A slow or faulty fingerprint sensor is enough to ruin the Pixel experience for any Pixel enthusiast. So let’s see how we can fix that here.
Reboot your Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro:
The first simple fix that you can try is a restart. Most software issues can be fixed with a single restart of most electronic devices, and the Pixel is no exception. You can try the restart option even with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro fingerprint not working issue. Hold the Volume Up and Power buttons together for a few seconds until you see the restart button on your screen. Tap on the restart and wait until the process completes.
Now try using the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro again. If the fingerprint still does not work correctly, try the next solution.
Clean the surface:
Pixel 7 series smartphones have in-display fingerprint sensors, which won’t work if the surface is dirty. Get some isopropyl alcohol and wipe your phone’s screen well.
If this does not help as well, try the next solution.
Use thinner screen protectors:
People often opt for significant cases and wide-screen protectors for better protection. But thick screen protectors can work against you when using an optical fingerprint sensor, as the sensor depends on the reflection of light it receives from the finger. So, if you use a thick-tempered screen protector, remove it from your phone and install a new, thinner one.
If this does not help as well, try the next solution.
Register the same print multiple times:
Google Pixel 7 series smartphones, or any Android smartphone, can register multiple fingers for authentication. This feature can add the same finger multiple times, increasing your sensor’s scanning and loading speed.
If even this does not help, try the next solution.
Update the Pixel:
If you are using an early build of the latest Android on your Pixel 7 device, there is a possibility that it could be buggy. So you need to check for any new updates for your smartphone, and if you see an update, install it on your phone.
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Scroll to the bottom and find the option System. Once you see it, tap on it.
- Now tap on System Update.
- If an update is pending, you will see it here. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the pending update.
Once you have installed the latest OS version on your Pixel 7, try using the fingerprint sensor again.
If it still does not work, try the next solution.
Factory reset your Pixel:
It would be best to consider a factory reset, as a software inconsistency could cause your fingerprint sensor problems. But performing the factory reset will clear every bit of data on your phone. So you need to create a backup of everything necessary to you and complete the factory reset.
To perform the factory reset, open up Settings on your phone and go to System. Here, select “Reset Options.” Now select the option “Reset all data.” You will have to enter your password here. Enter the password and confirm the complex reset process.
The Hard reset will take a while; once it is complete, your smartphone will restart. It will have none of your previous data, and you will have to set up everything on your phone like when you first bought the device.
You should try the final solution if the fingerprint issue is unresolved even after the hard factory reset.
If none of the solutions mentioned above worked for you, there is a possibility that the problem is with the hardware on your device. It is not out of the ordinary to receive a faulty device, but this is not something you can fix on your own. You need to visit the nearest Google service center and inform them about your issue. They should be able to help you out with your problem. Since the new device will be under warranty, you won’t have to pay a penny for the repair.
So this is how one can fix Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro fingerprint not working or slow registering. If you have any questions or queries about this article, comment below, and we will reply. Also, check out our other articles on iPhone tips and tricks, Android tips and tricks, PC tips and tricks, and much more for more helpful information.
Of course non of the solutions work. It is fail by design. Google is and was aware of it. Unless they provide a software fix, we have to live with it.