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). Your fingerprint might not scan for a few reasons:
You're outdoors in bright sunlightIf your fingerprint won’t scan in bright, outdoor sunlight:
- Shade the sensor from direct light.
- Firmly press and hold your finger on the sensor.
You can change your settings so that your display always shows the fingerprint sensor, even when it’s asleep.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Display
Lock screen.
- Turn on Always show time and info.
Lock screen.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 negatively impact the operation or security of your phone’s fingerprint sensor.
| Model | Made for Google-certified brands |
| Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL | Bigben |
| Case-Mate | |
| Caseology | |
| Cesium (Blue Element) | |
| Mous | |
| OtterBox | |
| Power Support | |
| SPIGEN | |
| Zagg/Mophie | |
| Pixel 8a | Bigben |
| Case-Mate | |
| Caseology | |
| OtterBox | |
| PanzerGlass | |
| Power Support | |
| SPIGEN | |
| Zagg/Mophie | |
| Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro | Belkin |
| Bigben | |
| Case-Mate | |
| Itskins | |
| Mous | |
| OtterBox | |
| PanzerGlass | |
| Power Support | |
| SPIGEN | |
| UAG | |
| Zagg/Mophie | |
| Pixel 7a | Belkin |
| Bigben | |
| Case-Mate | |
| OtterBox | |
| PanzerGlass | |
| Power Support | |
| SPIGEN | |
| Zagg/Mophie | |
| Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro | Bigben |
| BodyGuardz | |
| Case-Mate | |
| Mous | |
| OtterBox | |
| PanzerGlass | |
| Power Support | |
| SPIGEN | |
| Whitestone Dome | |
| ZAGG | |
| Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro | Bigben |
| BodyGuardz | |
| Case-Mate | |
| OtterBox | |
| PanzerGlass | |
| Power Support | |
| ZAGG |
If you see a 'Screen lock option disabled' message on the fingerprint settings page, your phone administrator requires a different screen lock method. If you have a work account on your phone, your administrator can require you to use a PIN, pattern, or password. To change this, contact your phone administrator.
Tip: You can still use your fingerprint to authorise payments and unlock certain apps.
To fix other issues with your fingerprint sensor, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Get the latest Android update. Learn 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.
- Ensure that your display is clean and without dirt or smudges.
- Check that you’re using the same finger that you used when you enrolled in Fingerprint Unlock. You can add up to 4 fingerprints. Follow the steps to set up a fingerprint.
- If you have excessively dry fingers, moisturise or re-enrol fingerprint.
If none of these fixes work, delete your current fingerprint and re-enrol your fingerprint again, following the steps to set up a fingerprint. Make sure that you capture the edges and tips of your fingerprint when you re-enrol.
Troubleshoot side fingerprint sensor issues (Pixel Fold)
Your power button is unresponsive- Go to Settings
Security and Privacy.
- Tap Device lock
- Tap Fingerprint Unlock.
- 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.
Security and Privacy.- 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. Learn how to set up Face unlock.
Troubleshoot other fingerprint settings issues
If your fingerprint isn't acceptedIf your fingerprint isn't accepted:
- Use your backup PIN, pattern or password.
- If you can't remember your backup, follow these steps to get into your phone.
After you get back into your phone, you can make your fingerprint more likely to be accepted:
- Edit your fingerprints. Learn how to edit your fingerprints.
- Hold your phone, in the same way, every time.
- 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.