Fingerprint sensor not working on your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2? There are a lot many factors that can affect the fingerprint functionality on your Galaxy Z Fold 2, such as not using the correct finger, wet finger, scarred or wrinkled fingertip, defective sensor, software issue and more that can cause fingerprint sensor to stop working.
If you’re having issues with fingerprint scanner on your Galaxy Z Fold 2, there are some solutions you can try to resolve the problem.
Why fingerprint scanner is not working on Galaxy Z Fold 2?
Below are probable causes why fingerprint sensor may not work on your Galaxy Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra.
- Not using the correct finger
- Finger is too wet or too dry
- Fingertip is scarred/wrinkled
- Defective fingerprint sensor
- Fingerprint sensor is dirty
- Scratches on the screen protector
- Unsupported screen protector
- Software/firmware issue
How to fix fingerprint sensor problem on Galaxy Z Fold 2
Below are some effective tips to fix fingerprint sensor problem on your Galaxy Z Fold 2.
1. Restart the device
Sometimes a software glitch can cause the fingerprint sensor to freeze and become unresponsive. Performing a device reboot can fix the problem in such cases. A device reboot will refresh the device and restart all services thereby eliminating any system flaws that may be causing the problem.
2. Turn on the screen
Some users reported fingerprint sensor not working when the screen was turned off. This seems to be software related and Samsung may soon release a software update with a fix to this problem. In the meantime, you will have to first turned on the screen by pressing the power button before using the fingerprint scanner.
3. Clean the sensor
Check if there are any dirt or smudges on the fingerprint scanner button as their presence can cause the fingerprint sensor to malfunction. Take a soft cloth dampen with alcohol solution and gently wipe the sensor removing any dust or smudges from it. After you have done that, try the sensor and see if the problem is gone. If it doesn’t, try the next solution.
4. Improve touch sensitivity
Low touch sensitivity may sometimes cause the fingerprint sensor to unable to detect fingerprints. Try increasing touch sensitivity and see if that helps resolve the issue. Here’s how to increase touch sensitivity on your Galaxy Fold 2.
- Open Settings from the home screen
- Then tap on Display
- Next tap the Touch sensitivity and toggle the switch ON
5. Remove old fingerprints to add new one
There are many factors that can change your fingerprints. This can happen in the following scenarios.
- You have restored and transferred fingerprints from an old device to a new one
- You have moved to a new place that is too cold or too hot
- Your fingers are scarred or wrinkled due to wear and tear or injury
In such cases, removing old fingerprints and adding new fingerprints can fix the problem. Here’s how to remove and add new fingerprints on your Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Procedure to remove old fingerprints:
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and tap on Biometrics and security
- Tap on Fingerprints
- Type in the PIN, Password, or Pattern if prompted
- Select the fingerprints to remove. To select all, touch and hold a fingerprint then select All from the upper-left corner
- Tap on Remove (top right corner). Then confirm to remove the fingerprint(s)
Procedure to add new fingerprints:
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Biometrics and security
- Tap on Fingerprints
- Type in the PIN, Password, or Pattern when prompted
- Tap Add fingerprint. Enter the current PIN, Password, or Pattern if prompted
- Follow the on-screen tutorial to scan your fingerprint
- Tap Done to add the fingerprint
Note: Ensure the screen protectors are removed from the phone and your fingers are cleaned properly before proceeding with the new fingerprint registration.
6. Update software
Check if there are updates available for the software. Often software updates come with fixes for known bugs and keeping your device up-to-date with the software will ensure your device runs in a top-notch condition.
7. Wipe cache partition
A cache partition is a temporary memory location that stores frequently accessed files and data. This data can get corrupted and cause all kinds of problems including fingerprint function. Try clearing the cache partition and see if that resolves the problem.
Follow the steps below to clear the cache partition.
- Switch off your device
- Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Power key.
- Continue to hold both keys until Android Recovery menu options appear
- Press the Volume down key and navigate to Wipe cache partition
- Press Power key to select
- Press the Volume down key to highlight Yes, then press the Power key to select
- When the process is complete, Reboot system now is highlighted
- Press the Power key to restart the device.
8. Reset your device
If the issue occurred after a firmware or software update, the problem may be due to a bug that came with the update. Try restoring your device back to earlier version and see if the problem is resolved. However, this procedure will delete all data including apps, files and settings therefore ensure to backup your important files and data before proceeding with the operation.
Follow the steps below to reset your phone:
- Go to Settings from your home screen
- Tap on General management
- Tap on Reset
- Tap on Factory data reset
- Scroll down and tap on the Reset button
- Tap the Delete all button to proceed with the reset
If you are locked out of your device, you can follow another method to perform the reset. Here’s how to do that.
- Turn off your device (Press and hold Power button and Volume down key together until the Power Menu appears, then tap the Power off to turn off the device)
- Now press and hold the Power and Volume Up keys for few seconds
- When the Galaxy Z Fold 2 logo is displayed, release the keys and wait until the Recovery menu appears
- Use the Volume Down key to highlight and select “Wipe data/factory reset“
- Press the Power key to select the option
- Use the Volume Down button and highlight Factory data reset option
- Press the Power key to proceed
- After the factory reset completes, you will see the recovery menu again
- Select “Reboot System Now” and press Power to restart the device
The procedure will take few minutes to complete. After the process completes, your phone will reboot. Once your phone has fully rebooted, try the fingerprint sensor again and see if the problem has gone. If it doesn’t, contact your nearest Samsung care center for further assistance on the issue.