I have recently got an S21 Exynos version and the fingerprint reader is useless.
I have the standard screen protector it came with on it and have tried training it multiple times and even doing the same finger more than once and the best I get is sometimes it works 80% of the time and then at other times of the day it'll fail 100%.
I'm not sure if it depends on if my hands are cold or warm and looking at my fingers my fingerprints don't look particularly pronounced but as it stands the phone may as well not have a fingerprint scanner.
Previous phones with dedicated fingerprint sensors have been better but never perfect.
Is this just me or do others have lots of problems too?
This is my first phone with an in-display fingerprint reader, and I certainly prefer ones like the one on my old Note 9, which were literally flawless.
That said, I would classify this one as "serviceable". It doesn't always work, though some of that might be my dry fingers/hands from all the washing and drier winter air. It seems to be improving in reliability as the weather warms and the air gets more humid. I do occasionally fail enough on the fingerprint that I have to enter my password, which is annoying to say the least.
Blowing warm, moist air on my fingers does tend to help, but then I tend to smudge up the screen a bit more. Oh well. Something I'll have to live with.
Hurricane Andrew said:
This is my first phone with an in-display fingerprint reader, and I certainly prefer ones like the one on my old Note 9, which were literally flawless.
That said, I would classify this one as "serviceable". It doesn't always work, though some of that might be my dry fingers/hands from all the washing and drier winter air. It seems to be improving in reliability as the weather warms and the air gets more humid. I do occasionally fail enough on the fingerprint that I have to enter my password, which is annoying to say the least.
Blowing warm, moist air on my fingers does tend to help, but then I tend to smudge up the screen a bit more. Oh well. Something I'll have to live with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply, glad to hear it's working reasonably for you.
Hurricane Andrew said:
It doesn't always work, though some of that might be my dry fingers/hands from all the washing and drier winter air. It seems to be improving in reliability as the weather warms and the air gets more humid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is 100% why. Throw some lotion on your hands and it will work 100%. Plus, you'll feel better.
entropism said:
This is 100% why. Throw some lotion on your hands and it will work 100%. Plus, you'll feel better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly this doesn't seem to make any difference.
It's very erratic, sometimes it works several times in a row but at others it doesn't work at all for multiple attempts.
Very odd.
I've recently got my S21 and rather quickly found out that I have to push the screen very lightly and it works almost every time. To begin with I assumend that I had to push quite hard, but doing that it didn't work very well, so I stumpled on the light press tip. Anyone else with the same experiences?
Harboe said:
I've recently got my S21 and rather quickly found out that I have to push the screen very lightly and it works almost every time. To begin with I assumend that I had to push quite hard, but doing that it didn't work very well, so I stumpled on the light press tip. Anyone else with the same experiences?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked with the factory protector on it every time. No need to press deep or medium even. Just worked. Soon as a o removed this for some glass protection, boom. It simply will not work. And I've blown way too much money on protectors that do not work! Really sad, since I came from multiple Chinese budget flagships that do this perfectly. Since they use light instead of sound/vibrations.
Ollie2 said:
I have recently got an S21 Exynos version and the fingerprint reader is useless.
I have the standard screen protector it came with on it and have tried training it multiple times and even doing the same finger more than once and the best I get is sometimes it works 80% of the time and then at other times of the day it'll fail 100%.
I'm not sure if it depends on if my hands are cold or warm and looking at my fingers my fingerprints don't look particularly pronounced but as it stands the phone may as well not have a fingerprint scanner.
Previous phones with dedicated fingerprint sensors have been better but never perfect.
Is this just me or do others have lots of problems too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've switched from my trusty old Oneplus 5T to the S21 Exynos version, and I'm seriously regretting it. The fingerprint sensor is useless with or without a screen protector, and with Settings -> Display -> Touch Sensitivity turned on. I've deleted all fingerprints and rescanned them in multiple times (obviously after removing/applying a screen protector) and nothing works.
Demarchist said:
I've switched from my trusty old Oneplus 5T to the S21 Exynos version, and I'm seriously regretting it. The fingerprint sensor is useless with or without a screen protector, and with Settings -> Display -> Touch Sensitivity turned on. I've deleted all fingerprints and rescanned them in multiple times (obviously after removing/applying a screen protector) and nothing works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've gone back to thin film for the display. It will not provide any drop protection but this way the fingerprint works of the time. Like it does without the protector. First time in many many years I'm skipping glass protection. I actively avoid curved displays and one reason for that is the glass protectors are horrible compared to flat display protectors.
I don't have any kind of screen on my S21 and so far (only had it a couple of days) the fingerprint sensor has been pretty reliable. I've even almost got to the point where I can wake up the phone by putting my finger in the right spot about 50% of them time (other times I need to tap the screen so it will show me where to put my finger).
Related
Sometimes if my G5 has not been used for an hour or so, it is refusing to wake up from double tap, power button or volume button quick shortcut. Only plugging it in has seemed to wake it up on these occasions.
Has anyone else had this issue?
Not yet.
I am chocking this up to poor software implementation using the ambient sensor. I found similar issues that the OP was describing, and in my testing, was able to verify something is wonky with how the phone "thinks" it is being looked at or not.
Simply put, if you cover the ambient sensor and the camera (on my device) with your finger, while the phone is asleep/screen off, no matter how many times you press the power button on the back/fingerprint scan, the screen will fail to come up. The moment I introduce some light into the room (open up the sensor), I am able to get response back on the phone.
Ran into this issue last night and for the life of me couldn't figure it out until daylight hit . Also, my case might be obstructing the sensor (lifeproof fre), but I also noticed the issue with no case on.
Logically, I imagine LG was trying to limit power consumption with accidental presses, etc. If the phone knows it is in a dark place, it won't respond (because it thinks it is in a pocket or a bag of some sort). My rebuttle for this is how do they anticipate planning for night-time use of the phone, or are we limited to a daywalker only device?
I am heading down to an AT&T store and seeing if I can replicate this on demo units as well. In which case, we know the issue is inherent in the device (and hopefully addressed in a software update). If I am not able to replicate this at the store, then I bet OP and I got bad units.
Thanks for looking. If anyone has any feedback, or can repro or not repro this issue, please chime back .
mikeythedude said:
I am chocking this up to poor software implementation using the ambient sensor. I found similar issues that the OP was describing, and in my testing, was able to verify something is wonky with how the phone "thinks" it is being looked at or not.
Simply put, if you cover the ambient sensor and the camera (on my device) with your finger, while the phone is asleep/screen off, no matter how many times you press the power button on the back/fingerprint scan, the screen will fail to come up. The moment I introduce some light into the room (open up the sensor), I am able to get response back on the phone.
Ran into this issue last night and for the life of me couldn't figure it out until daylight hit . Also, my case might be obstructing the sensor (lifeproof fre), but I also noticed the issue with no case on.
Logically, I imagine LG was trying to limit power consumption with accidental presses, etc. If the phone knows it is in a dark place, it won't respond (because it thinks it is in a pocket or a bag of some sort). My rebuttle for this is how do they anticipate planning for night-time use of the phone, or are we limited to a daywalker only device?
I am heading down to an AT&T store and seeing if I can replicate this on demo units as well. In which case, we know the issue is inherent in the device (and hopefully addressed in a software update). If I am not able to replicate this at the store, then I bet OP and I got bad units.
Thanks for looking. If anyone has any feedback, or can repro or not repro this issue, please chime back .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also experienced this issue (opened a thread a week ago). I have the exact same lifeproof case and my problem occured at night as well. Phone did not want to wake up at all until I either restarted it or had some light in the room.
Same problem, same case.
What I have found is if you pull the phone out of the case it wakes up. Thinking proximity sensor.
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Yup. It really doesn't take much extra coding for them to allow the power button to "Always Wake" the device... I imagine there will be an update in the near future.
As for me... jumping ship to the S7 edge. I really liked the G3, and was hoping this phone could have been that for me... Well, not like I really swap batteries out often anyway
Same case. Same issue. Take the phone out of the case and throw a blanket over yourself and the phone. (Simulating night) and my screen unlocks easy peasy. Something about this lifeproof case. You would think this issue would have been caught in testing and QC.
Yes the phone has a built prox. override. But it only becomes an issue at night. Outside of the case I have no issues with prox. sensor.
I have experuenced this exact same issue with my g5. Whenever its in the dark the power button nor the double tap will wake the screen when in the lifeproof fre case. When out of the case the phone works just fine.
Word to the wise though if you have a zagg glass screen protector and drop your phone both the screen protector and the screen with shatter even if in the lifeproof case. I just experienced this and now have a replacement phone. Just a heads up.
soninja8 said:
I have also experienced this issue (opened a thread a week ago). I have the exact same lifeproof case and my problem occured at night as well. Phone did not want to wake up at all until I either restarted it or had some light in the room.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the rs988 variant and I have noticed this behavior when screen is in always on mode: if I suddenly change from light to dark by covering sensors, the always on clock goes out and nothing I do will allow it to wake up, until I allow brighter light again and the clock reappears. and I can use the double tap and power button again to see the screen. I also notice that the always on clock seems to have an auto brightness independent of the screen settings - I leave screen at 50% no auto brightness, yet I still see clock light levels dim in low light, One other thing - I notice that when I answer a call the screen blanks out (the way it is supposed to ) but does not reappear until I press the power button, just taking away from my ear does not bring display back; I also have the lifeproof case. and just removed it and verified my display now works when I take away from my ear; I just took some spray lens cleaner and cleaned all the surfaces of the phone and case with a microfiber cloth and put it back together and has vastly improved the issue, maybe gone, not sure yet. Update: seems like no matter how clean it is there is still a problem with the case doing something to the proximity detector, cleaning made it better. I can always wake up with the power button for the calling screen(sometimes swiping across top sensor too), wonder if the sensor is a passive light sensor or active (rf/infrared emission)
Same issue here same life proof case however it's getting worse as I am a mechanic and this phone goes through greasy hell. The plastic lenses on the lifeproof case are getting scratched and it's getting worse. It is also having a hard time autofocusing through this case. When you pull it out the phone is gorgeous and looks brand new. Good case but it has some downsides. Still better than a broken phone.
daniel3016 said:
Same issue here same life proof case however it's getting worse as I am a mechanic and this phone goes through greasy hell. The plastic lenses on the lifeproof case are getting scratched and it's getting worse. It is also having a hard time autofocusing through this case. When you pull it out the phone is gorgeous and looks brand new. Good case but it has some downsides. Still better than a broken phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are allot of other cases you can use but not waterproof. That really sucks good thing for this thread I was going to buy a lifeproof case. Using a otterbox defender right now. Thanks for the post guys saved me some grief.
still under warranty?
daniel3016 said:
Same issue here same life proof case however it's getting worse as I am a mechanic and this phone goes through greasy hell. The plastic lenses on the lifeproof case are getting scratched and it's getting worse. It is also having a hard time autofocusing through this case. When you pull it out the phone is gorgeous and looks brand new. Good case but it has some downsides. Still better than a broken phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if still under warranty, see if they will honor it. They did with mine but that was right at the beginning when these problems were linked to the case; mine was in the first 3 months, but the new one worked well for a while, now a little flakey again but not enough to bother me...too bad, a great case otherwise
mikeythedude said:
I am chocking this up to poor software implementation using the ambient sensor. I found similar issues that the OP was describing, and in my testing, was able to verify something is wonky with how the phone "thinks" it is being looked at or not.
Simply put, if you cover the ambient sensor and the camera (on my device) with your finger, while the phone is asleep/screen off, no matter how many times you press the power button on the back/fingerprint scan, the screen will fail to come up. The moment I introduce some light into the room (open up the sensor), I am able to get response back on the phone.
Ran into this issue last night and for the life of me couldn't figure it out until daylight hit . Also, my case might be obstructing the sensor (lifeproof fre), but I also noticed the issue with no case on.
Logically, I imagine LG was trying to limit power consumption with accidental presses, etc. If the phone knows it is in a dark place, it won't respond (because it thinks it is in a pocket or a bag of some sort). My rebuttle for this is how do they anticipate planning for night-time use of the phone, or are we limited to a daywalker only device?
I am heading down to an AT&T store and seeing if I can replicate this on demo units as well. In which case, we know the issue is inherent in the device (and hopefully addressed in a software update). If I am not able to replicate this at the store, then I bet OP and I got bad units.
Thanks for looking. If anyone has any feedback, or can repro or not repro this issue, please chime back .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a bug and not poor implementation. Its not light for "dark rooms" lol.. As far as I know it's the proximity sensor. When it is blocked it means the phone is in a pocket or bag and should not register taps. It really makes sense. If you dont xover the sensor and double tap doesn't work ..well.. Well, eother you have defective device or sensor , or the sensor is blocked (maybe bad screen protector?). This didnt happen with my G5 even once. It works 100% (assuming I tapped the same place)
Are the problems as described in this thread still manifesting on current firmware?
I absolutely hate the fingerprint scanner. It's slow and always gives an error message of no match or press harder. This is even without a screen protector and with the extra sensitivity enabled. I've even watched videos on how to scan fingerprints to get a better read for unlocking. I'm thinking of eliminating the lock altogether, which is not my first preference. I read where someone reset their phone and it seemed better, but I'm really not in the mood for that - too much time invested. Anybody have anything to suggest?
I'm not an iPhone fan, but I've seen people use the fingerprint scanner on those and they fly.
Note 10 snapdragon. Fingerprint reader is stupid fast and reliable 100% of the time for me.After the September update its even better. Even with a glass screen protector, if its installed properly, it works reasonably well and is reliable.If you have problems on a naked display, either you aren't scanning the fingerprints properly or just have burnt your fingerprints lol or its a hardware problem.
I agree with @jass65, I have no issues whatsoever, furthermore I don't even use it often as I prefer the face unlock, I know its much less secure, but its secure enough for me, but when I do use it....it works with no issues.
Default screen protector and thumb scanned twice
I use facelock and fingerprint and although facelock is insecure i had to resort to it as fingerprint, on its own and in comparison to N9 one, is slow for my taste.
I have the Snapdragon version. Finger print scanner gives me issues to. But my issue is that I have dry rough hands from manual labor when I was a kid. Sometimes it just doesn't want to work. Others it's blazing fast.
It works great when I put some hand lotion on my hands... LOL My fingerprints are all pretty messed up from dryness, rough work and such. Even with the messed up fingerprints, it still works when I try a couple of times and also leaving the finger on the sensor a little longer.
Same here: works great most of the time, but gets finicky if my fingers are unusually dry. I think maybe the lower friction with dry fingers causes the finger to move a bit during scanning. If I make an extra effort to hold still against the glass, then it works.
But what I usually find myself doing is quickly moistening my finger with my lips, as people in prior centuries used to do when turning the pages of books.
Gary02468 said:
Same here: works great most of the time, but gets finicky if my fingers are unusually dry. I think maybe the lower friction with dry fingers causes the finger to move a bit during scanning. If I make an extra effort to hold still against the glass, then it works.
But what I usually find myself doing is quickly moistening my finger with my lips, as people in prior centuries used to do when turning the pages of books.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you guys are right - dry skin is a problem for reader. The moistening suggestion works, but I'm not happy with that. I've re-scanned my fingerprints at least 3 times, and the last time has been the best. One difference was when scanning, I put my flat thumb down several times until finished, but without rolling it to get sides, until the second part of the scan asked for that. I feel this has produced better results.
might not matter here, but comparing speeds to my OP7 Pro (yes I know different technology) the OP7 Pro is almost instant whereas the Note takes a few seconds. Just from what i've seen.
i have registered all 4 four fingers as as my thumb ! it works just fine after that !
I'm not impressed by it (Exynos). If the fix Sansung is making to improve security and the effectiveness with use of a screen protector, wouldn't they be better selling the OE screen protectors?
Although fingerprints work initially, after 1 or 2 days they are not accurate. Exynos
I had a S10e and honestly it was probably one of the best phones I have ever owned. The size was perfect, the cameras were excellent, and the best feature of all was the fingerprint sensor. It worked virtually 100% of the time, first time, no matter what. Sure Apple had face id, but it didn't really matter because the fingerprint sensor was so effortless.
I work with my hands, my hands are frequently dried out, or dirty. Frankly I never thought anything of this because it never created any issues.
I just upgraded to the s21 ultra because I wanted the new cameras and now I regret it.
The fingerprint sensor literally does not work. I have tried removing the TPU screen protector that I have on it. I have four fingerprints saved and they are all of my right thumb. And it literally won't work. every time I pull my phone out of my pocket it tries and tries until it locks itself. When I go to verify fingerprints it gets it maybe one out of 10 attempts. When I am trying to input fingerprints, half the time it says it can't even detect the finger on the screen.
Another major problem is glass screen protectors work much better and you can get a glass screen protector for an s10e for a dollar. You cannot put glass screen protectors on s21u without enormous expense and effort. And they still compromise the fingerprint sensor. The user experience of the s21u has been frankly absolutely terrible compared to the s10e.
And their face ID is completely useless as well. Most of the time it doesn't work and if you are in the dark or low light forget about it.
I really want this phone because of the camera lenses. The 10x lens really is amazing. 100x is probably what you can get to cropping images anyway.
but none of that matters because it's something that you use every once in awhile. You need to get into your phone hundreds of times a day. If they're access technology doesn't work in my opinion the phone is a bust.
It is driving me crazy.
Are they going to fix this or should I get rid of this thing and go back to an s10e?
Read the post literally right above yours about the 30 second fix. I've had many Samsung phones with the fingerprint sensor underneath the screen and I agree with you totally, it does not work. How this isn't the very first topic discussed on any phone review is beyond me. It should be class action lawsuit.
But, my fingerprint sensor works reasonably well now by doing the short 'fix' above. It wasn't targeted to fixing the fingerprint sensor, kind of a by-product. I suggest you give it a try, literally takes 30 seconds and can be reverted back in the same 30 seconds.
Worth a try, good luck.
11-9-2021 - RETURNING DEVICE
I’ve given it some time to try screen different screen protectors but the nail in the coffin for me is Googles response to how bad the fingerprint scanner is. I can’t accept that as a answer with no foreseeable fixes or updates.
*****************************************
Tempered glass on and off....I've tried all the tips and tricks floating around from Google and YouTubers. The fingerprint scanner just seems to be bad all together. About 4/5 out of 10 times it recognizes my finger. When it does it's super slow.
A update went out last night that people are saying solved the issue...…It has not.
How have you dealt with or solved the issue at hand?
So far no problem with my fingerprint scanner.
One thing you could try (if you haven't done that already) is to make multiple scans for the same finger.
I made 2 for my right thumb, 2 for my right index finger and 1 for my left thumb. So far no problems... Hope that it will get better for you soon
I hate to be that guy, but my fp scanner is flawless on the Pixel 6 (at least as snappy as the OP6T was). Keep in mind, I don't use a screen protector.
phaino00 said:
I hate to be that guy, but my fp scanner is flawless on the Pixel 6 (at least as snappy as the OP6T was). Keep in mind, I don't use a screen protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've no issues with it either also coming from OP6T. Registered prints twice and made sure to scan different areas including edges. Works perfectly and is quick enough for me
No issues on my end. I have a cheap screen protector on to. It's slow but it's been working. And I have the driest hands ever.
I've got a screen protector on and it always reads my index finger 100% since day 1.
But initially it read my thumb only 50% of the time, until I figured out that setting up prints initially makes all the difference.
Even before the November OTA fix (which I sideloaded as it was not coming through as OTA), I got it working.
Now its's almost as nice as on my 4a(5G) which is 100% accurate.
Here's a Link to my method.
I am using the ivoler tempered glass screen protector and I can never get the fingerprint reader to work.
If you have a functional finger print reader and using a screen protector, what brand is it?
i'm using tempered glass and can't get it to read. thinking about taking it off.
v said:
I've got a screen protector on and it reads my index finger 100%.
It does however read my thumb only 50% of the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which screen protector do you have?
Have those using screen protectors switched on this setting?
charlieb620 said:
Tempered glass on and off....I've tried all the tips and tricks floating around from Google and YouTubers. The fingerprint scanner just seems to be bad all together. About 4/5 out of 10 times it recognizes my finger. When it does it's super slow.
A update went out last night that people are saying solved the issue...…It has not.
How have you dealt with or solved the issue at hand?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issues. The update didn't improve things either. I then had to factory reset (for other reasons) and FP reading is now running really well. This is with the 'difficult' spigen glass align master protector. Have yet to test it in daylight though and suspect it won't work quite as well.
After reading through everyone's post....didn't want to quote everyone but:
-Registered every angle of my finger whether thumb or index. 2 registered per same finger.
-Turned on Sensitive Touch or whatever it's called for Screen Protectors
-Turned Always on Display on to keep the fingerprint there without double tap
-Removed Screen Protector
-Updated phone
I'm also using ivoler tempered glass.
Don't think I'm missing anything else.
Only thing left to do that I saw someone did was go a Factory Reset.
silverkin said:
Which screen protector do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TOCOL 6 Stück Schutzfolie...
TOCOL 3+3 Stück Schutzfolie kompatibel mit Google Pixel 6 Panzerglas 3 Stück,3 Stück Kamera Panzerglas 9H Panzerglasfolie Positionierungsrahmen Blasenfrei Displayschutzfolie: Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto
TOCOL 3+3 Stück Schutzfolie kompatibel mit Google Pixel 6 Panzerglas 3 Stück,3 Stück Kamera Panzerglas 9H Panzerglasfolie Positionierungsrahmen Blasenfrei Displayschutzfolie: Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto
www.amazon.de
mitchst2 said:
Have those using screen protectors switched on this setting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep already tried that. had the phone since Tue and the day 1 update did nothing
I believe that people are struggling with the fingerprint reader.
That being said, I have had no issues with my P6. I don't have a screen protector on it. It reads my finger print 90-95% of the time when I press and hold my finger on the scanner until it unlocks (about 1 second). I've never had a in-screen reader, but it is certainly not a "tap the finger" on the reader like some phones are. If you are coming from an ultrasonic reader, you will have to reteach yourself to "touch and hold."
It reads my thumb too just fine. Be sure to watch how your thumb typically hits the sensor (for me it is more of the side of the thumb when I am holding the phone in one hand) and be sure to emphasis that area of the thumb when setting it up - but be sure to scan the entire finger/thumb too.
I've only saved my left thumb and right index finger once each (there are only "two fingerprints added" on my phone right now and everything works very reliably with either finger.
sic0048 said:
I believe that people are struggling with the fingerprint reader.
That being said, I have had no issues with my P6. I don't have a screen protector on it. It reads my finger print 90-95% of the time when I press and hold my finger on the scanner until it unlocks (about 1 second). I've never had a in-screen reader, but it is certainly not a "tap the finger" on the reader like some phones are. If you are coming from an ultrasonic reader, you will have to reteach yourself to "touch and hold."
It reads my thumb too just fine. Be sure to watch how your thumb typically hits the sensor (for me it is more of the side of the thumb when I am holding the phone in one hand) and be sure to emphasis that area of the thumb when setting it up - but be sure to scan the entire finger/thumb too.
I've only saved my left thumb and right index finger once each (there are only "two fingerprints added" on my phone right now and everything works very reliably with either finger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great, but I prefer a screen protector.
Tool Belt said:
That's great, but I prefer a screen protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I normally put a screen protector on my phones as soon as I get them. However, I think we are just going to have to wait to see what works with the optical fingerprint scanner and what doesn't. This isn't just a P6 issue however. Tempered glass protectors (my go to choice previously) are unfortunately notoriously bad with optical scanners.
sic0048 said:
I agree. I normally put a screen protector on my phones as soon as I get them. However, I think we are just going to have to wait to see what works with the optical fingerprint scanner and what doesn't. This isn't just a P6 issue however. Tempered glass protectors (my go to choice previously) are unfortunately notoriously bad with optical scanners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but at this time I will get frustrated with the phone and hope the screen protector works if and when I drop it.
I've had tempered glass screen protectors on optic in screen scanners. This could be a simple case of trial and error. I have more protectors coming in to see. I also have 10 days left to return this device if nothing solves the issue. Taking the screen protector off is out of the question.
The fingerprint scanner is by far my the worst thing on this phone. It's just as bad as the one on my Galaxy tab s7+. But I'm sure it can be fixed with an update. It's just ridiculously slow.
Hi all,
As many other Pixel 6 users I was struggling with FP sensor in inconsistency - failed unlocks mostly. I did worked a bit better without screen protector, but my personal experience tells me I need one, so the struggle continued.
Today I've made yet another attempt to re-scan my finger hoping to improve the experience and then I've noticed that the sensor seems to work way better if I place my finger 2-3 mm below what I would call centered over the icon on the screen.
No I wonder - is is just me + wishful thinking or maybe there is slight misaligned between the icon on the screen an actual position of the scanner. Any thoughts?
a.
Weirdly, it works on the bottom half of the FPS scanner icon, and not the top one, so it might be that the sensor is a little bellow the indicator
So it's not just me and my pixel. Nice
You should have posted in reddit instead
You might be right, but I don't use Reddit. Hope whoever might want to try this he would eventually find this thread.
It works well for me, you need to install certified only screen proyectors
Agreed, the FP issue is negligible without screen protector, it a slow yet solid scanner.
I've checked Google's list of certified screen protectors and pretty much all of these get some negative reviews from users. Not to mention all either not available or out of stock in EU.
Currently I'm using Spigen glass, not on the Google's list, but works fairly well.
As I wrote in my first post moving the finger slightly lower on the screen seems to help a lot.
Interesting observation about finger placement and sensor alignment. I'll definitely experiment with that.
I was cussing the fingerprint sensor up until March. It couldn't even enroll let alone unlock. Long, tedious story shortened... Since March after clean flashing the factory image the sensor improved a lot along with solving other screen related problems. My best enrollment results were with warm and clammy fingers from gripping a mug of hot coffee. As it is now only one finger out of four consistently unlocks, but that could just be me. Or placement. With that one finger I'm getting acceptable results with a cheap 9H screen protector (3-pack for $9) and default screen sensitivity. A screen protector 1-pack in the $25-40 range aint gonna happen.
ender2180 said:
Agreed, the FP issue is negligible without screen protector, it a slow yet solid scanner.
I've checked Google's list of certified screen protectors and pretty much all of these get some negative reviews from users. Not to mention all either not available or out of stock in EU.
Currently I'm using Spigen glass, not on the Google's list, but works fairly well.
As I wrote in my first post moving the finger slightly lower on the screen seems to help a lot.
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I'm using my P6 without screen protector, and it is very slow and inaccurate for me. For reference, I'm coming from S21 and it's instantaneous and very precise.
What did it for me was that i ignored the instructions completely and did my own routine. for example, i never rolled my finger over the screen. instead i did both sides of the fingerprint just pressing multiple times and on slightly different angles.
Hamid Chikh said:
I'm using my P6 without screen protector, and it is very slow and inaccurate for me. For reference, I'm coming from S21 and it's instantaneous and very precise.
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Different sensor tech
DMart9406 said:
Different sensor tech
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I know it's a different technology, but it's been around for a while now, since S10 (2019) and it only got better with time, so i can't figure out how and why did google skip it for its supposed "the google phone flagship"
Hamid Chikh said:
I know it's a different technology, but it's been around for a while now, since S10 (2019) and it only got better with time, so i can't figure out how and why did google skip it for its supposed "the google phone flagship"
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I agree, it is a bummer. For last few years I was mostly using IOS and got used to authentication being seamless. My last Android was Pixel 2 and I admit - I've missed the experience. FP sensor is giving me some hard time, but I'm super happy with my P6. It will stay with me for longer no doubt.
I did some more testing, retraining etc. and I feel my initial thoughts are not accurate. The reason why I believed the scanner is positioned slightly below the icon on the screen was most probably due to the part of my finger that got scanned the best.
It might be due to the security reasons Google mentioned on the blog, it might also be a smaller and less accurate scanner used in P6/P6P. The outcome stays the same - you need to be very precise while registering your finger print and train your muscle memory to place your finger accurately on the screen.
The scanner on the back of the phone like to the one in Pixel 5 is not only using different tech, but it also makes obvious to a user where to put the finger. Pixel 6 makes it a bit harder, but that's about it.
With a deliberate finger positioning and some practice you can be pretty happy with FP scanner on Pixel 6.
Hi. I got a solution from this xda forum (sorry I don't have the link) but it basically resolved my fingerprint hit-miss issue. Ideally it involved:
1. Remove all the fingerprint images 8 previously made and starting afresh.
2. After removing, before registering new finger prints, first rub the thumb / finger I wanted to register on my forehead so that it collects a good amount of face-oil. Apparently the fingerprint registers well when registering the finger with an oily finger (I refer to the face oil...I have no evidence that other oils work).
3. After a good rub of the finger on your face you now go about registering the finger(s). Suggestion is to register each finger at least 2 times.
When you try using the fingerprint scanner it will work well. You may have to press in a bit (not so much) but this works pretty well.