How to troubleshoot fingerprint recognition issues on your Galaxy device

Screen protectors

• Dust, dirt, or scratches on the screen protector may affect fingerprint recognition performance.
• 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.
  
• Remove any screen protector or replace it with a thinner, compatible one. Continue to the next drop-down section in this guide to re-register your fingerprints after removing or replacing the protector.

Wireless charging interference

Electromagnetic waves emitted during wireless charging may affect the fingerprint recognition performance of your device.

1. Disconnect your device from the wireless charger.
2. Try using the fingerprint sensor again.

Finger conditions or improper sensor placement

Fingerprint recognition can be affected by the condition of your fingers or the placement on the sensor. To improve accuracy, wipe the fingerprint sensor, moisturize your fingers if they are too dry, and ensure your fingertip fully covers the sensor area while pressing firmly.

Case 1. When your finger is too dry

If your finger is excessively dry, the sensor may have difficulty recognizing your fingerprint. Apply a small amount of hand lotion 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.

Restart your device

A temporary system error may cause the fingerprint sensor to stop responding normally. Restart your device and check again.

1. Press and hold the side key and volume down key at the same time for more than 2 seconds.
   
2. Tap Restart.
   
3. If the Restart menu does not appear, press and hold the side key and volume down key at the same time for more than 7 seconds until the device restarts automatically.

Update your device software

Outdated software or apps may cause compatibility issues or abnormal behavior. Make sure your device software is updated to the latest version.

1. Open Settings, then tap Software Update.
2. Tap Check for updates.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. A confirmation will appear once the software is up to date.

Update apps from the Google Play Store

Outdated apps may cause screen issues or abnormal behavior due to compatibility problems. Check for app updates to help keep your device working properly.

1. Open the Google Play Store app, then select your Google account.
   
2. Tap Manage apps & device to check for available updates.
   
3. Tap Update all.
   

Check for physical damage

If the display was damaged by strong external impact, it may not function properly. Click here to learn more about the types of display damage on your Galaxy device.

Stop using the device immediately and visit a nearby Samsung service center to have the device inspected.

Check for liquid damage

If your Galaxy device supports water resistance and is exposed to dirty water or liquids such as soap water, oil, perfume, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, cosmetics, or alcohol-containing liquids, follow the steps below.

1. Rinse the device in clean water for 1 to 3 minutes to remove residue, salt, or foreign materials.
2. Wipe the device with a soft, clean cloth and dry it completely. 
   
   Do not connect a charger or accessories until the device is fully dry.
   

Register multiple fingerprints

For reliable fingerprint recognition, register more than one finger in case one becomes injured or cannot be recognized. You can register up to four different fingerprints.

1. Wipe the fingerprint sensor and your finger to remove dirt or moisture.
2. Open Settings, and then tap Lock screen and AOD.
   
3. Tap Screen lock and biometrics, and then enter your current PIN or pattern. 
4. Tap Fingerprints, and then tap Add fingerprint.
   
5. Tap Register, then place your finger on the sensor several times.
   
6. Tap Done to register your fingerprint.

Improve your fingerprint accuracy

Fingerprint recognition might not work well with a screen protector or if the sensor area shifts. To fix this, use the 'Improve accuracy' feature in Settings. Scan the same finger 10 times to boost performance. Make sure it's the same finger you originally registered!

1. Wipe the fingerprint sensor and your finger to remove dirt or moisture.
2. Open Settings, then tap Security and privacy.
3. Tap Screen lock and biometrics, and then enter your current PIN or pattern.
   
4. Tap Fingerprints, and then select a registered fingerprint.
   
5. Tap Improve accuracy, and then scan your finger 10 times. Make sure it's the same finger you used when you registered your fingerprint.
   

Increase the display touch sensitivity
 

If a screen protector or tempered glass is attached, try increasing the Touch sensitivity setting.

1. Open Settings, then tap Display.
2. Turn on Touch sensitivity.
   

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.

1. Open Settings, then tap Lock screen and AOD.
   
2. Turn on Screen lock and biometrics, and then enter your current PIN or pattern. 
3. Select another way to unlock your device, like a Pattern, PIN, or Face recognition.
   

Turn off 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.

Turn off One-handed mode

1. Open Settings, then tap Advanced features.
2. Tap One-handed mode, and then turn off the switch at the top of the screen to disable the feature.
   

Turn off Smart View

1. Using two fingers, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to fully expand the Quick settings panel.
2. Locate and tap the Smart View icon to stop casting and disconnect your device from your TV or smart Monitor.
   
3. If it doesn't disconnect immediately, tap the Smart View icon from the Quick settings panel, select the connected display name, and then tap Disconnect.

You can use the Samsung Members app to check the fingerprint recognition status.

1. Open the Samsung Members app.
2. Tap Diagnostics.
   
3. Tap Phone diagnostics.
   
4. Select Fingerprint recognition, and then place your finger on the fingerprint sensor.
   
   Note: Start the full diagnostics first, stop the test, and then select the item you want to test.
5. Once the test is complete, check the Fingerprint recognition results.