How to Fix Mobile Fingerprint Sensor Not Working
Unlocking your mobile phones with the help of fingerprint sensors seems secure and convenient. However, situations can become frustrating when you find the fingerprint sensor not working. Be it a physical scanner or an on-screen fingerprint lock sensor, various factors can hinder its functionality. If you face issues with the fingerprint scanner, this guide will walk you through some easy solutions.
Let’s get your mobile fingerprint sensor back to working again.
1. Clean the Sensor
One of the most common reasons for a fingerprint sensor not working is dirt or grease build-up in the specific area. Not a secret anymore, fingerprint sensors work best on a clean surface. If your sensor is covered in grime or smudges then it will fail to recognise your fingerprint correctly.
- First, wipe the sensor with a soft cloth. Be gentle while wiping.
- If required, you can use a lightly dampened cloth to eradicate stubborn dirt.
- Dry out the sensor completely before you try again.
For on-screen fingerprint scanners, you should clean the entire display. Dirt on the display can interfere with fingerprint recognition and you experience the iPhone Home button not working.
2. Restart Your Phone
Sometimes, software glitches can make your device’s fingerprint sensor not respond. Since restarting can eliminate temporary glitches, you should try it when the fingerprint sensor not working.
- Simply, hold your phone’s power button down.
- Select the Restart option.
- After the reboot is completed, try the fingerprint lock.
See if the problem persists.
3. Register Your Fingerprint Again
Is your finger cut or injured? Over time, it’s common for your fingers to change due to wear and tear, skin conditions, or even dryness. According to Mobile Repair Dubai experts, the data stored for fingerprint sensors may require updating if there are the slightest changes with your finger.
So, here’s how you can reconfigure the fingerprint lock data:
- Navigate to your phone’s Settings and look for Fingerprint Settings.
- Next, delete all the existing fingerprint records.
- Then, tap on ‘Add new fingerprints’. Place your finger on the sensor multiple times to confirm a proper scan.
For the on-screen Samsung fingerprint sensor not working, try to adjust the angle of your finger placement. Thus, it should match the sensor’s detection area. For iPhones with Touch ID, you can follow similar steps and ‘Add a new fingerprint’, as shared by iPhone Service Dubai providers.
4. Check for Screen Protector Interference
On-screen fingerprint lock sensors are sensitive to the surface of the screen. Are you using a screen protector? Then, it might interfere with the sensor’s ability to read and identify your fingerprint properly.
- Remove the existing screen protector if it feels too thick or damaged.
- Also, you can replace the screen protector with a suitable one. If you need to use a screen protector, select one particularly designed for phones with an in-display fingerprint scanner.
Remember, some screen protectors built for non-fingerprint sensors might block the scanner’s effectiveness.
5. Update Your Phone’s Software
Outdated software can also lead to issues with fingerprint recognition. So, try updating the software if you still face the fingerprint sensor not working. Smartphone manufacturers regularly release updates to fix related bugs and improve sensor functionality.
Here’s the solution you should try for the Samsung fingerprint sensor not working:
- Begin with navigating to Settings.
- Then, head towards Software Update.
- See if there’s any update available for download and installation. Then, tap on Download and Install.
- After the update, check if your fingerprint sensor recognises registered fingers properly.
Keep your phone’s software up-to-date. This will ensure compatibility with hardware features, including the fingerprint lock.
6. Keep Your Fingers Dry and Clean
Not only the sensor itself but also moisture or dirt on your fingers can prevent the scanner from identifying your print. Such issues are quite common after washing your hands or in high-humidity environments.
- iPhone Service Dubai experts recommend always drying your hands before accessing the fingerprint sensor.
- Additionally, avoid using the sensor immediately after eating or handling anything oily.
It’s a good idea to clean your fingers before attempting a scan, especially if you have been outside. Otherwise, you can leave residue on the fingerprint sensor and it won’t work.
7. Re-enable the Fingerprint Feature
Sometimes, a simple reset of the fingerprint feature can cut the chase. If you still find the fingerprint sensor not working, you can tweak the fingerprint feature off and then on again.
However, this trick works for selected Android phones only.
- Go to Settings and make your way to Biometric settings.
- After that, turn off the Fingerprint unlock feature.
- Now, restart your device and toggle on the fingerprint feature again.
The above steps should reset the fingerprint settings. In addition, it should also clear any temporary software issues triggering the problem.
8. Enforce Safe Mode
Is your Samsung fingerprint sensor not working? Then, for your Android mobile, you can switch to Safe Mode. Safe Mode lets your phone run only essential apps. Now, this can help you identify whether a third-party app is the culprit in this case.
Remember, this solution won’t be fruitful when the iPhone Home button not working. Otherwise, you can try it for Android devices.
- Turn your phone off, first.
- Long-press the Power button till the brand logo appears. Release the button.
- After you see the logo, hold the Volume Down button until your device boots into Safe Mode.
Now, test your fingerprint sensor in Safe Mode. if it works flawlessly then some third-party app must be causing the disruption. Uninstall recently installed or added apps from your phone.
9. Look Out for Hardware Damage
If you have tried all the above methods and still the iPhone Home button not working then the the issue can be with the scanner itself. This is more likely to happen with physical sensors. However, it can occasionally impact the on-screen sensors, especially if there’s damage to the screen or sensor.
- Inspect the physical sensor or your iPhone’s Home button for any visible damage. For example, look for cracks, scratches, or any signs of physical harm.
- For on-screen fingerprint sensors, check if the display itself is damaged. Also, see if the screen has become unresponsive in other areas.
In case you suspect hardware damage, you should take it to a Mobile Repair Dubai shop. In case it’s an iOS device, contact an iPhone Service Dubai provider.
10. Reset Your Device
If everything fails, give your phone a last resort to bring its fingerprint sensor abilities back. Perform a factory reset which will erase data and settings on your phone. Hence, make sure you back up your files.
- For Androids, follow the path: Settings → System → Reset → Factory Data Reset.
- For iPhones, you opt for: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset.
Follow the on-screen prompts carefully to reset your device. Typically, a factory reset gets you rid of all software-related problems. Probably, they could be affecting the fingerprint lock.
In Conclusion…
Hopefully, the guide finds you the right solution when the fingerprint sensor not working. Despite applying the above-mentioned solutions, if your fingerprint scanner doesn’t work, consider seeking expert intervention. The sensor replacement or screen replacement from a reputed Mobile Repair Dubai shop should work.