It can be frustrating when the fingerprint sensor on your Motorola phone doesn’t work as expected because it is a convenient and secure way to unlock your device.

Quick information about the Motorola fingerprint sensor

The Motorola fingerprint sensor is designed to be compatible with most screen protectors. However, some thicker or lower-quality screen protectors may interfere with the sensor’s ability to read fingerprints.

If you’re having trouble using the fingerprint sensor after installing a new screen protector, try removing the screen protector and see if that solves the problem.

Motorola fingerprint sensors are not compatible with wet hands or fingers. If your hands are wet, dry them before using the fingerprint sensor.

Motorola fingerprint sensors are not compatible with gloves. If you need to use your phone while wearing gloves, you can use a PIN or pattern unlock method.

Troubleshooting tips for specific Motorola fingerprint sensor issues:

If your fingerprint sensor doesn’t respond, try cleaning it with a soft, lint-free cloth.

If the fingerprint sensor responds slowly or fingerprint recognition frequently fails, try adding your fingerprint again.

If your fingerprint sensor randomly unlocks your phone, try turning off the “Unlock with wet fingers” option in the Settings menu.

How to fix the Motorola fingerprint sensor not working?

There are many reasons why your Motorola fingerprint sensor may not be working. Here are more detailed troubleshooting tips for the Motorola fingerprint sensor not working.

1. Clean the fingerprint sensor

The fingerprint sensor is a sensitive component that relies on accurately reading fingerprint ridges. Over time, dust, dirt, oil, and even small particles can build up on the sensor, hindering its ability to capture your fingerprint properly. It is important to clean the sensor regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Here’s how to effectively clean your Motorola fingerprint sensor:

Gather a soft, lint-free cloth, preferably a microfiber cloth, and isopropyl alcohol.
Lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol, avoiding excessive moisture.
Gently wipe the entire surface of the fingerprint sensor in a circular motion.
Do not apply excessive pressure, as this may damage the sensor.
Let the sensor dry completely before using it again.

2. Make sure your fingers are dry and clean

Moisture, oil, and foreign substances on your fingers can greatly affect the fingerprint sensor’s ability to read your fingerprint accurately. To ensure proper registration, please follow these guidelines:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and remove any traces of dirt, oil, or lotion.
Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel before using the fingerprint sensor.
Avoid applying lotions or moisturizers to your hands, as they may leave residue that can interfere with sensor performance.

3. Place your finger on the sensor and apply the appropriate pressure

Fingerprint sensors are designed to register fingerprints when a certain amount of pressure is applied. Applying too little or too much pressure can reduce the sensor’s ability to capture your fingerprint accurately.

Here’s how to apply appropriate pressure when using the fingerprint sensor:

Place your finger straight on the sensor and ensure all edges of your fingerprint are within the boundaries of the sensor. Apply firm, even pressure to the sensor when placing your finger on it.

Don’t press too lightly. The sensor may not be providing enough pressure to read your fingerprint. Conversely, do not press too hard, as this may damage the sensor.

4. Cover the entire sensor with your finger

The fingerprint sensor must capture your fingerprint to match your registered fingerprint accurately. If only part of the sensor is covered, your fingerprint may not be read accurately.

To obscure your entire fingerprint:

Place your finger straight on the sensor and ensure all edges of your fingerprint are within the boundaries of the sensor.

Do not tilt or tilt your finger. This ensures that only a portion of the fingerprint is captured. Do not move your finger while the sensor reads your fingerprint.

5. Check for software updates

Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve issues related to the fingerprint sensor. Regular software updates ensure your phone runs the latest optimization and security patches.

Here’s how to check for software updates:

Connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network.
Go to Settings > System > System Update.
If an update is available, the system prompts you to download and install the update.
Once the update is complete, restart your phone and check if the fingerprint sensor is working properly.

6. Remove and re-add fingerprints

Occasionally, the fingerprint sensor may malfunction due to problems with registered fingerprints. Removing and re-adding the fingerprint often resolves these issues.

Here’s how to remove and re-add your fingerprint:

Go to Settings > Security > Fingerprint.
Select Remove all fingerprints.
Check fingerprint removal.
After removing all fingerprints, proceed with the process of adding fingerprints again.
To register your fingerprint correctly, you must carefully follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Restart your phone

Restarting your phone can often fix temporary glitches and software issues affecting fingerprint sensor functionality. Often, minor problems can be resolved by simply restarting without the need for more complex troubleshooting.

Here’s how to restart your Motorola phone:

Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
From the Power menu, select Restart.
Wait until your phone fully restarts.
After restarting, check if the fingerprint sensor is working properly.

8. Perform factory reset

A factory reset should be considered a last resort, as it will erase all data on your phone. Back up your important files and data before continuing.

Here’s how to factory reset your Motorola phone:

Go to Settings > System > Reset option.
Select Erase all data (factory reset).
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process.
First factory reset

9. Contact Motorola Support

If you have exhausted all troubleshooting options and your fingerprint sensor is still not working on your Motorola phone, it is best to contact Motorola Support for further assistance. They can provide more in-depth troubleshooting steps or guide you through sending your phone in for repair.

Here’s how to contact Motorola Support:

Online: Visit the Motorola Support website and click the “Contact Us” button. From here, you can chat, email, or schedule a call with a live representative.
By phone: Call Motorola Customer Support at 1-800-734-5870.
Social Media: Message Motorola on Twitter or Facebook.
When contacting Motorola Support, please be prepared to provide the following information:

Your phone’s model number
Your phone’s serial number
Description of the problem encountered
Troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken

The information you provide can help Motorola Support better help you troubleshoot your fingerprint sensor issue.

Motorola fingerprint sensor not working after update

If your Motorola phone’s fingerprint sensor has stopped working after a software update, it may be frustrating. Still, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue.

Reboot your phone:

Start by simply rebooting your Motorola phone. Sometimes, a fresh start can help fix minor glitches caused by updates.

Check for software updates:

Make sure you have the latest software updates installed. Subsequent updates may also include fixes for problems encountered in previous updates.

Re-enroll your fingerprint:

Updates may have changed the way fingerprint data is recognized. Delete the existing fingerprint data and try registering the fingerprint again.

Clear fingerprint data:

Sometimes, you may need to erase existing fingerprint data and set up the fingerprint sensor from scratch. To do this, go to your device settings, the Security or Biometrics section and remove all enrolled fingerprints. Then, register your fingerprint again.

Safe mode:

Boot your phone safely to check if any third-party apps interfere with the fingerprint sensor function. If your sensor is operating in safe mode, you may need to uninstall recently added apps that may be causing conflicts.

Wipe cache partition:

Wiping the system cache partition may help fix post-update issues. The process may vary depending on your phone model, so contact your device’s support resource for instructions.

Factory reset:

If none of the steps above worked and you are sure the problem is related to a software update, you can do a factory reset. All data on your phone will be deleted, so back up any important data before proceeding.

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is my Motorola fingerprint sensor not working?

There are many reasons why your Motorola fingerprint sensor may not be working. The most common causes are:

The fingerprint sensor is dirty or smudged.
Your fingers are wet, greasy, or dirty.
You are not pressing the sensor hard enough with your finger.
You did not cover the entire sensor with my finger.
Your phone isn’t running the latest software.
There is a problem with the registered fingerprint.
There is a hardware issue with the fingerprint sensor.

How can I repair my Motorola fingerprint sensor?

Here are some methods you can try to fix your Motorola fingerprint sensor issue:

Clean the fingerprint sensor with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Make sure your fingers are dry and clean.
Press your finger firmly on the sensor for a few seconds.
Make sure your finger covers the entire sensor.
Check for software updates.
Remove the fingerprint and add it again.
Restart your phone.
As a last resort, reset your phone.

What should I do if I tried the above methods and my Motorola fingerprint sensor still doesn’t work?

If you have tried the above methods and your Motorola fingerprint sensor is still not working, contact Motorola Support for further assistance. They can provide more in-depth troubleshooting steps or guide you through sending your phone in for repair.

How can I prevent my Motorola fingerprint sensor from not working in the future?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Motorola fingerprint sensor from not working in the future.

Keep your fingerprint sensor clean.
Make sure your hands are clean and dry before using the fingerprint sensor.
Avoid using lotion or moisturizer on your hands.
Update your phone to the latest software.
Register your fingerprint carefully and make sure it covers the entire sensor.
Following these tips can help ensure that your Motorola fingerprint sensor continues to function properly.

Why did the fingerprint sensor on my Motorola phone stop working after a software update?

Fingerprint sensor issues after a software update can be caused by various factors, including software defects, incompatibility, and changes to the fingerprint recognition process. These issues are often resolved through troubleshooting.

What should I do if my Motorola fingerprint sensor does not work after the update?

Reboot your phone first, check for software updates, and re-enroll your fingerprint. If the issue persists, consider other troubleshooting steps, such as booting into safe mode, wiping the cache partition, or performing a factory reset as a last resort.

Is there a specific order to follow when re-enrolling fingerprints after an update?

There is no particular order, but we recommend deleting existing fingerprint data first and then re-enrolling the fingerprint after updating. This helps ensure that your fingerprint data is updated correctly.

Can third-party apps interfere with the functionality of the fingerprint sensor after the update?

Yes, third-party apps can sometimes interfere with the fingerprint sensor. Booting your phone in safe mode can help you identify these cases. If your sensor is operating in safe mode, you may need to uninstall recently added apps that may be causing conflicts.

What should I do if the troubleshooting steps do not resolve my fingerprint sensor issue?

If the problem persists and you believe it is related to a software update, try reporting it to Motorola Customer Support. They may also provide guidance or updates to resolve your issue. If necessary, visit an authorized service centre for further assistance.

Can a factory reset fix fingerprint sensor issues after the update?

Factory reset is a last resort and should only be used if other troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue. This may help if a software update causes the problem. However, a factory reset will erase all data, so please back up important information first.

How often do I encounter fingerprint sensor issues after a software update on my Motorola phone?

Fingerprint sensor issues after updates are relatively uncommon, and most updates are designed to improve device functionality. However, the complexity of software updates and the wide range of device models and configurations can cause occasional issues.

Can I revert to a previous software version to fix fingerprint sensor issues?

In most cases, reverting to a previous software version is not recommended. Doing so may cause other compatibility and security issues. It is generally recommended that you contact Motorola Support to resolve the issue or wait for a subsequent update to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

If the problem persists after trying these steps and your fingerprint sensor still doesn’t work, a software update likely causes a bug or compatibility issue. In such cases, please report the problem to Motorola Customer Support or visit an authorized service centre for assistance. They may also provide a fix or workaround for your problem.