Fix: Fingerprint Sensor Not Working on Android

 Introduction 

Fingerprint sensors have become a staple in the Android smartphones offering the fast, secure access to your device and apps. But what happens when this crucial feature suddenly stops working on your phone?

Whether your phone is not recognizing fingerprints, the sensor is an unresponsive, or the fingerprint option is missing altogether, don't worry. This is problem is more common than you think, and it’s usually fixable without going to a service center.

In the guide, you’ll find the 15+ proven fixes for when your fingerprint sensor is not working on any Android phone Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Vivo, Oppo, Motorola, and more devices.

  

 Common Symptoms 

Before diving into the solutions, here are the most common issues users are report:

Fingerprint not recognized

Fingerprint option missing in the settings 

Sensor unresponsive or not detecting the touch 

Error message: “Fingerprint not recognized” or “Fingerprint hardware not available”

Can't add new fingerprints on phone

  

 Possible Causes of Fingerprint Issues

 

Cause are Description 

Dirty or oily sensor A smudged sensor cannot read fingerprints accurately

Software bug Updates can temporarily break in fingerprint functionality

Corrupted fingerprint data Stored fingerprints may become invalid

Hardware damage A damaged sensor won’t function at all

OS restrictions Custom ROMs or rooted phones may block fingerprint access

Moist or wet fingers Fingerprint scanner struggles to read it

 

 Fixes for Fingerprint Sensor Not Working on Android

Here are all the best ways to fix the issue based on the problem you're facing.

 

1. Clean the Fingerprint Sensor

Often overlooked, dust, oil, or moisture can block the sensor. 

Steps: 

Use a dry microfiber cloth to the wipe the sensor gently. 

Avoid using water and chemical cleaners. 

 Try again after this cleaning.

  

 2. Wash and Dry Your Fingers

Wet, greasy, or dirty fingers may result in failed recognition.

Wash and dry your hands completely. 

Avoid lotion or moisture before scanning.

  

 3. Restart Your Phone

A simple reboot can resolve software glitches affecting the fingerprint sensor.

Long-press power > Tap Restart

Wait for the phone to reboot and try again

  

 4. Delete and Re-Add the Fingerprints 

Corrupted fingerprint data can cause recognition failure. 

Steps: 

Go to Settings > Security > Fingerprint

Delete all saved fingerprints

Tap Add Fingerprint and re-register carefully

 Tip: Register the same finger 2–3 times for better accuracy.

 

 5. Update Your Phone’s Software

Bugs in the Android updates can temporarily disable biometric hardware. 

Steps: 

Go to Settings > System > Software Update 

Tap Check for updates and install the latest version

 

 6. Boot into Safe Mode 

Check the if a third-party app is interfering with the fingerprint sensor. 

Steps:

1. Press and hold the power button.

2. Tap and hold Power Off > Tap OK to enter Safe Mode. 

3. Test the fingerprint sensor. 

If it works in safe mode, an installed app is the culprit. Uninstall recently added apps.

 

 7. Check for the Hardware Damage

If your phone recently fell or got wet, the sensor might be the damaged. 

Signs of hardware issue: 

Sensor area is physically cracked 

No vibration or feedback on touch

Error: “Fingerprint hardware not available” 

In this case, you may need a professional repair.

  

 8. Calibrate Fingerprint Sensor (Advanced) 

Some phones allow fingerprint sensor calibration in the hidden settings. 

Try:

Dial *#0*# on the dialer (Samsung) > Tap Sensor > Check fingerprint. 

Or use Phone Doctor Plus or TestM app from the Play Store.

  

 9. Enable Fingerprint Unlock in the Settings 

Sometimes the fingerprint unlock feature may be disabled by a mistake. 

Steps: 

Go to in Settings > Security > Fingerprint

Ensure Screen Unlock via Fingerprint is enabled

 

 10. Disable Smart Lock Temporarily 

Smart Lock (face unlock, trusted location) may bypass fingerprint unlocking.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Security > Smart Lock 

Disable Trusted places, Trusted face, etc. 

Reboot your phone and test the fingerprint again

  

11. Wipe Cache Partition

If the recent updates caused the issue, wiping cache can help.

Steps (for most phones): 

1. Power off the device. 

2. Hold Power + Volume Up together.

3. Use volume keys to navigate to Wipe Cache Partition. 

4. Press Power to confirm. 

    This does not delete data, only cached files.

  

 12. Disable App Lock/Third-Party Security Apps 

Some third-party App Lockers or security apps can be interfere. 

Disable or uninstall these temporarily. 

Examples: Norton App Lock, Smart AppLock, etc.

  

13. Enable High Accuracy Mode (In-Display Sensors)

For in-display sensors, ensure brightness and accuracy settings are correct. 

Increase screen brightness 

Go to Settings > Fingerprint > Recognition Mode

Set to High Accuracy

 

14. Check Fingerprint Icon Visibility 

In the display sensors rely on icon visibility to show the correct position.

Make sure: 

Always-on Display is enabled

Fingerprint icon is shown when screen is off

  

15. Factory Reset (Last Resort) 

If nothing works, a full reset can fix system-level issues. 

Steps:

Backup data

Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase all data (factory reset)

 

 Tips for Better Fingerprint Accuracy 

Register the same finger multiple times

Avoid wet or dirty fingers

Hold the phone steadily during fingerprint registration 

Don’t press too hard or too lightly 

Keep your OS and apps updated

  

Alternatives If Fingerprint Still Doesn’t Work 

Until the issue is fixed, you can use:

Method How to Enable 

PIN or Pattern Settings > Security > Screen Lock

Face Unlock Settings > Security > Face Unlock

Smart Lock Trusted Devices or Location-based unlock

  

Compatible Android Brands and Fix Paths

 

Brand Unique Fix Tip

 

Samsung Use #0# hardware test

Xiaomi/Redmi Enable “Show fingerprint icon” in lock screen

OnePlus Use “High Accuracy Mode” under fingerprint settings

Realme/Vivo Disable Smart Assistant features that override lock screen

Motorola Use Safe Mode to detect app conflicts

  

 When to Visit a Service Center 

Visit a professional if: 

Sensor is physically damaged 

Phone is under warranty 

You see recurring errors like "Hardware not available"

No feedback or vibration on touch