Fix issues with your fingerprint sensor on your Pixel phone

If you have trouble with your fingerprint sensor, find your issue and try these suggestions.

Troubleshoot fingerprint sensor issues (Pixel 6 and later)

These suggestions apply to Fingerprint Unlock issues for the under-display fingerprint sensor on Pixel 6 and later Pixel phones (not including Pixel Fold).

To fix issues with your fingerprint sensor, try these tips:

  • Get the latest Android update. Find out how to check and update your Android version.
  • Make sure that you press and hold your finger firmly on the sensor until your phone unlocks.
  • Make sure that your display is clean and without dirt or smudges.
  • Check that you use the same finger that you used when you enrolled in Fingerprint Unlock. You can add up to four fingerprints.
  • If you have excessively dry fingers, moisturise and re-attempt to unlock your device.
  • If none of these steps solve your issue, you can delete your current fingerprint and re-enrol. Find out how to re-enrol your fingerprint.

If you use a screen protector

If your fingerprint won’t scan, it might be because of your screen protector. Make sure that you use a screen protector that is Made For Google-certified.

Use of a screen protector that isn't Made For Google-certified may interfere with the function or security of your phone's fingerprint sensor. Learn how to use screen protectors with Fingerprint Unlock on your Pixel phone.

If you added your fingerprint before you put on a screen protector or you recently updated your screen protector, you can try these steps to resolve your issue:

Re-enrol your fingerprint

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Security and privacy and then Device unlock and then Fingerprint and Face Unlock.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to enter your PIN.
  4. To delete your existing fingerprint, tap Delete Delete.
  5. To re-enrol, tap Add fingerprint and follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: If you still have issues with Fingerprint Unlock on your Pixel device, try to set up Face Unlock.

Troubleshoot side fingerprint sensor issues (Pixel Fold)

Your power button is unresponsive
Check 'Touch to unlock anytime' settings:
  1. Go to Settings and then Security and Privacy.
  2. Tap Device lock and then Face and Fingerprint Unlock.
  3. Tap Fingerprint Unlock.
  4. Turn Touch to unlock anytime on or off.
    • When “Touch to unlock anytime” is off, you can unlock your phone if you press the power button with an enrolled finger when the screen is off, or touch the power button with an enrolled finger when the screen is on. This setting prevents unintentional touches.
    • When “Touch to unlock anytime” is on, touch the power button with an enrolled finger anytime to unlock your phone. This setting can help you unlock your phone more easily.
Tip: If your power button is unresponsive, make sure that your Android version is up to date. Find out how to check and update your Android version.
Fingerprint sensor not recognising your fingerprint
  • Make sure your power button is clean. You can clean the sensor with alcohol wipes.
  • If you use a protective case on your Pixel Fold, re-enrol your fingerprint, and make sure you capture the pad, edges and tips of your fingerprint.
  • Check that you scanned the same finger you used when you enrolled in Fingerprint Unlock. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. Follow these steps to set up a fingerprint.

Tip: For the best experience, set up both Fingerprint unlock and Face unlock. Find out how to set up Face Unlock.

Troubleshoot other Fingerprint Unlock issues

If your fingerprint isn't accepted

If your fingerprint isn't accepted:

​After you get back into your phone, you can make your fingerprint more likely to be accepted:

Tip: For the best experience, set up both Fingerprint unlock and Face unlock. Find out how to set up Face Unlock.
Your phone is asleep

You can change your settings so that your display always shows the fingerprint sensor, even when it's asleep.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Display and then Lock screen.
  3. Turn on Always show time and info.
Tip: To improve access to the fingerprint sensor when your phone is asleep, you can also turn on Tap to check phone or Lift to check phone.
You're outdoors in bright sunlight
If your fingerprint won't scan in bright outdoor sunlight:
  1. Shade the sensor from direct light.
  2. Firmly press and hold your finger on the sensor.

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