Fix Fingerprint Sensor Not Working: Samsung, Xiaomi & Android Guide 2025

Fix Fingerprint Sensor Not Working – Complete Guide for Samsung, Xiaomi, and Other Phones

Imagine this: you’re rushing to unlock your phone, but the fingerprint sensor not working message pops up, leaving you frustrated. Whether it’s a Samsung Galaxy fingerprint sensor not working or a Xiaomi fingerprint sensor issue, this is a common problem that can disrupt your daily routine. Fingerprint sensors are a cornerstone of modern smartphone security and convenience, so when they fail, it feels like a betrayal. The good news? Most issues, like fingerprint sensor not working Samsung or Xiaomi, can be fixed in just a few minutes with the right approach.

At Smartly AI Tech, we’re here to guide you through every step to fix fingerprint sensor not working problem on your Android device. From simple restarts to advanced troubleshooting, this 2025 guide covers how to fix fingerprint sensor not working for Samsung, Xiaomi, and other popular brands. Let’s dive in!

Why Does the Fingerprint Sensor Stop Working?

Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand why your fingerprint sensor not working issue occurs. Here are the most common culprits:

• Software Bugs: Updates like One UI or MIUI can sometimes cause glitches, leading to Samsung fingerprint sensor not working or Xiaomi fingerprint sensor issues.
• Dirty Fingers or Sensor: Oil, dirt, or moisture on your finger or the sensor can interfere with recognition.
• Hardware Issues: A damaged sensor or a recent screen replacement can cause fingerprint sensor not working Samsung or other brands.
• Temperature Effects: Extreme cold or heat can affect in-display or physical sensors.
• Improper Setup: Incorrectly registered fingerprints can lead to persistent issues.

Understanding the cause is the first step to fix fingerprint sensor not working problem. Let’s explore the solutions!

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Fingerprint Sensor Not Working

Here’s a detailed guide to how to solve fingerprint sensor not working on your Android phone. Follow these steps in order, and you’ll likely resolve the issue without needing a service center.

1. Restart Your Phone

A simple restart can fix many software glitches, including fingerprint sensor not working.

How to do it:

• Press and hold the power button for 10-20 seconds.
• Select Restart from the menu.
• Once the phone restarts, try the fingerprint sensor again.

This quick fix often resolves temporary bugs, especially for Samsung Galaxy fingerprint sensor not working issues after an update.

2. Clean Your Finger and Sensor

Dirt, sweat, or oil can prevent the sensor from reading your fingerprint.

Steps:

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
• Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the sensor area (in-display or physical).
• For in-display sensors, ensure the screen is free of smudges.

Pro Tip: Avoid using wet wipes, as moisture can worsen fingerprint sensor not working Xiaomi or Samsung issues.

3. Re-Register Your Fingerprint

If the sensor still doesn’t work, try deleting and re-adding your fingerprint.

For Samsung:

• Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Fingerprints.
• Enter your PIN/password to access.
• Delete existing fingerprints and add a new one by following the on-screen instructions.

For Xiaomi:

• Navigate to Settings > Passwords & Security > Fingerprint Unlock.
• Remove old fingerprints and register a new one, ensuring you cover all edges of your finger.

This step often fixes fix fingerprint sensor not working in Samsung or Xiaomi due to improper initial setup.

4. Check for Software Updates

Outdated software can cause fingerprint sensor not working Samsung or Xiaomi issues.

• Go to Settings > Software Update.
• Check for updates and install them.
• Restart your phone after updating.

5. Boot into Safe Mode

Third-party apps can interfere with the fingerprint sensor. Booting into Safe Mode disables these apps temporarily.

• Power off your phone.
• Turn it on and hold the Volume Down button until the phone boots.
• Check if the fingerprint sensor works in Safe Mode.
• If it works, uninstall recently added apps that might be causing the issue.

6. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the above works, a factory reset might be necessary. Warning: This will erase all data, so back up your phone first.

• Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset (Samsung) or Settings > About Phone > Factory Reset (Xiaomi).
• Follow the prompts and set up your phone again.
• Re-register your fingerprints after the reset.

Special Solutions for Samsung Phones

• Calibrate In-Display Sensor: Enable Touch Sensitivity in Settings > Display.
• Clear Cache Partition: Boot into Recovery Mode and select Wipe Cache Partition.

Fixes for Xiaomi and Other Android Phones

• Ensure correct region in MIUI settings.
• Enable Fingerprint Animation in security settings.
• Remove thick screen protectors and increase brightness for in-display sensors.

When to Visit a Service Center?

If none of the above works and the fingerprint option disappears from settings or the sensor is physically damaged, go to an authorized service center.

FAQ

• Why does my fingerprint sensor stop working after a screen replacement? Third-party screens can interfere with in-display sensors.
• How do I clean my fingerprint sensor? Use a dry microfiber cloth, no liquids.
• Why is the fingerprint option missing in settings? Likely a software or hardware issue—visit a service center.

Conclusion

Dealing with a fingerprint sensor not working issue can be frustrating, but with the steps above, you can likely fix fingerprint sensor not working problem on your Samsung, Xiaomi, or other Android phone. From restarting your device to recalibrating the sensor, these solutions cover most scenarios. If all else fails, a service center visit might be necessary for hardware issues.Have you tried any of these fixes? Let us know in the comments below or share this guide with someone facing the same issue! For more tech troubleshooting tips, visit Smartly AI Tech and follow our blog for the latest updates.