Though fingerprint ID is the quickest method to unlock your phone or access any protected apps. But you may also encounter some issues with the fingerprint sensor, it might start malfunctioning suddenly due to various reasons:
- Bugs in the software
- Cluttered data stored in the cache memory
- Dirtier Fingers might also hinder
Are you facing issues with the fingerprint sensor on your Samsung A12? If yes, then you need to start the troubleshooting process with the help of some proven fixes discussed in this guide.
Quick Fixes
Go to “Settings” on your phone and then tap “Biometrics and security”. Next, tap “Fingerprints” and continue by entering your PIN, Password, or pattern if it asks. Finally, turn OFF the “Fingerprint unlock” option and then turn ON. Now, check if the fingerprint is working.
Ensure you are placing your fingers on the sensor area properly and that they are not too wet or dry.
Soft Reset
Sometimes, a minor glitch in the device software happens to cause such an issue. These types of minor problems can be very well eliminated by performing a soft reset on your device.
- Simultaneously, press and hold the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons until the “Power Off” options appear on the phone screen.
- Next, select the “Power OFF” option and wait for your phone to completely turn OFF.
- Now, wait for several minutes (2-3) and then press the Power button to turn ON your smartphone.
That’s it, you have successfully performed a soft reset on your Samsung A12.
Register with Multiple Fingers
When activating the fingerprint ID on your smartphone, you should register with multiple fingers as this might allow you to get the benefit of an alternate finger when the authentication process fails with a particular finger.
Clean the Fingerprint Sensor Area
Most of the time, the fingerprint scanner not working issue occurs due to the dirt and stains present in the scanning area. Moreover, It can prevent the fingerprint sensor from scanning properly.
Hence, you should remove the dirt and stains from the fingerprint sensor area to let the scanner work smoothly.
Re-register your Fingerprints
You can also give it a try by removing your old fingerprints and then registering with scanning new fingerprints. There is also a possibility that the issue might occur due to ambiguous fingerprint data. Therefore, proceed with removing the old fingerprint and try adding the new one.
Here are the steps to remove the old fingerprints,
- Head over to “Settings”.
- Next, scroll down a bit and tap on “Biometrics and security”.
- Further, tap “Fingerprint”.
- Now, delete all your registered fingerprints by selecting them and then tapping the remove button.
That’s it, you have successfully removed the old fingerprints. Now, it’s time to add new fingerprints by successfully completing the scanning process.
- Head over to “Settings”.
- Next, scroll down a bit and tap on “Biometrics and security”.
- Further, tap “Fingerprint”.
- Now, tap the “Add Fingerprint” option and follow the on-screen guide to complete the scanning process.
- After the successful completion of fingerprint scanning, finally, tap “Done” or proceed to tap on the “Add fingerprint” option if you want to add multiple fingerprints.
Boot Into Safe Mode
When in safe mode, use the fingerprint sensor, if it is working fine, then it means some third-party apps are causing the issue.
Hence, in that particular case delete all the third-party apps or at least the ones you have recently installed on your phone to eliminate the issue you are facing.
How To Boot into Safe Mode?
- Simultaneously, press and hold the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons until the “Power Off” options appear on the phone screen.
- Next, tap and hold the “Power Off” option until you see the “Safe mode” option appears.
- Finally, tap “Safe mode” and wait until the phone enters safe mode successfully. It should take several seconds. Further, you will also see the “Safe mode” at the bottom left corner of the screen.
Clear System Cache
Another fix that can lead you to eliminate this particular issue is booting into the recovery mode of your smartphone and then performing a wipe cache partition.
This method removes all the temporary files that might be causing issues to your device.
- Switch OFF your smartphone.
- To enter into recovery mode, press and hold the “Power” and “Volume UP” buttons until you boot into recovery mode successfully.
- Once in recovery mode, use the volume buttons to switch between different options and the power button to select the desired option.
- In recovery mode options, select the “Wipe Cache Partition” option and continue by pressing the “Yes” to confirm.
- When you are done with it, now reboot your phone by selecting the “Reboot the System Now” option.
That’s it, you are done with clearing the system cache. Once your smartphone boots up successfully, then check whether the fingerprint sensor is fine or still the problem persists.
Update the Phone Software
Most of the problems occur due to an outdated version of software running on the device. Hence, you need to check for the latest update and if available, then download and install it on your smartphone.
- Head over to “Settings”.
- Scroll down to the bottom and select “Software Update”.
- Next, tap the ”Download and install” option.
If any recent version of the update is available, then download and install it on your Samsung A12.
Perform Factory Data Reset
This method is very effective and worth considering when facing any kind of issue on your device. This will restore all the settings to the factory default settings.
But you need to take a complete backup of your important data as it will wipe all the available data on your device.
- Head over to “Settings->General Management”.
- Scroll down to the “Reset” option.
- Next, tap “Factory Data Reset”.
- Finally, tap “Reset”.
Please wait for the process to complete, once it finishes, the phone will boot up and will be directed to the Welcome screen. Now, set up your phone accordingly by following the on-screen instructions.
Related: How To Fix QR Code Scanning Not Working on Samsung A12?
Conclusion
If you are having issues with the fingerprint sensor on your Samsung A12, then try out these fixes.
- Soft Reset your smartphone.
- Clear System Cache.
- Update Software.
- Boot into Safe mode.
- Re-register your fingerprints.
The above fixes could help you resolve the particular fingerprint sensor issue on your Samsung A12.