Unlocking a smartphone with a fingerprint is one of the popular methods nowadays. Everyone prefers this method over the other common methods such as PIN/Password or pattern. This is because of its fast and speedy nature where one can quickly get access to his smartphone.
Do you own Motorola Moto G Power (2021)? What if you find out your smartphone fingerprint sensor is not working?
If you come across such a situation where you are unable to access your smartphone with the fingerprint method due to some reasons, then follow this guide to the end.
Here, you will find out about the real culprits behind the fingerprint sensor not working issue. Besides this, there are several proven fixes discussed in detail here that will help you resolve this particular issue.
If the fingerprint sensor is not working then there could be numerous reasons and some of them are as follow:
- Bugs in the software
- Dirtier Finger or Fingerprint sensor area
- Low-quality incompatible screen protector
- Cluttered data stored in the cache memory
Quick Fixes
You should boot your Motorola Moto G Power (2021) into Safe mode. If the fingerprint sensor starts working in safe mode, then there are some third-party apps causing the issue.
Locking and unlocking the phone might resolve the fingerprint sensor issue on your phone. Also, try to perform a wipe cache partition using the recovery mode.
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Fingerprint Sensor Not Working
Let’s start the troubleshooting process with some of the advanced proven fixes to resolve the fingerprint sensor not working issue on your phone.
- Soft Reset
- Make Sure the Fingerprint Scanner area is Clean
- Register with Multiple Fingers
- Remove the Screen Protector
- Enter Safe Mode
- Clear System Cache
- Software Update
- Perform Factory Reset
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.
To do that, there are very simple steps to follow below:
- Press and hold the “Power/Lock” button until the power option appears on the screen.
- Now, select the “Power Off” option and then tap “Power Off” to confirm.
- Once, the phone is turned Off completely, now wait for several seconds and then turn it back ON with the help of the Power button.
That’s it, you have successfully performed a soft reset on your Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
Make Sure the Fingerprint Scanner area is Clean
Most of the time, the fingerprint sensor malfunctions due to strains on the screen. Hence, make sure that the fingerprint sensor area is clean. Wipe the area with tissue paper or a small piece of cloth to clean it properly.
Besides this, also clean your registered finger if it is dirty somehow. The dirty finger might also become an obstacle in the authentication process.
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.
- Open “Settings” and then tap “Security”.
- Next, tap “Fingerprint” and then tap “Set up”.
- Further, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scanning process successfully.
- Finally, tap “Add Another” to register multiple fingers.
Remove the Screen Protector
Remove the protector from the screen and then try to attempt fingerprint authentication. There is also a possibility that the protector might be preventing the fingerprint sensor from sensing the finger accurately.
This happens in the case of incompatible screen protectors such as universal protectors. Hence, the fingerprint sensor is unable to make it with successful authentication.
It is recommended to use a compatible screen protector that is specifically designed for a particular model. In this case, you should use the screen protector designed for the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) might eliminate the incompatibility issues and will lead you to the authentication process without any hurdle.
Enter Safe Mode
Safe mode allows you to test the device and app functionality to diagnose the issues. In this mode, all the third-party apps are disabled and you are left behind with the built-in apps only. Therefore, it makes it easy for you to diagnose the issue.
While in safe mode, use the fingerprint sensor, if it is working perfectly 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” button 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 “OK” to reboot into safe mode and wait until the phone enters safe mode successfully. It should take several seconds. Further, you will also be able to 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 by booting into the recovery mode of your smartphone. By doing so, you will then be able to wipe the 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 Down buttons until the fastboot mode appears on the screen.
- Now, select the “Recovery Mode” with the help of the “Volume” and “Power” button to select.
- Once you see the “Android logo” on the screen, then press the “Volume Up” and “Power” buttons to enter the “Recovery Mode”.
- In recovery mode options, select the “Wipe Cache Partition” option.
- At last, 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 working fine or still the problem persists.
Check For the Recent Software Update
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”.
- Next, tap “About Phone”.
- Scroll down to the bottom and tap “System Updates”.
If any recent version of the update is available, then download and install it on your Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
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.
Here are the steps below:
- Head over to “Settings->Systems”.
- Further, tap “Advanced”.
- Then, tap “Reset options”.
- Finally, “Erase All data (factory Reset)–>Erase All Data”.
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.
Conclusion
Are you having issues with the fingerprint sensor on your Motorola Moto G Power (2021)? If yes, follow this troubleshooting process that includes multiple fixes. Some of them are as follows:
- Soft Reset your smartphone.
- Remove the screen protector
- Clear System Cache.
- Update Software.
- Perform Factory Reset
For more fixes, follow this detailed guide that will help you resolve this particular issue regarding the fingerprint sensor.