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Troubleshoot fingerprint recognition issues on your Galaxy phone

The fingerprint sensor on your phone offers a convenient and secure unlocking method while protecting your private data. However, if you're experiencing difficulties with fingerprint recognition or registration, several factors must be considered.
Galaxy phone displaying a black screen with the fingerprint sensor lit up.
Galaxy phone displaying a black screen with the fingerprint sensor lit up.

Troubleshoot fingerprint recognition issues on your Galaxy phone

Checkpoint

Check for common issues with fingerprint recognition on phones
Check for common issues with fingerprint recognition on phones
Note
  • The registration method for the fingerprint sensor has been updated on devices running Android 16 with One UI 8 to a swipe-style system; ensure you gently swipe your finger across the sensor in various patterns and directions.
  • Fingerprints may not be recognized when you are charging your phone wirelessly.
  • If you are unable to unlock your phone screen and cannot utilize alternative unlock methods, refer to our separate troubleshooting guide to resolve PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, and face unlock problems.

 

1

Check if Fingerprint always on is enabled.

If the fingerprint is unintentionally released or a pop-up window about “Fingerprint recognition failed” appears, check if the ‘Fingerprint always on’ feature is enabled. This feature allows fingerprint scanning even when the screen is off, which can lead to unnecessary or incorrect scans.

To adjust this, go to Settings, and then tap Security and privacy. Tap Screen Lock and biometrics, and then tap Fingerprints. Tap Fingerprint Always On, and set it to ‘Off’ or as per your preference.

2

Make sure you are using a Samsung screen protector.

  • Some Galaxy phones come with a preinstalled screen protector that will work with the in-screen fingerprint sensor. If the in-screen fingerprint sensor isn't working, another screen protector may have 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.
3

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.
4

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.
5

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.

If the screen is damaged, please visit a Samsung walk-in service center or you can schedule a repair service online. 

6

Move to a cooler or warmer environment.

The sensor may not work well if the phone is in an extremely hot or cold environment.
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Reregister fingerprints on the phone
Reregister fingerprints on the phone
1

Remove stored fingerprints.

Navigate to and open Setting on the phone. Swipe to and tap Security and privacy, and then Biometrics. Tap Fingerprints, and then enter your Lock screen credentials, if prompted. Select one of the stored fingerprints you'd like to delete. Tap Remove, and then tap Remove again to confirm. Fingerprint Remove option in Biometric setting.
2

Reregister your fingerprints.

In the Fingerprints settings, tap Fingerprints or Add fingerprint., and follow the on-screen instructions to register a new fingerprint. 

Be sure to:

  • 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. On devices running Android 16 with One UI 8 or higher, ensure you gently swipe your finger across the sensor in various patterns and directions.
  • Cover the entire sensor when touching it.
  • Register more than one finger.
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Perform a factory data reset on your phone or tablet
Perform a factory data reset on your phone or tablet
Warning
You may need your Samsung account password or Lock screen password when resetting your phone or tablet. All your data will be erased. However, before resetting your device, you can use Smart Switch or a cloud account to back up your data onto an SD card or USB drive. If you have encrypted your SD card, it must be decrypted before resetting your device.
Note
Performing the steps in this guide can resolve issues with your Galaxy phone or tablet by restoring the device to its original settings. However, if the problem is caused by an app that will be fixed in a future update, a factory data reset isn't a permanent solution. You'll need to reinstall or update the app once the update is available to take advantage of the fix.
1

Prepare your phone or tablet for reset.

  • Make sure to back up your phone or tablet. All data and settings will be erased.

  • Write down the username and password for the account that you used to back up your data.

  • We recommend having your phone or tablet plugged into the wall charger during the reset process because it may take up to an hour.

  • If you have encrypted the SD Card inserted in to your phone or tablet, make sure to decrypt it before the reset. Navigate to Settings, search for and select SD, and then tap Decrypt SD card.

2

Perform the reset.

Navigate to Settings. Search for and select Factory data reset. Tap Factory data reset again, and then tap Reset. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset. You may need to enter your Samsung account password or Lock screen password. The phone or tablet will reboot.
3

Set up the device.

When the phone or tablet reboots, it will have its original factory settings. Now you will need to go through the initial setup to finish setting up the phone or tablet. The phone may require you to enter your Samsung or Google account information to complete the setup.
4

Test the device.

Before installing any apps, make sure that your phone or tablet is functioning normally.

If you are still encountering any issues, please visit a Samsung walk-in service center or you can schedule a repair service online.

Note
If you are still experiencing network service issues with calling, SMS or MMS messages, network signals, mobile data, or hotspots after resetting the device, you may need to contact your carrier.
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