The fingerprint sensor is one of the most useful features on modern Android phones. It lets you unlock your device quickly, secure apps, and authorize payments without typing a PIN or password. But when the fingerprint sensor suddenly stops working, doesn’t recognize your finger, or disappears from the settings, it becomes very frustrating.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn all the possible reasons why the fingerprint sensor stops working on Android phones and step-by-step methods to fix it. These solutions work for devices with physical fingerprint readers (rear-mounted, side-mounted, front-mounted) and in-display fingerprint sensors.
Common Signs of Fingerprint Sensor Problems
Your phone’s fingerprint sensor may be having issues if:
- The sensor doesn’t respond when you touch it.
- You see a message like “Fingerprint sensor not available” or “Fingerprint hardware not found.”
- Fingerprint unlock option is greyed out in Settings.
- The phone says “Too many attempts” even when your finger is correct.
- The fingerprint animation appears but does not unlock.
- You cannot add a new fingerprint; it fails during registration.
These symptoms can be caused by software bugs, dirt or moisture, damaged hardware, or incorrect settings. Let’s go through all the fixes one by one.
Fix 1: Clean the Fingerprint Sensor and Your Finger
This may sound too simple, but dirt, oil, lotion, sweat, or dust on your finger or sensor is one of the most common reasons for failed fingerprint recognition.
Steps:
- Wipe the fingerprint sensor gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- If it’s a physical sensor, make sure there is no visible dirt or scratches.
- Wash and dry your hands if they are sweaty or oily.
- Try another finger that is cleaner and not injured.
After cleaning, try unlocking your phone again using the fingerprint.
Fix 2: Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can fix many temporary glitches in the fingerprint system, especially after an app crash or a minor software bug.
- Hold the Power button.
- Tap Restart (or Power off → then turn it back on).
After the reboot, try using the fingerprint sensor again. If it works now, the issue was just a temporary software problem.
Fix 3: Remove and Re-add Your Fingerprints
Sometimes, the fingerprint data saved in your phone becomes corrupted or no longer matches your finger accurately (for example, if your fingerprint changed slightly or you injured your finger).
To remove and re-add fingerprints:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Security, Biometrics, or Lock Screen & Security (name varies by brand).
- Tap Fingerprint or Fingerprint Scanner.
- Delete all saved fingerprints.
- Tap Add fingerprint and follow the instructions.
While adding a new fingerprint:
- Place your finger firmly but not too hard.
- Lift and place your finger as the phone asks.
- Adjust the angle so the sensor captures all sides of your finger.
After re-adding fingerprints, lock your phone and test unlocking it again.
Fix 4: Check If Fingerprint Unlock Is Enabled
In some cases, fingerprint unlock may be disabled in the settings after a software update or security policy change.
Check this setting:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Security or Biometrics.
- Tap Fingerprint Unlock or similar.
- Make sure Unlock with fingerprint or Screen unlock by fingerprint is turned ON.
If the fingerprint option is greyed out or not available at all, it might be a deeper issue. Continue with the next fixes.
Fix 5: Disable Screen Protector or Thick Case (In-Display Sensors)
If your phone has an in-display fingerprint sensor (under the screen), a poor quality or thick screen protector can interfere with its ability to read your fingerprint.
Try this:
- Remove the screen protector temporarily.
- Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth.
- Register a new fingerprint without the protector.
- Test the fingerprint unlock several times.
If it works normally without the screen protector, replace it with a thinner or high-quality one that supports in-display sensors.
Fix 6: Turn Off Battery Saver or Power Saving Modes
Some phones limit fingerprint scanning and background biometric services when battery saving mode is turned on. This can cause the sensor to respond slowly or not at all.
To disable battery saver:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery or Power.
- Turn OFF Battery Saver or Power Saving Mode.
After disabling power saving, test the fingerprint sensor again.
Fix 7: Update Your Phone’s Software
Sometimes, the fingerprint sensor stops working after a system update or security patch due to a bug. Manufacturers often release additional updates to fix these types of issues.
To update your phone:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to Software Update or System Update.
- Tap Check for updates.
- Download and install any available update.
Once updated, restart your phone and check the fingerprint functionality again.
Fix 8: Boot into Safe Mode (Check Third-Party Apps)
Some third-party apps (especially those related to security, lock screens, gestures, or screen overlays) can interfere with the fingerprint sensor.
Safe Mode runs only the essential system apps. If the fingerprint sensor works in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely the cause.
How to enter Safe Mode (general method):
- Hold the Power button until the menu appears.
- Tap and hold Power off until you see “Safe Mode.”
- Tap Safe Mode to reboot.
Once in Safe Mode:
- Lock your phone.
- Check if the fingerprint sensor works.
If it works fine here, uninstall recently installed apps (especially lock screen apps, optimization apps, or “fingerprint booster” apps) one by one.
Fix 9: Clear Cache for Fingerprint-Related Services (If Possible)
On some Android devices, you can clear cache or data related to fingerprint services.
Steps (if available on your phone):
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps or Applications.
- Tap the menu (three dots) → Show system apps.
- Look for entries like Fingerprint Service, Biometrics, or Device Security.
- Open the app info → tap Storage.
- Tap Clear Cache.
Do not clear “data” unless you know what you’re doing, as it may remove enrolled fingerprints.
Fix 10: Check If Your Fingerprint Option Disappeared After a Reset or Root
If you recently:
- Rooted your phone
- Installed a custom ROM
- Flashed firmware
- Performed a factory reset incorrectly
…your fingerprint sensor driver might not be properly installed or recognized by the system. In such cases:
- Reinstall the official stock ROM from the manufacturer.
- Update to the latest official firmware.
- Avoid using custom ROMs that are not stable.
If the fingerprint menu is completely missing from settings, this is often a driver or hardware problem.
Fix 11: Factory Reset (Last Software Option)
If all software methods fail but you still believe it’s a software issue, a factory reset may help by restoring the system to a clean state.
Warning: This will erase all your data. Back up photos, videos, chats, and important files before doing this.
Factory reset steps (general):
- Open Settings.
- Go to System or General Management.
- Tap Reset.
- Select Factory Data Reset.
After resetting, set up your phone again and test the fingerprint sensor before installing any apps.
When It’s Likely a Hardware Problem
If your fingerprint sensor still doesn’t work after trying all the solutions above, the issue is likely hardware-related. This means the fingerprint reader or related components may be damaged.
Common signs of hardware damage:
- Fingerprint area is cracked or physically scratched.
- Phone was dropped recently on the back or side where the sensor is located.
- Phone was exposed to water or heavy moisture.
- Fingerprint option completely vanished from settings.
- Messages like “Fingerprint hardware not available” or “Enrollment was not completed.”
In these cases, a repair technician needs to:
- Test the fingerprint sensor hardware.
- Check the internal connector cable.
- Replace the fingerprint module if necessary.
Fingerprint sensor replacements are usually not very expensive compared to full screen or motherboard repairs.
Conclusion
A fingerprint sensor that is not working can be caused by something small, like a dirty sensor, or something serious, like hardware damage. In most cases, the issue can be solved with simple steps such as cleaning the sensor, re-adding fingerprints, disabling battery saver, or updating your phone.
By carefully following the fixes in this guide, you can usually bring your fingerprint unlock back to life without needing a repair. But if the fingerprint option disappears from the settings completely or you see hardware error messages, it’s time to visit a professional repair shop for further diagnosis.
Until the sensor is fixed, always make sure you have a secure PIN or password set up as a backup way to unlock your phone.