Samsung S23: Fingerprint Scanner is Visible Under Light

Samsung has finally released its new flagship smartphone series: the Galaxy S23. This cutting-edge device comes with many advanced hardware, including an under-display fingerprint scanner for biometric security.

But there are concerns among some users. They say the under-display fingerprint scanner becomes visible under strong light conditions. This has brought a question in users’ minds, “is this an issue with our devices”?

If you want a quick answer, it is YES. But if you want us to explain why this is normal, keep reading this guide.

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.

How Do the Under Display Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanners Work 

Under-display fingerprint scanners are becoming more and more popular in smartphones. So before answering your question, let’s take a closer look at how this technology works.  

The technology behind the under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanners is quite fascinating. Ultrasound sensors beneath the phone’s display emit ultrasonic waves that bounce off your finger and back to the sensor, creating a 3D image of your fingerprint. 

This allows for much higher accuracy than traditional optical scanners (Before Samsung Galaxy S10). It can accurately detect all ridges, valleys, and pores on your finger, ensuring that only you can access your device.

With the evolution of ultrasonic fingerprint scanners on Samsung Galaxy S series devices, the process is done quickly too. Furthermore, since this technology works under any lighting condition – even in complete darkness – security isn’t compromised at all times of day or night. 

Is it normal to see the under-display fingerprint scanner on my Samsung S23?

So that is how powerful the under-display fingerprint scanner on your Samsung S23 is. Now let’s get into the question, is it normal to see the fingerprint on your Galaxy S23 under strong light?

The answer is yes! Under strong light, the sensor will become visible as an outlined shape which may appear more prominent than usual. This does not indicate any malfunctioning or damage to the device – instead, it simply means that you are seeing the thinnest part of the display where the fingerprint scanner lies behind it. Samsung had to do that so the ultrasonic waves could reach your fingertip.

So there you have it – if you spot your fingerprint scanner appearing on your Samsung S23 screen while exposed to powerful lighting, don’t worry! It’s totally fine.

Can I Hide The Fingerprint Scanner If I Install a Thick Screen Protector?

Yeah, if you install a thick screen protector on your Galaxy S23, you can probably hide the under-display fingerprint scanner. The thickness of the screen protector will determine how visible the scanner is under strong light. 

But keep in mind that if it’s too thick, it may block out the waves coming to the screen, so the sensor will have difficulty detecting your finger accurately and quickly. Therefore, we don’t really recommend using a non-branded, thick screen protector over your Galaxy S23 display.

Wrapping Up

You have now learned that the under-display fingerprint scanner on your Samsung S23 is visible when exposed to strong light, and it is pretty normal due to how the scanner works. 

If you still have any questions regarding this matter, do not hesitate to leave a comment. Our team will be happy to help.