You know how fast and easy it is to unlock the screen using fingerprint scanners. What is even more surprising is that, unlike traditional smartphone fingerprint scanners, the ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor can unlock a device even faster, which is what the Galaxy S23 is equipped with.
However, some users say their Samsung Galaxy S23 fingerprint is not working correctly. If this is the case for you, we know how frustrating it can be to unlock your device by entering the password instead of the fingerprint scanner.
That’s why we have prepared this troubleshooting guide to help you fix this problem. In this guide, we will show you some possible causes lying behind the issue and solutions that you can apply to get your device’s fingerprint scanner fixed.
Let’s get started!
Note: Solutions in this guide will work on any Samsung Galaxy S23 model (S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra models.)
Editor’s note: We created these instructions using a Samsung Galaxy S23 running Android 13. Depending on your device’s software version, some steps and menu positions may look slightly different.
Table of Contents
Why fingerprint is not working correctly on my Galaxy S23?
If you wonder why the fingerprint scanner of your Galaxy S23 isn’t working, there can be one or a few reasons behind the issue.
Most of the time, this is either a software glitch or a configuration issue. But it is also possible that the fingerprint scanner on your Galaxy S23 is defective. Without testing each solution, you cannot say precisely what the issue is here.
Anyway, here are the possible causes of the fingerprint scanner not working on your Galaxy S23:
- Temporary glitches
- Having liquid on the fingerprint area: Any liquid on the fingerprint area can affect the scanner’s ability to read your fingerprint. This could happen if you accidentally spill something on your phone or if you use your phone with wet hands.
- Screen protector could make the fingerprint scanner not scan the finger properly: If you are using a screen protector that is not compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S23, it could also cause the fingerprint scanner not to verify your fingerprint.
- Fingerprint has not been set up correctly: If you have not set up your fingerprint correctly, the scanner may fail to recognize your fingerprint. This could happen if you did not touch the fingerprint area correctly during the registration setup.
- Bugs in the android operating system
- Hardware issues
How to fix the fingerprint on your Galaxy S23
To fix this issue, it’s important to follow and apply every solution included here. So follow the solutions below carefully.
Let’s start by fixing possible temporary glitches on your Galaxy S23.
Fix 01: Restart your Galaxy S23 Ultra
Restarting your device can help resolve temporary glitches or software bugs that may be affecting the fingerprint service. It will also refresh your device’s other system services and clear the RAM, allowing your device to run smoothly.
There are two ways that you can restart your Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Press and hold the power key + volume down key until the device starts to turn off. Then release the keys.
- Press and hold the power button, and once the power menu appears, tap on the Restart button.
Fix 02: Remove the screen protector (tempered glass)
As we mentioned earlier, If you are using a crappy or incompatible screen protector for your Samsung S23, it can make it difficult for the scanner to read and identify your fingerprint.
If this is the case, you can try removing the screen protector and see if the fingerprint scanner works correctly. If it does, then the screen protector was the cause of the issue, and you should install a quality one with your device.
Follow these steps to remove the screen protector of your Galaxy S23 carefully:
- Power off your device and remove it from the charger.
- If you have a hairdryer, use it to heat up the edges of the screen protector. This will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove the protector.
- Use a plastic card to pry up the screen protector’s edges gently. Do not use your fingernails, as it is not a good practice.
- Slowly peel off the screen protector.
- Once the screen protector is removed, clean your screen with a microfiber cloth to remove any adhesive residue left on your screen.
Once you have successfully removed the protective glass, try to unlock your device and see if it works.
Fix 04: Add another fingerprint correctly
You may know that you can add multiple fingerprints to unlock your Galaxy S23. This time, follow the steps below to add your fingerprint to make sure you are doing it correctly.
Here are the steps that you need to follow:
- Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security.
- Go to Biometrics.
- Tap on Fingerprints.
- Enter the password.
- Tap on Add new fingerprint.
- Clean the fingerprint area and your fingertip with a cloth before beginning to register your fingerprint.
- Make contact with your fingertip on the screen correctly and follow the on-screen instructions to register your fingerprint correctly.
Keep in mind that it’s important to touch the fingerprint area correctly during the setup process to ensure the scanner can read your fingerprint correctly.
Fix 05: Update the software
Samsung often releases software bug fixes with software updates. Therefore, you can try updating your Galaxy S23 to see if it fixes the fingerprint not working issue.
Follow these steps to update your Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on the Software update.
- Tap on Download and install.
It will take a while for your Galaxy S23 to find a new update. Make sure it is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has enough battery before starting the update process.
Fix 06: Reset settings:
You can reset settings on your device to fix any misconfigurations in the Biometric settings.
Resetting your settings will restore the device’s settings to their default values, but it won’t delete any of your data. So it is a safe solution to apply:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General management.
- Tap on Reset.
- Tap on Reset all settings
- Confirm
Fix 07: Take the device to a Samsung repair or service center:
If none of the above solutions work, then it’s possible that there is a hardware issue with your device’s fingerprint scanner or with the motherboard. In this case, you should take your device to a Samsung repair or service center.
To find a Samsung repair or service center near you, go to the Samsung website and search for your location. You can also contact Samsung customer support.
Note: If your device is still under warranty, it will cover the repair or replacement cost.
Wrapping Up
If you have followed the solutions in this guide correctly, the fingerprint not working issue should be fixed by now.
But you may still have questions or need help regarding this guide. For that, you can easily leave us a comment. We will be there to help you.
Have a nice day!
