What to do when your Samsung phone fails to recognize on-screen fingerprint

Samsung provides a facility to set up a screen lock, which helps to secure your Galaxy phone or tablet. Your private data is completely protected by a multi-layered security platform. Each time you turn on your device or wake up the screen, you’ll be asked to unlock your device, with your chosen passcode.

Samsung devices also support a fingerprint scanner along with passcodes, facial recognition, pin, a pattern screen lock which prevents others from accessing information saved on your device.

Samsung’s fingerprint sensor provides a convenient and secure way to unlock your phone and keeps your personal information safe. If you are having trouble using your fingerprint sensor there are a few things to consider.

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Check for common issues with fingerprint recognition on phones:

Step 1

Make sure you are using a Samsung screen protector.

• Some Galaxy phones come with a pre-installed screen protector that will work with the in-screen fingerprint sensor. If the in-screen fingerprint sensor isn’t working, it’s possible that another screen protector has been installed on top.
• An uncertified screen protector may interfere if it covers or touches the in-screen fingerprint sensors.
• If the screen protector was replaced with a non-Samsung-certified screen protector, you may need to register your fingerprints again.

Remove protective cases.

• If a phone case covers or touches the fingerprint sensor, or prevents your finger from touching it, it can interfere with the sensor’s operation.

Moisturize your hands.

• No matter where the fingerprint sensor is located, the sensor may not work if your fingers are too dry or chapped. It may be helpful to moisturize your hands with hand lotion. But keep in mind the touch screen and fingerprint sensor may not recognize overly wet fingers.

Inspect the screen and fingerprint sensor for scratches and dirt.

• Scratches or dirt may cause recognition issues with the fingerprint sensor.
• The phone may not recognize fingerprints that are affected by wrinkles or scars. Fingers that are particularly small or slim may also not be recognized.

Move to a cooler or warmer environment.

• The sensor may not work well if the phone is in an extremely hot or cold environment.

Step 2

Remove stored fingerprints.

• Navigate to Settings.
• Tap Biometrics and security.
• Then tap Fingerprints. Select one of the stored fingerprints you’d like to delete.
• Tap Remove, and then tap Remove again to confirm. Repeat these steps to delete any other saved fingerprints.

Reregister your fingerprints.

• While you are still in the Fingerprints settings, tap Add fingerprint. Follow the on-screen instructions to register a new fingerprint.

Follow these tips for registering fingerprints.

• Hold the phone naturally, the same way you normally hold it.
• If your phone asks you to touch the sensor multiple times, move your finger slightly each time.
• Cover the entire sensor when touching it.
• Register more than one finger.