Samsung fingerprint sensor not working? Here’s what to try

⚡ Fast fix

• Clean and dry your finger and screen. Moisture, lotion, or smudges can make fingerprint recognition less reliable.
• Check your screen protector. A thick or poorly fitted protector can interfere with the sensor.
• Re-register your fingerprint. A fresh scan can help if your Galaxy® suddenly struggles to recognize you.

---

When fingerprint unlock works, it’s so quick you barely think about it. When a Samsung Galaxy® suddenly starts rejecting the same finger it’s recognized hundreds of times, that quick tap can turn into tap, tap, PIN.

At Asurion, our experts have seen their share of phones that suddenly stop recognizing their owners. Before assuming the fingerprint sensor has failed, here’s what we’d try to get it reading your fingerprint reliably again.

Why is my Samsung fingerprint sensor not working?

If your Samsung finger sensor is not working, the issue might stem from:

• Dirty or broken sensor: Grime, moisture, and damage stop the sensor from recognizing your fingerprint.
• Improperly registered fingerprint: A tilted or uneven fingerprint can cause recognition issues.
• Screen protector interference: Thick films and tempered glass protectors can block sensors.
• Outdated software: Older OS versions may not work properly with the fingerprint sensor.
• Biometric settings: Using the fingerprint sensor with other settings like face recognition can cause conflicts.
• Screen replacement: A new screen may not have the same sensitivity as your old one.

How to fix a Samsung fingerprint sensor that's not working

If your fingerprint sensor is not working on Samsung, these troubleshooting options can help. Start with the first one and move through the list.

Clean and dry the fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint sensors see everything in their line of sight. That includes things that aren't your fingers, such as dirt, oil, and moisture. To remove grime, gently rub a dry microfiber cloth across the sensor area before trying to use it again.

Restart your Samsung phone

You've heard this one before, but that's because it's a genuine solution that often works. Shut your phone down and wait a few seconds before turning it on again. Restarting clears minor tech glitches that interfere with the software or biometrics.

Remove and re-register your fingerprints

The fingerprint sensor is super sensitive. If it detects even a minor difference in the fingerprint you saved and the one you're using, it won't work. That's why it's a good idea to save a few fingerprints, so Samsung has more data to use.

Start by removing the saved fingerprint. Take these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Lock screen and security > Fingerprint scanner > Edit.
3. Tap your fingerprint > Remove.

Next, create a new fingerprint. Add a few extras to increase recognition reliability.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Lock screen and AOD > Screen lock and biometrics.
3. Tap Fingerprints > Add fingerprint > Register.
4. Follow the prompts to save your fingerprint. Tap Add to create another fingerprint. You can save up to four different ones.

Check your screen protector and Touch Sensitivity

Using a thick screen protector (especially one with tempered glass) can cause fingerprint sensor issues. If you think the screen protector is the problem, turn on Touch Sensitivity. This feature boosts the responsiveness of the sensor. Take these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Display and turn on Touch Sensitivity.
3. Retry the sensor to see if it works.

Update your Samsung phone

Samsung occasionally releases updates that correct biometric and fingerprint recognition issues. Follow these steps to update your Samsung phone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Software update (on some models, the option is System updates).
3. Tap Check for system updates or Check for software updates. If an update is already available, tap Download and install.

---

FAQ

Why is my Samsung not recognizing my fingerprint?

A wet or dirty screen can cause recognition issues. Try wiping it off with a microfiber cloth before trying to use the fingerprint sensor screen again.

Can a screen protector stop a Samsung fingerprint sensor from working?

Yes, it can—especially if you're using a tempered glass protector or one that's broken or cracked. Turning on Touch Sensitivity can improve sensor recognition, so try that before replacing or removing the protector.

Why is my fingerprint sensor not working after a screen replacement?

Incorrect assembly or poor-quality parts can cause this to happen. It's worth checking in with a qualified technician if other troubleshooting fixes don't resolve the issue.

Can a Samsung fingerprint sensor be repaired?

If it's caused by something simple, such as a dirty screen or inaccurate fingerprints, you won't need to repair your sensor. Small tweaks can get your device working again. But if it's something bigger, such as a loose internal cable or broken sensor, you'll need a technician's help to repair it.