The Galaxy S24’s under-display fingerprint scanner is one of its most raved about features. But what if you are suddenly locked out of your phone because the scanner fails to recognize your fingerprints?
Don’t panic! In this guide, we’ll go through the top reasons for fingerprint authentication failures on Galaxy S24 devices and the steps to get your scanner working again.
The Galaxy S24 line introduced an advanced Qualcomm 3D Sonic Max ultrasonic fingerprint reader for faster and more accurate scanning. This biometric authentication method allows you to securely unlock your device, authorize purchases, access password manager apps and even sign into accounts.
But in some cases, users have reported issues like:
- Scanner not recognizing existing fingerprints
- “No match found” or “Couldn’t process fingerprint” errors
- Difficulty registering new fingerprints
When your S24 fingerprint scanner stops working, it prevents you from getting into your own device! Not ideal.
The good news is, in most cases, this problem can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through several DIY solutions to try.
Ready to get your fingerprint scanner unlocked (pun intended)? Let’s dig in!
Main Causes of Fingerprint Scanner Failure
Before trying to fix your Galaxy S24’s unresponsive fingerprint scanner, it helps to understand what could be causing the issues in the first place. This gives insight into the best solutions to resolve it.
Potential culprits include:
Software Bugs & Glitches
Sometimes a buggy app or system software update may inadvertently break the scanner functionality. Rebooting the device or software troubleshooting often gets it working again.
Residue or Debris Build-up
Everyday use of your phone can leave oily residues or debris on the fingerprint scanner lens underneath the screen. This prevents accurate fingerprint reading.
Improperly Registered Prints
If fingerprints weren’t scanned correctly during registration, the scanner will fail to validate them. Re-registering properly can help.
Moisture Damage
Exposing the underwater ultrasonic scanner to moisture through leaks, cracks or liquid contact can damage scanner hardware over time.
Wear & Tear Issues
With heavy long term use, the mechanical parts of the fingerprint sensor may slowly degrade – causing intermittent failures.
Now that you know why your Samsung S24 scanner may be throwing a fit, let’s move on to some DIY solutions.
Method 1: Check for Software Issues
Since software glitches are an easy potential cause to rule out, we’ll start there.
Follow these steps:
- Restart your Galaxy S24 and try the scanner after booting up fresh. Sometimes a basic reboot can clear out minor hiccups.
- Check if a recent app or system update preceded the issues. If so, it could be a buggy release. Try uninstalling recent app updates.
- Boot into Safe Mode and test. If fingerprints work in Safe Mode, then 3rd party apps are likely causing conflict.
- Backup data and try wiping cache/data partitions. Factory reset if needed.
If you suspect hardware damage, skip to those solutions next. Software issues may require a trip to a Service Center if they persist through the above steps.
Method 2: Clean Scanner Area
Fingerprint scanner failures are often simply a matter of dirty sensors. Smudges, residues or debris can prevent accurate readings.
Here’s how to clean it:
- Power off the phone.
- Use a microfiber cloth gently wipe down the scanner area under the screen.
- Ensure no moisture or liquid gets inside.
- Check if fingerprints are recognized after cleaning.
A simple debris removal can get your S24 scanning your digits once again!
That covers software and hardware fixes. Let me know if you need me to continue with additional methods!
Method 3: Re-register Fingerprints
If your S24 scanner fails to recognize existing registered fingerprints, try removing them and setting them up from scratch.
Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings >> Biometrics and Security >> Fingerprints.
- Delete existing registered fingerprints.
- With the hand you usually unlock with, register the thumb and index fingers by carefully covering the entire fingerprint surface when scanning.
- Touch the scanner sensor gently during registration and follow the on-screen cues.
- Register the same fingers from your other hand as backups.
- Test locking and unlocking your phone with the freshly registered fingerprints.
Re-registering gets a clean slate for improved recognition. This simple re-configuration could get misbehaving scanners back on their best behavior.
Method 4: Factory Reset as Last Resort
If all else fails, the nuclear option to try is a full factory reset to wipe not just app data but reverter entire Android OS as well.
Before resetting:
- Backup data to Samsung Cloud or external storage
- Log out of accounts
- Enable Smart Switch to restore data later
Then erase all content and settings from either device Settings or Recovery Mode. Test fingerprint scanner after rebooting from absolute scratch.
This cleanup procedure clears out gremlins for a fresh phone state, potentially fixing quirky scanner problems.
You May Also Like:
- How to Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S24 via Settings Menu
- Galaxy S24 Lockdown Mode: How To Access And Enable This Powerful Security Feature
- How to Easily Pair Your Galaxy S24 with Bluetooth Accessories
Conclusion
And there you have it – a few troubleshooting methods to attempt when dealing with a Galaxy S24 fingerprint scanner failure before panicking or rushing to the nearest service center.
To recap the solutions covered:
- Check for and fix software bugs causing conflicts
- Clean away greasy residue or debris on scanner
- Redo fingerprint registration for better reads
- Factory reset to erase weird software glitches
In most cases, the common sense cleaning and software restart tips can get fingerprint authentication working again, without hassling with hardware repair.
However, if you’ve tried all steps exhaustively and the issues persist unabated, then do contact Samsung Support or visit an authorized service center to identify potential component defects with the scanner module. Hardware faults will require qualified professionals to fix or replace parts.
But following this troubleshooting guide beforehand rules out many easily fixable problems first, saving you time and money!
I hope these practical DIY steps to reviving your Galaxy S24’s unresponsive fingerprint scanner have helped you regain access to your device securely. Let me know if can assist with any other phone issues!
