How To Fix Galaxy Note 5 Fingerprint Scanner Issues

Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+ and even previous Galaxy S6 models all have one of the best fingerprint scanners on any smartphone. Users can easily unlock their phones, pay for apps, use Samsung or Android Pay and more. But there are multiple reports surfaced Here are a few helpful suggestions on issues using this feature and how to fix Samsung Galaxy fingerprint scanner issues below.

In April, the new Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge came with a brand new fingerprint scanner very similar to Apple’s TouchID. Users no longer needed to use the erroneous scroll-based option introduced on the Galaxy S5 or Galaxy Note 4. Since then millions of users have started using Samsung’s new phones for 2015, but not all reviews are good.

Recently, more and more reports have emerged that users are experiencing issues with the Galaxy Note 5 (or Galaxy S6) fingerprint scanner. Most have to do with not recognizing a finger and not unlocking user devices, and most end up typing the backup password. If you’re having trouble, here are a few helpful tips, suggestions, and tricks to improve the experience.

Fingerprint scanner on all new Galaxy devices is very fast and accurate. It usually unlocks phones in less than 0.5 seconds. It is extremely easy to use, set up and enjoy. I’ve been using it without issue since the Note 5 was released in a review unit. It probably works 95% of the time, if not more. I’m usually too fast and that’s user error.

We have already detailed how to use the fingerprint scanner in our guide linked below, but this post is all about fixing issues or issues some users are facing.

All it takes is pressing and holding for less than a second and it will unlock the phone or do whatever the owners are trying to do with their fingerprint. However, we get a lot of complaints that 50-60% of the time, sometimes more, it doesn’t work and users are frustrated.

If you’re having issues with Galaxy Note 5, S6 or other 2015 Samsung fingerprint scanners not working properly, you have a few options to fix it. I’ve never had a problem but everyone is different.

Samsung Galaxy Fingerprint Scanner Tips and Fixes

If your Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 and other devices are not able to recognize your registered fingerprint, there could be several reasons. We’ll go over all of that below, the right way to set up and place your fingerprint, and a few other steps to avoid problems.

First, make sure the scanner surface is clean as you may not get an accurate reading if you’ve already added a fingerprint or two. Facial and fingerprint oil build-up, make-up, dirt, and more can cause the device to malfunction and not get a 100% accurate reading.

However, the biggest thing is how you set up your fingerprint. The setup is pretty self-explanatory, and Samsung allows users to tap different sides, angles, and more of their fingers. If you haven’t done this correctly, you may want to delete them and redo each saved fingerprint. We fast-forward to enter fingerprints in the video below, and it’s a good example of different angles, edges, areas, the flat tip, or the tip of your finger.

If users are having issues with it not being correct and not reading their finger, delete it and try again. Go to Settings > contact > lock screen & security > Fingerprints > tap your finger to allow access and long press any of the registered fingerprints and tap “Remove”. This will delete it and allow you to re-add it to the phone.

Some forum members claim doubling the same finger on the system for a better chance of success, but this only confuses the system further, so we recommend only having one entry per finger.

What we noticed though, and which is probably the biggest issue for all owners, is screen protectors or cases, not just dirty fingers or a dirty fingerprint scanner during the process.

If you’ve recently added a new screen protector or case to the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 or other Samsungs with a scanner, it may not be receiving the same value as the one you entered and saved.

Those who add a screen protector or case to the Note 5 should delete (remove) all recorded fingerprints and redo the process by following the how-to video guide above. In most cases, there is a slight edge over the screen for protection, which can cause a slightly different angle to your fingerprint and cause the system to not work properly.

Personally, I’ve added both a tempered glass screen protector and a case and I’m not having any issues. However, if your Note 5 fingerprint scanner is not working properly, try deleting them all and starting over. Entering them with the case should fix most problems.

Users need to add fingerprint to store in the system with Screen protectors or cases are attached to get the best and most accurate reading of how the phone will actually be used. Most users enjoy the scanner without any issues, but those who have problems should try deleting them and starting over, especially when it comes to cases and accessories.

To get the most accurate reading, it’s a good idea to wipe the surface of the finger and the scanner before you start. The whole system is pretty simple and hard to get it wrong, so follow some of the steps above and enjoy a faster, easier to use and safer smartphone.