My Samsung smartphone is not recognising fingerprints. How do I fix it?
The fingerprint recognition performance of your Galaxy smartphone may be affected by various conditions such as the screen protector, wireless charging status, or the condition of your finger. If your fingerprint is not recognised, check the following before placing your finger on the sensor.
Note:
- When using Blue light filter, the filter may automatically turn off in situations that require fingerprint authentication to improve recognition accuracy.
- Available settings and menu names may vary depending on your device model, network provider, or software version.
Why fingerprint recognition may not work
The fingerprint sensor may not work properly due to fingerprint conditions or external factors around the device. Thick protective films or tempered glass may reduce fingerprint performance, so we recommend using genuine protective films.
Note:
- If a screen protector is applied, delete all previously registered fingerprints and register new ones again.
- Recognition accuracy may improve if you unlock your phone several times using a newly registered fingerprint, as the device learns the fingerprint better over time.
Case 1. When your finger is too dry
If your finger is excessively dry, the sensor may have difficulty recognising your fingerprint. Apply a small amount of hand cream and try again or press your finger more firmly on the sensor.
Case 2. When you remove your finger too quickly
If you lift your finger too quickly, the sensor may not have enough time to read your fingerprint. Try holding your finger on the sensor a little longer until the recognition is complete.
Case 3. When your finger is not placed correctly on the sensor
Incorrect placement may also cause failed recognition. Make sure your entire fingertip covers the fingerprint sensor area and try again.
Case 4. When the fingerprint does not match the stored data
If the shape or angle of your finger does not match the one registered on the device: Try adjusting the angle of your finger or deleting and registering a new fingerprint for better accuracy.
How to add multiple fingerprints
For reliable fingerprint recognition, register more than one finger in case one becomes injured or cannot be recognised. You can register up to four different fingerprints.
Step 1. Tap Settings and select Lock screen and AOD.
Step 2. Select Screen lock and biometrics.
Step 3. Select Fingerprints.
Step 4. Select Add fingerprint.
Step 5. Tap Register.
Step 6. Place your finger on the sensor several times.
Step 7. Tap Done.
Set up an alternative unlock method
If the fingerprint sensor malfunctions, it is recommended to set up an alternative screen lock (PIN, pattern, or password) instead of performing a factory reset. If your fingerprint sensor malfunctions, you can unlock your phone using a preset alternative security method.
Step 1. Tap Settings and select Lock screen and AOD.
Step 2. Select Screen lock and biometrics.
Step 3. Set up another way to unlock your phone, like a pattern, PIN, or face recognition.
Checking for issues with the screen protector
Make sure that the screen protector over the fingerprint sensor area is not scratched or damaged.
Check 1. Dust, dirt, or scratches on the screen protector may affect fingerprint recognition performance.
Check 2. Using a third-party screen protector that is not officially certified by Samsung may reduce fingerprint recognition accuracy, depending on its pattern (such as dots or grids), thickness, or material.
Note:
- If the screen protector becomes dirty or scratched, replace it with a new one. After replacement, it is recommended to re-register your fingerprints for better recognition.
- Ensure that your finger and the fingerprint sensor area, located near the bottom centre of the screen, are clean and dry.
- Some screen protectors—especially those that are thick, made of glass or silicone, or have textured surfaces—may prevent proper fingerprint registration or recognition.
- Samsung cannot guarantee compatibility with third-party products. The thickness and structure of a screen protector may affect the performance of the fingerprint sensor.
- The position of the fingerprint sensor may vary by device. The above issues apply only to sensors located under the display.
Are you currently using wireless charging?
Electromagnetic waves emitted during wireless charging may affect the fingerprint recognition performance of your device.
Note:
- Fingerprint recognition performance may decrease while the device is wirelessly charging.
- Make sure the device is not charging wirelessly and try again after stopping wireless charging.
Are you currently using One-handed mode or Smart View?
When using features such as One-handed mode or Smart View, which limit or change the screen ratio, the fingerprint sensor area may not be displayed correctly. As a result, fingerprint recognition may not work properly. Please turn off or exit these features and try again.
How to run Samsung Galaxy self-diagnosis (feature check)
If the issue persists after following the previous steps, try checking the "Fingerprint recognition" item using the Phone diagnostics feature in the Samsung Members app.
Diagnose your Galaxy phone with Samsung Members app
Phone diagnostics are available only on Galaxy devices with the Samsung Members app installed.
Note: Menu names, paths, and screen layouts may vary depending on your device model, software, or app version.
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