache and data of the fingerprint app, go to Settings > Apps > Fingerprint on Android devices, and Settings > Touch ID & Passcode on iOS devices.
Reset Your Device’s Settings
- If none of the above methods work, try resetting your device’s settings to the default. This can help fix any software-related issues that may be causing the fingerprint not working problem. To reset your device’s settings, go to Settings > System > Reset options on Android devices, and Settings > General > Reset on iOS devices.
Safe Mode
- If you are still experiencing issues with the fingerprint sensor, try booting your device into safe mode. This can help identify any third-party apps that may be causing the fingerprint not working problem. To boot your device into safe mode, press and hold the power button, and then tap and hold the power off option until the safe mode prompt appears.
Disable Developer Options
- If you have enabled Developer Options on your device, it may cause issues with the fingerprint sensor. Try disabling Developer Options to fix any software-related issues that may be causing the fingerprint not working problem. To disable Developer Options, go to Settings > System > Developer options on Android devices.
- If none of the above methods work, try performing a factory reset on your device. This will erase all data on your device and restore it to its original settings. Before performing a factory reset, make sure to back up all important data on your device.
- Screen Protector: Some screen protectors can interfere with the performance of the fingerprint sensor. If you are using a screen protector, make sure it is compatible with the fingerprint sensor.
- Third-party Apps: Third-party apps can interfere with the performance of the fingerprint sensor. Try uninstalling any apps that you have installed recently and see if that resolves the issue.
- Battery Issues: If your device is low on battery, the fingerprint sensor may not work properly. Make sure your device is charged.
- System Updates: Sometimes system updates can cause fingerprint sensors to stop working. Try updating your device to the latest version of the operating system to see if that resolves the issue.
- User Error: Sometimes, the issue is not with the fingerprint sensor but with the user. Make sure you are placing your finger correctly on the sensor and that your finger is properly registered in the device.
- Hardware Damage: If your device has suffered physical damage, such as a drop or impact, the fingerprint sensor may be damaged as well.
- Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can try performing a factory reset on your device. This will erase all data and settings from your device and restore it to its original factory settings. This may resolve any software or hardware issues that are causing the fingerprint sensor to not work properly.
In summery“
if your fingerprint scanner is not working on your Android mobile device, there are several potential causes and solutions. First, try cleaning your device and your hands, as well as removing any protective covers or cases that may be interfering with the scanner.
You can also try removing and re-adding your fingerprints, as well as rebooting your device or resetting the fingerprint scanner. If these solutions do not work, you may need to update your device software or contact your device manufacturer for further assistance.
Finally, if all else fails, you can use an alternative method of authentication, such as a PIN or password, to unlock your device.
Q: Why is my fingerprint not working on my Android phone?
A: There can be various reasons why the fingerprint sensor is not working on your Android phone. It could be due to dirt or oil on the sensor, a damaged sensor, outdated software, or a faulty app.
Q: How can I fix the fingerprint sensor on my Android phone?
A: You can try cleaning the sensor with a soft cloth, removing and re-adding your fingerprint, updating your software, removing any screen protectors or cases that might be interfering with the sensor, or wiping the cache partition. If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact your phone’s manufacturer for further assistance.
Q: Can a software update fix a fingerprint sensor issue on my Android phone?
A: Yes, it is possible that a software update can fix issues with the fingerprint sensor on your Android phone. Make sure to keep your phone’s software up to date to ensure that any bug fixes or improvements are applied to your phone.
Q: What should I do if the fingerprint sensor on my Android phone is damaged?
A: If the fingerprint sensor on your Android phone is damaged, you may need to get it repaired or replaced. Contact your phone’s manufacturer or a reputable repair service for assistance.
Q: Is it possible to use an alternate method of authentication if the fingerprint sensor on my Android phone is not working?
A: Yes, you can use alternate methods of authentication, such as a PIN or pattern, if the fingerprint sensor on your Android phone is not working.
Make sure to set up these alternate methods in advance to ensure that you can still access your phone if the fingerprint sensor fails.