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Galaxy Note 7 Fingerprint Scanner Problems and Their Solution
Samsung’s all-new Galaxy Note 7 is now available and one of the most impressive phones around. However, it’s not perfect and some owners have been experiencing Galaxy Note 7 fingerprint scanner problems. Here we’ll go over a few helpful tips to fix any potential issues users may be facing.
In August Samsung unveiled the new Note 7 with both a fingerprint scanner and an Iris scanner, but most users will continue to use the fingerprint scanner. The new Note also comes with a water-resistant design, microSD slot, bigger battery and more.
Now that the phone has been available for a little over a week, more and more reports have emerged that users are having problems with the Note 7 fingerprint scanner. Most state it isn’t getting a good reading, and failing to unlock their device. If you’re one of the many facing issues, read on for some tips and tricks to improve the experience.
The fingerprint scanner on all recent Galaxy devices is very fast and accurate. Often unlocking phones in less than 0.5 seconds. It’s easy to use, setup is a breeze, and once configured we rarely have problems. In fact, it works more than 95% of the time and often just user error when I’m going to fast and don’t apply pressure long enough.
All it takes is a quick tap n hold of less than one second, and the phone will unlock or do whatever it is owners are trying to do with their fingerprint. However, we’re getting a lot of complaints that half of the time it isn’t working, sometimes more, which can be frustrating.
Galaxy Note 7 Fingerprint Scanner Problems & Fixes
If your Galaxy Note is failing to recognize your saved fingerprint it could be a few of multiple reasons. First up, if you’ve already added a fingerprint or two, make sure the scanner surface is clean, as it may not be getting an accurate reading. Facial and fingerprint oil build-up, makeup, dirt and more could be causing it to malfunction and not get a 100% accurate reading.
However, the biggest thing is how you setup your fingerprint. The setup is pretty self explanatory, and Samsung has users tap at different sides of their finger, angles and more. It won’t let you continue until you change angles, for the best experience. Even those who did it right, may want to delete them and redo each saved fingerprint. In the video below we’re adding a fingerprint to the Note 5, which is nearly the same on the Note 7.
If users are experiencing problems with it not being accurate and failing to read a finger, delete it and try again. Simply head to Settings > Lockscreen & security > Fingerprints > tap your finger to allow access, and long press any of the saved fingerprints and tap “Remove”. This will delete it, and allow you to re-add it to the phone. Each print lights up as you touch the sensor, so you know which one to delete. We’d suggest re-doing all of them.
We’ve heard doubling the same finger in the system for a better chance of success, by saving a thumb twice but this just makes the system more confused. I doubt it will work, but you’re welcome to try.
What we have noticed though, and what is likely the biggest problem for all owners, is not only dirty fingers during the process, or a dirty fingerprint scanner, but screen protectors or cases as we mentioned moments ago.
Most owners setup the Note 7 fingerprint scanner right away during first use, then encounter problems after adding a case or screen protector a few days later. This is because the case is causing the finger to scan at a different angle, and a protector will do the same. Especially a full-cover one like pictured above.
Those who’ve added a screen protector or case to the Note 7 should delete (remove) all fingerprints saved, and redo the process following the how-to video guide above. Now as the device scans and saves a fingerprint it will get a perfect reading with any and all accessories on the device, and it should work better moving forward.
Everything is pretty straight-forward when it comes to adding a finger for the system. In the end, put any accessories on you want to use, clean the device and wash your hands, and start over. From here there shouldn’t be any problems, and it should work as advertised. You can always try the Iris scanner too, if you’d like.
In closing, always use a backup method like a pin or password in case of problems, so the phone will be usable. If all else fails or the scanner continues to have problems, try doing a factory data reset. This is a last resort and will erase everything on the phone, but has fixed even the worst fingerprint scanner problems aside from a broken sensor. Good luck.