Samsung alpha won't turn on. How to fix Galaxy S9 fingerprint scanner problem Fingerprint sensor on phone not working

Hi all! As has been repeatedly noted on the blog, all articles are problems or questions that either I personally or my friends have encountered. This is actually why the site was created - to share personal experiences and help others with Apple technology. And so, my already quite old, but still working iPhone 5S “gave me” another idea for instructions - its Touch ID suddenly stopped working.

And, as it seemed to me at first, this happened completely and irrevocably. No, but what else can you expect? The device is far from new. Chips, scratches, scuffs, falls - all this was and is. Natural wear and tear of the device cannot be avoided :) Therefore, when Touch ID “fell off”, I was not very surprised. The surprise came only later, in the process of solving this problem... however, let's talk about everything in order.

So, a short background:

1. I updated to iOS 10.3.1
2. After some time, I began to notice that the unlocking sensor did not always work. But, as usual, I didn’t attach any importance to it - maybe my hands were dirty or something else.
3. But after I couldn’t log into the client bank using my fingerprint, I got into a solitaire game in my head - Touch ID doesn’t work.

Looking ahead, I would like to note that everything was resolved successfully. But now you’ll find out what actions you had to take to achieve this, let’s go!

It is worth noting that if your iPhone has a non-native Home button (for example, replaced after repair), then Touch ID will not function on it. Never. The fingerprint sensor is “hard-wired” to the system board. One board - one Home button. Also, some sellers immediately sell iPhones with a non-working scanner -.

But we have a different problem - the iPhone stopped recognizing the fingerprint, although nothing happened to it (except for updating iOS). I thought it was a simple system glitch and this is what I did:

And here, it would seem, everything should end. But no - the miracle did not happen and Touch ID still did not work. After this it became clear that the problem was ironclad. And it lies in the cable of the Home button:

1. It may be damaged (moisture, careless assembly or disassembly of the device).
2. It may simply not be inserted (not installed completely).

And it seems that this is not my case. I didn’t get the iPhone wet, and the scanner worked great since the last disassembly... But still, the device had to be disassembled and this is what happened:

• I took apart the iPhone.
• Disabled the Home button cable.
• I looked at it and, as expected, saw nothing - it is in perfect condition.
• I put it back.
• Touch ID is working.

To be honest, the result surprised me a little :)

I don’t know why simply reconnecting the cable helped, but the fact remains that after this operation the button began to process my fingerprints normally.

Although I have one idea why this could happen - recently my iPhone fell several times, and quite severely. I already thought that it would even come to replacing the screen, but in the end everything worked out. And maybe it was the falls that caused all these problems.

If you encounter a similar issue while using the fingerprint scanner on your Galaxy S9, there are a few ways you can try to fix it. Since the issue is widespread, you can expect Samsung to resolve this issue via a software update soon, but there are three solutions to be found here so far.
Solution 1: Reset fingerprint settings

User tsiglas noted that European users have also reported an issue with fingerprint scanning, indicating a widespread software issue rather than a hardware issue. To get started, you can try resetting your fingerprint settings to factory defaults and adding them again to see if the problem is fixed.

1. Open " Settings» > « » and delete all fingerprints that you have added to the system.
2. Restart your phone by pressing and holding the Power button to select " Restart» .
3. Once the device reboots, go back to " Settings» -> « Lock Screen and Security" and add the fingerprints back to the system.
4. Check if your new fingerprints work when unlocking your Galaxy S9 and reboot your device again.
5. Open the application " Compositor" on the device and enter *#0*#, which will take you to the service menu.
6. Switch to " Sensors» - « Fingerprint" and press " Normal" and restart your device as soon as you see the message " Pass» .

Although the user reported that this method helps fix the fingerprint sensor issue, other users reported that the problem persists. So if this fix doesn't seem to work for you, move on to the next step.

Solution 2: Disable fingerprint gestures

Following in the footsteps of Google and other Android OEMs, Samsung has introduced gestures for the fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy S9. Oddly enough, the addition of this new feature is reportedly the reason behind the fingerprint scanning issues that a group of users are facing right now.

1. From the home screen of your Galaxy S9, go to " Settings» > « Advanced Features» .
2. Scroll down to the menu to find Finger Sensor Gestures and be sure to turn it off.
3. Restart your device by pressing the Power button and check if the problem is resolved.

The fact that disabling this tiny feature allows you to get the fingerprint scanner functionality back is worth it. Samsung should fix the issue soon with a software update so you can return to the same menu and enable fingerprint gestures afterwards.

Solution 3: Set up your fingerprint the traditional way

When setting up your Galaxy S9 fingerprint, Samsung has added a hint to help you set up your fingerprint faster.

The prompt asks you to swipe the sensor instead of tapping it multiple times as usual. This may save you a negligible amount of time, but it could very well be the culprit behind all these fingerprint sensor problems.

From the home screen of your Galaxy S9, go to " Settings» - « Lock Screen and Security» and remove all fingerprints you have added to the system.

Now set up your fingerprints again, but instead of following Samsung's advice to swipe the sensor, just set it up the traditional way.

A fingerprint scanner has ceased to be something special - today not only flagship models, but also many decent-level smartphones have it. The fingerprint scanner is used to unlock the device, protecting it from unauthorized access. It is also used as a security element for some applications. This is a very convenient and reliable solution, but, unfortunately, only until the moment the scanner stops responding properly to the owner’s finger.

Possible causes of malfunction

All the reasons for the failure of a fingerprint scanner to perceive the fingerprint of the smartphone owner and respond properly to it can be divided for 4 groups:

1. Damage to the button sensor cable (when you open the device yourself or after a strong impact);
2. Software failure;
3. The surface of the button is wet or heavily soiled;
4. Changes in the fingerprint pattern (physical damage to the skin, its hardening due to frostbite, exposure to chemicals, callus formation).

Ways to fix the situation

Option 1: If you are sure that the sensor cable is damaged, take your smartphone to a repair shop. In most cases, craftsmen manage to cope with the breakdown.

Option 2: Update your smartphone software. You may have missed an important update, which caused the scanner to malfunction. If, on the contrary, the scanner stops working after installing the update, return to the previous firmware version. You can perform a factory reset (don't forget to create a backup copy first so as not to lose all the information from your smartphone).

Option 3: Using a damp (not wet!) cotton swab soaked in alcohol, gently wipe the surface of the button. Dry it and check if the sensor is working. Touch the button only with clean and dry fingers.

Option 4: The method associated with replacing a fingerprint is very effective. The operation of the fingerprint scanner is not only normalized, but also accelerated. The procedure is as follows:

No matter how ridiculous this method looks, it works and works great - tested on Xiaomi smartphones.

Do you know other effective ways to make a fingerprint scanner work? Tell us in the comments how you managed to stop the fingerprint sensor on your smartphone from slowing down. We are sure that your method will certainly be of interest to owners of the same model.

The Touch ID fingerprint scanner is one of the most useful features of iPhones and other smartphones that have this advantage. It not only protects your phone and its data from prying eyes, but also serves as a key for purchases in the App Store and the Apple Pay payment system. The scanner also protects third-party applications, for example Sberbank Online. However, like any technical innovation, it does not function flawlessly on all devices. In this article, we will figure out what to do if Touch ID on iPhone is not working.

What is Touch ID

First, let's look at what the mentioned fingerprint scanner is. Touch ID, called one of the important functions of the iPhone, first appeared on the iPhone 5s; later models without exception are equipped with this option. The scanner is built into the main working Home button. His device, which is only 170 microns thick (that’s twice as thin as a human hair!) can quickly analyze the subepithelial layer of the skin of a person’s finger touching the button using a fingerprint image with a resolution of 500 ppi. It is not surprising that such a thin system can often be capricious, which is why the fingerprint on the iPhone 5s does not work.

One of the features of Touch ID is that it can be “trained,” customized, and also stored in memory up to 5 fingerprints (either one person or several), each of which will be the key to your device and individual applications in it.

Setting up Touch ID correctly

Sometimes the iPhone 5s does not work well due to incorrect initial setup. Therefore, before you start using your new “smart” device, you should set up Touch ID, following Apple’s recommendations:

1. Before setting up the sensor, enter the password for the device (4-6 digits, depending on the OS version). It is he who will help you unlock the device if the scanner suddenly malfunctions.
2. Make sure the Home button and your hands are clean and dry.
3. Go to settings under the "gear" icon, select "Touch ID and password". Enter the code from step 1.
4. Click on "Add fingerprint". After that, tap (don't press hard, just lightly) the Home button. At the same time, it is important to hold the device naturally and position your finger in the way that is most convenient for you.
5. Once you touch the button, hold your finger until it vibrates slightly or until the text appears on the screen: “Lift your finger and place it on the Home key several times.”
6. After this command appears, apply your finger, slightly changing its location.
7. Next, the device will offer to enter a grip that is convenient for you into its memory. Here you should hold the phone in your hand in a way that will be convenient for you to position it in your hand when unlocking the device. At this point, you no longer apply the center of the fingertip to “Home”, but its edges.
8. Once you have stored one fingerprint in memory, you can repeat the procedure for others. For greater reliability of the scanner, the iPhone’s memory should contain up to three of your fingerprints.

"Train" Touch ID

If you are faced with the fact that the fingerprint on the iPhone 5s does not work well, then try “training” your Touch ID. To do this, you need to go to “Settings”, “Tooch ID and password”, enter the required code. Then touch the scanner with the pad of your finger stored in its memory. At this time, the name of her fingerprint on the screen will turn gray.

Start "training" your scanner - keep touching "Home" with your finger in different positions. These manipulations will help increase the speed of both scanning and fingerprint recognition. To achieve better results, repeat the mentioned algorithm of actions several times.

Fingerprint scanner not working: universal ways to fix the problem

If you are faced with the fact that the fingerprint has stopped working on the iPhone 5s, then we will offer you the most likely causes of the problem and ways to resolve them:

• First of all, check that the scanner is turned on and configured in accordance with the algorithm from the second subheading. In the "Settings" section "Touch ID and password" the sliders opposite unlocking, App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Pay must be active, and in the "Fingerprints" tab at least one finger must be stored in memory.
• Try entering one or more other fingerprints. Please note that each of them can be assigned its own name.
• The reason that the fingerprint does not work on the iPhone 5s may also be the condition of your hands. If you just came from the cold, have been in the water for a long time, have applied a greasy cream, or there are minor damages on the pads of your fingers (microcracks, scratches), then this may be the reason that the iPhone could not correctly recognize your fingerprint.
• Clean the Home key with a dry paper or cloth. A ring of dirt that is invisible to the eye sometimes accumulates around its circumference, which reduces the working diameter of the key and complicates the operation of the scanner.

Now let's move on to more specific cases of faults.

Touch ID doesn't work in cold weather

If the fingerprint scanner on your iPhone 5s does not work in the cold, then the following life hack is for your attention:

1. To carry out further manipulations, find yourself again in icy conditions and go to the “Touch ID and password” tab located in “Settings”.
2. Click on "Add a new fingerprint". Your hands should already be cold.
3. According to the scheme indicated in the second subheading, add your frozen fingerprint to the device memory.
4. If even this manipulation did not help, then there is only one thing left to do - unlock the phone using a digital password.

Problems after update

The overwhelming majority of users complain that the fingerprint on the iPhone 5s does not work after they have updated iOS to the latest version. The most effective "lazy" way here is to wait for the next "update" in which this bug will be fixed. But if you need a properly functioning scanner on the Home button, then try to troubleshoot the problem using these methods:

1. Close all running programs and perform a Soft Reset (simultaneously pressing the Home and Power keys for 10 seconds). It would be a good idea to clean the scanner itself and your fingertips with a napkin. Go to the “Settings” section “Touch ID and password” and delete all existing fingerprints (swipe left or click on their name, then “Delete fingerprint”). Next, select "Add a new fingerprint" and refer to the detailed algorithm described above in the settings.
2. If the previous method did not help, then you will have to completely flash the device. Before the operation, be sure to save backup copies of the information on your iPhone in a safe place. iTunes must be downloaded and authorized via your iPhone's Apple ID on your PC or laptop. Disable Find My iPhone. Next, connect the phone via a USB cable to its “big brother”. If the PC OS is Windows, then during this manipulation hold down the Shift button on the keyboard, if the Mac is holding down the Alt/Option key. Next, select "Restore" by specifying the downloaded firmware.

Touch ID failure

The fingerprint on the iPhone 5s may not work as a result of a malfunction of the scanner - you will see this message on the screen after several futile attempts to unlock the device using Touch ID. The reasons for this can be different: slight wear and tear on the device itself, conditions that make it difficult to scan a fingertip, etc. This problem, according to many users, can be prevented by monthly updating of the fingerprints recorded in the memory. The latter must be completely deleted and new ones must be added through “Add fingerprint”.

The method for solving the problem is traditional: clean the Home button and fingertips, remove old “fingers” from memory and add new ones using the standard procedure.

Problems with the App Store

Another problem that can be solved is the malfunction of the scanner when using it in the App Store. In this store, Touch ID is actually the key to downloading new apps. In this case, you can “fix” the fingerprint scanner like this:

1. Go to the "Touch ID and Password" section in "Settings".
2. Opposite "App Store, iTunes Store" make the slider inactive.
3. Reboot your device.
4. Return to step 1, activate the slider responsible for “App Store, iTunes Store”.

Touch ID scanner is broken

Failure of the Touch ID system itself is rare, but still possible. In this case, the only solution to the problem is to replace the iPhone 5s fingerprint scanner. To eliminate the possibility of error, delete all fingerprints and restart your iPhone. Add your fingerprint to Touch ID & Password again. If unsuccessful, repeat the procedure a couple more times. If after this the scanner remains blind and deaf to your fingerprints, then only qualified diagnostics and, possibly, repairs at an Apple service center will help it.

As you have seen, the fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5s does not work or functions poorly for a variety of reasons. You can easily and quickly solve most problems on your own - a visit to specialists is only required if the scanner breaks down - to replace it. For proper and long-term operation, it is also important to configure Touch ID correctly.

A fingerprint scanner has ceased to be something special - today not only flagship models, but also many decent-level smartphones have it. The fingerprint scanner is used to unlock the device, protecting it from unauthorized access. It is also used as a security element for some applications. This is a very convenient and reliable solution, but, unfortunately, only until the moment the scanner stops responding properly to the owner’s finger.

Possible causes of malfunction

All the reasons for a fingerprint scanner’s failure to perceive the smartphone owner’s fingerprint and respond properly to it can be divided into 4 groups:

1. Damage to the button sensor cable (when you open the device yourself or after a strong impact);
2. Software failure;
3. The surface of the button is wet or heavily soiled;
4. Changes in the fingerprint pattern (physical damage to the skin, its hardening due to frostbite, exposure to chemicals, callus formation).

Ways to fix the situation

Option 1: If you are sure that the sensor cable is damaged, take your smartphone to a repair shop. In most cases, craftsmen manage to cope with the breakdown.

Option 2: Update your smartphone software. You may have missed an important update, which caused the scanner to malfunction. If, on the contrary, the scanner stops working after installing the update, return to the previous firmware version. You can (don't forget to first create a backup so as not to lose all the information from your smartphone).

Option 3: Using a damp (not wet!) cotton swab soaked in alcohol, gently wipe the surface of the button. Dry it and check if the sensor is working. Touch the button only with clean and dry fingers.

Option 4: The method associated with replacing a fingerprint is very effective. The operation of the fingerprint scanner is not only normalized, but also accelerated. The procedure is as follows:

1 . Delete a fingerprint that was previously entered;

2 . Go to " Settings" -> "Sound" and there disable the screen unlock sound;

3 . Return to " Settings" -> "Lock screen and password"and there set the sleep time for the screen to 2 minutes;

4 . Next, we enter the fingerprints again, but in a special way: the first time we touch the sensor with a dry finger, the second time with a moistened one (not wet!). Alternatively, you can touch the wet sponge with your fingertip or simply lick your finger.

No matter how ridiculous this method looks, it works and works great - tested on Xiaomi smartphones.