In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the issue of the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint not working. The newest addition to the Pixel family comes with a second-generation Tensir chipset and the initial observation is that it has quite well-optimized as the frequency and number of bugs have been on the lower side in comparison with its predecessor. However, it seems there is one domain that is in need of some dire attention.
Ever since Pixel moved to the in-display fingerprint, its performance has been well below par. The fingerprint issues with the Pixel 6 series [especially the 6A] are there for everyone to see, and unfortunately, things don’t look too good with the seventh series either. Numerous Pixel 7 [and a few 7 Pro] users have voiced their concern that the fingerprint sensor is not working on their devices.
More often than not it fails to recognize their fingerprint and users have to try 3-4 times just to unlock their phones. To make matter worse, you cannot disable your fingerprint and opt for Face Unlock because then you wouldn’t be able to use any banking/payment apps. So is there a way to put an end to this fiasco? Well, there does exist a few nifty workarounds that might help you out. So without further ado, let’s check them out.
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Fix Pixel 7/Pro Fingerprint not working
It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
Add the Same Fingerprint Twice
An old trick out of the books, adding the fingerprint of the same finger twice or thrice will make the job of the scanner a little bit easier in reading those fine prints. So refer to the below steps to fill up two-three slots of fingerprints using the same finger and then check out the results.
- To begin with, head over to Settings > Security > Fingerprint Unlock.
- Then tap on Add Fingerprint and proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Likewise, carry out the same steps for the same finger a couple of additional times.
- Now check if it fixes the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint not working issue.
Increase Touch Sensitivity
If you have put a screen protector, then it might conflict with the normal interaction with the fingerprint sensor. Therefore, you should consider enabling the Pixel’s built-in feature that will increase the touch response sensitivity. Here’s how it could be done:
- To begin with, head over to the Settings menu on your device.
- Then go to Display and enable the toggle next to Increase Touch Sensitivity.
- Check if it fixes the fingerprint not working issue on your Pixel 7/Pro.
Give it An Additional Second
Optical under-the-hood fingerprints are a tad bit slower than the ultrasonic scanner. So bearing that fact in mind, consider giving an additional second to the scanner so that it is able to efficiently scan your prints.
Apply Optimal Pressure
While it isn’t documented anywhere as such, but these in-display fingerprints (especially the 2-D ones) work best when you apply the pressure in an increasing manner. However, the increase should be done gradually and lightly. So try it out and then see if it is able to fix the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint sensor not working issue.
Use Dry Hands
It’s no hidden secret that the scanner wouldn’t be able to read the fingerprints if your hands are wet. This is because the moisture would end up creating an additional layer between the scanner and your fingerprints, thereby preventing a successful scan. So make sure to remove such roadblocks before proceeding ahead.
Clean your Screen
Not only your hands but the screen should be cleaned as well, especially the bottom half of the screen where the scanner is located. Even the slightest of dust particles are enough to create hurdles in successful scans. So clean your screen with a cloth or fabric and then verify if the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint sensor not working issue has been fixed or not.
Use a compatible screen protector
Not all screen protectors are created equally! While they might cause issues in the normal usage of the device, but they sure could cause conflict with the in-display fingerprint scanner. So if you ever plan to replace your Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection with a third-party one, make sure to go for a tried and trusted name.
Re-Add Your Fingerprint
Since the optical scanner flashes a bright light underneath to read your fingerprints, it might not have been able to register your fine prints correctly during the setup process. So consider removing the registered fingerprint and then perform a re-scan to re-add your fingerprints. Here’s how it could be done:
- Head over to Settings > Security > Fingerprint Unlock.
- Then tap on the delete icon next to your fingerprint.
- Now tap on Add Fingerprint and proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- Check if it fixes the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint not working issue.
Install Pending Updates
While the software upgrades might not necessarily add new features to your device, they surely optimize and improve the overall functioning of the OS as well as your device. Along the same lines, they also iron out all the bugs and issues. So make sure to download and install all pending updates using the instructions listed below and then verify if it ends up rectifying the issue or not.
- Head over to Settings < System > System Update.
- The OS will now search for any pending updates.
- If there is one, then download and install it right away.
- Check if it fixes the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint not working issue.
Give AI some time!
Well, Artificial Intelligence does take some time to adapt and adjust, after all. So on continued usage of these scanners, they will ultimately learn and optimize themselves according to the use case scenario. So consider letting go of the initial hiccups for a better journey ahead!
Recalibrate Fingerprint via Pixel Update and Software Repair
You could also recalibrate the fingerprint sensor on your Pixel 7 Pro via the official Google Pixel Update and Software Repair. Here’s how it could be done [proceed ahead at your own risk]
- Power off your phone. Then press and hold Power and Volume Down for 5-7 seconds.
- Your device will now boot to the Fastboot Mode.
- Now head over to the Pixel Update and Software Repair website.
- Then click on Connect Device and your device will appear in the pop-up window. Select it and click Connect.
- Finally, click on Install Software and wait for the process to complete.
- Once done, check if it fixes the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint not working issue.
Send Feedback to Google
If none of the aforementioned tweaks managed to work out in your favor, then you should consider contacting Google and then chalk out the best route forward. We aren’t still implying that it’s a hardware issue, it’s just that contacting the manufacturer will give you a clearer picture. So refer to the below steps to send the feedback directly from your device:
- Head over to Settings > System > About Phone
- Then tap on Send Feedback about this device.
- Now tap on Allow one-time access in the prompt.
- Type in your concern regarding the fingerprint and hit Send.
So with this, we round off the guide on how you could fix the Pixel 7/Pro fingerprint sensor not working issue. 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.
