Google did a great job designing the Pixel series, but there’s a design flaw with almost all of them. The problem is the fingerprint sensor. The devices that are known for this issue are the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL series. The fingerprint sensor is an essential feature of smartphones due to its functions. It doesn’t only help you to unlock your smartphone easier and faster, but it also ensures your online payments too.
If the sensor is not recognizing your fingerprint after a couple of attempts (usually three), you will be forced to enter a passcode or password to unlock your smartphone. In case you are constantly running into this issue, don’t panic! No matter if you are dealing with fingerprint sensor issues on a Pixel smartphone or any other Android device, we are here to help you. Keep reading to find out how to fix Google Pixel 2 fingerprint not working issue.
Clean Up Fingerprint Sensor
The most common reason why the fingerprint sensor is not responding is that it’s dirty. So, the best thing you can do is to clean the sensor with a cloth. You don’t have to use a special cloth, just keep in mind that it needs to be clean and smooth and maybe a little damp, but never fully wet. It may help to remove the phone case if you are using one and clean over the sensor area. Also, make sure that the finger is not dirty.
Force-Restart Pixel 2 Smartphone
When your fingerprint sensor is not working, restarting your smartphone might just do the trick. To do so, you need to press and hold power and volume down buttons at the same time for a few seconds (no more than 10). A restart or power off button will appear on your screen. Make sure to pick the restart option.
Remove Added Fingerprint
You can also try to remove your existing fingerprints from your Pixel 2 and register them again. To achieve this, you need to go to Launch Settings → Security & location → Pixel Imprint. The last step for removing your registered fingerprints is to confirm your screen lock password and then tap on the “delete” button.
Factory Reset Pixel 2 Smartphone
If any of the above-mentioned suggestions didn’t help you, your last option is to reset your phone to the factory data. It is an unpleasant option because it’s a multi-step and time-consuming process. Whenever performing a factory reset, you need to back up your data. A factory reset implies that everything will be deleted. This includes your family photos, videos, notes, and all other things that you hold dear.
If you don’t know how to perform a full factory reset, you don’t need to worry. We have your back! Check out the full guide below to learn how to factory reset your smartphone and fix all fingerprint scanner issue:
- Access the Settings app;
- Head over to System;
- Now, click on the Reset option;
- Choose Factory Data Reset;
- Tap on Reset Phone;
- Enter your PIN/pattern/password to confirm;
- The smartphone will now erase all data;
- Restart the device;
- Log in with your account;
- Restore your Backed-Up Data.
Now that you are at the end of this how-to guide, we hope that you fixed the Pixel 2 fingerprint sensor problem by using one of the options above. In case you are not able to fix the problem or have any further questions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments section below.