10 Effective Solutions for Pixel 6 Fingerprint Sensor Issues

ByJim Miller

Reddit threads (1, 2, 3) are buzzing with complaints from Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users about their fingerprint sensors not working properly. Some users report slow response times, while others can't even see the fingerprint icon on their screens. Worse yet, some people can't enroll their fingerprints at all due to an “enrollment was not completed” error message. If you're facing similar issues, don't worry! We've got you covered with these 10 effective solutions to fix the fingerprint sensor not working on your Pixel 6.

1. Clean the Phone's Display

Sometimes, a dirty or smudged display can prevent the Pixel 6 from detecting your fingerprint. Grab a soft cloth, clean the screen, and then try using the fingerprint sensor again.

2. Press Firmly

When unlocking your Pixel 6 with your fingerprint, simply touching the screen won't do the trick. Instead, press your finger firmly on the sensor and hold it there for a second or two to ensure a successful unlock.

3. Cover Sensor With Hand

In bright or outdoor light, the Pixel 6's fingerprint sensor may struggle to function properly. Try covering the sensor slightly with one hand while firmly placing your finger on the sensor with the other hand. This will help prevent excess light from interfering with your fingerprint.

4. Enable Always-on Display

Enabling the always-on display on your Pixel 6 can speed up the fingerprint unlocking process. The fingerprint reader icon will appear directly on the always-on display, eliminating the delay of waiting for it to appear on the lock screen.

To enable the always-on display, go to Settings > Display > Lock screen and enable the toggle for “Always show time and info.”

5. Moisturize Hands

Believe it or not, moisturizing your hands, especially your fingers, can actually help improve the accuracy of the optical in-display fingerprint reader. Dry or cracked fingers may not be detected properly by the camera-like sensor, which matches your fingerprint with the stored copy on your phone.

6. Check Screen Protector

If you're using a screen protector on your Pixel 6 and experiencing fingerprint sensor issues, try removing it. Many users have reported that removing their screen protectors instantly fixed the problem. Alternatively, consider switching to a thinner protector or one that is Made for Google certified.

7. Enable Increased Touch Sensitivity

Although this setting shouldn't directly affect the fingerprint sensor, some users claim that enabling increased touch sensitivity made their fingerprint unlocking faster, especially when using a screen protector.

To enable increased touch sensitivity, go to Settings > Display and enable the toggle for “Increase touch sensitivity.”

8. Update Phone OS

Previous issues with the Pixel 6's fingerprint scanner were often caused by bugs in the operating system. Fortunately, Google has addressed these issues through updates. If you're still experiencing problems, check for available OS updates on your Pixel 6 and install the latest version of Android.

9. Re-register Fingerprint

If your Pixel 6 still isn't detecting your fingerprint, try re-registering it. Make sure to hold your phone naturally as you would when unlocking it.

  1. Open Settings on your Pixel phone.
  2. Go to Security > Fingerprint unlock.
  3. Enter your backup PIN or pattern.
  4. Delete all existing fingerprints by tapping the delete icon next to each one.
  5. To add a new fingerprint, tap on “Add fingerprint” or go back to Settings > Security > Fingerprint unlock.

10. Add Additional Copies of Same Finger

The Pixel 6's under-display fingerprint sensor uses an optical sensor that can sometimes struggle to detect the fingerprint in different lighting conditions. To improve accuracy, try adding multiple copies of the same finger under different lighting conditions such as dark, bright, and regular indoor lighting.

To add more fingerprints, go to Settings > Security > Fingerprint > Add fingerprint.

Remember, fingerprints may be less secure than other unlock methods like PINs or passwords because a copy of your fingerprint can be used to unlock your phone. Exercise caution and consider using additional security measures.

There you have it! These 10 solutions should help you resolve any fingerprint sensor issues you're facing with your Pixel 6. Enjoy the convenience of unlocking your phone with ease!