In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the slow fingerprint issue in Pixel 3a/4a/5a series after installing the March 2022 update. While the latest flagships from the Silicon Valley giants have taken much of the limelight in recent months, the older ones aren’t left behind either. Pixel devices from the fourth generation onwards are already on the Android 13 bandwagon whereas the third generation has been blessed with its last major OS upgrade with Android 12.
Along with that, these devices would also be getting their regular share of monthly security patches. These are mostly intended to enhance security improve performance and iron out the underlying bugs. However, the latest March update didn’t seem to abide by this rulebook. The likes of the Pixel 3a/4a/5a series recently received the March 2022 update after which many users have voiced their concern that the fingerprint isn’t working along the expected lines.
There is now an additional one or two-second delay in unlocking the device via fingerprint. Moreover, this issue seems to be more imminent when the device’s display is turned off. If the display is on and the device is locked, then the issue doesn’t seem to be present for many users. If you are also in the same boat, then fret not. In this guide, we will make you aware of various methods to fix the slow fingerprint issue in Pixel 3a/4a/5a series after installing the March 2022 update.
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Fix Slow Fingerprint issue in Pixel 3a/4a/5a after March 2022 update
Do note that there’s no universal fix as such. You will have to try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and see which one works best in your favor. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Enable AOD
As mentioned before, when the screen is on, then the severity of this bug is at the absolute minimum or even complete null in some cases. So the first workaround would be to keep the display turned on for as long as possible.
And for that, there couldn’t be any better approach than to enable the Always On Display. However, do note that enabling it will also lead to excessive battery drainage. So if you are ready for this trade-off, then let’s get started with the steps:
- Head over to Settings > Display > Lock Screen.
- Now enable the toggle next to Always Show Time and Info.
- Check if it fixes the slow fingerprint issue in Pixel 3a/4a/5a series after installing the March 2022 update.
FIX 2: Re-Add the Same FingerPrint
Taking an old page out of the book, you should consider adding another fingerprint of the same finger that is already added. This will further strengthen the ability of the device to read the fingerprint and could help you in rectifying the underlying issue as well. So proceed with the below instruction steps to try it out:
- Head over to the Settings menu on your device.
- Then go to Security > Pixel Imprint.
- Now tap on Add Fingerprint and register the same finger’s print again.
- Check if it fixes the slow fingerprint issue in Pixel 3a/4a/5a series after installing the March 2022 update.
FIX 3: Downgrade to February 2022 Update
If both the aforementioned methods didn’t spell out success, then you might have to take the nuclear approach of downgrading the security patch to the February 2022 update. While this will surely rectify the issue, but it comes at a cost.
This process requires an unlocked bootloader, which will wipe the data and might nullify the warranty. So if that’s well and good, then refer to our guide on How to Downgrade Pixel using Android Flash Tool (just make sure to select the February 2022 OTA file).
So these were the various methods to fix the slow fingerprint issue in Pixel 3a/4a/5a series after installing the March 2022 update. As far as the official stance on this matter is concerned, the developers are aware of this issue, but they haven’t given out any ETA for the rollout of a fix. As and when that happens, we will update this guide accordingly. In the meantime, the aforementioned workarounds are your best bet.
