SOLVED! LG G5 Fingerprint Scanner Not Working

If you notice your LG G5 fingerprint scanner not working, don’t panic as it may be only a bug that would disappear following a restart. Depending on the situation, you should also consider connecting the device to the computer, removing and re-adding fingerprint, checking for updates, booting into Safe Mode, performing a factory reset, … Not exactly tech-savvy and have a hard time carrying the solutions on your own? In that case, you have come to the right place.

What Is Going On

Generally speaking, the operation of the fingerprint scanner on LG G5 is straightforward for most of the time. Still, once it comes to LG G5 fingerprint scanner not working, you must take the following suspects into account:

  • Bugs.
  • Obsolescence. 
  • Third-party applications.
  • Corruption.

Troubleshooting 

Restart 

  • Step 1: Press and hold the Power button.
  • Step 2: Hit Power off, allow your phone to shut down all the way and wait for a moment. 
  • Step 3: Proceed to press and hold the Power button to turn on the device then see how things turn out. 

Alternatively, 

  • Step 1: Press and hold the Power button then hit Power off to shut down your phone. 
  • Step 2: Locate the release button located near the bottom on the left side of the device, press it and take out the battery.
  • Step 3: Put the battery back in, turn on the device and test out the fingerprint scanner.

Connect The Device To The Computer 

The process is no-nonsense: get your hands on a USB cable then use it to connect your phone to your PC. By connecting the device to the computer, you could fix bugs on your LG G5 including those that plague the fingerprint scanner. 

Remove And Re-add Fingerprint 

  • Step 1: Open Settings, select Fingerprint & security in General and choose Fingerprints.
  • Step 2: Enter your  PIN, password or pattern if prompted. 
  • Step 3: Click Delete (trash bin icon) then pick DELETE to confirm your decision.
  • Step 4: Restart your phone.
  • Step 5: Make your way to Fingerprint & security in General of Settings and hit Fingerprints. Afterward, follow on-screen instructions to re-add your fingerprint. 

Check For Updates

  • Step 1: Open Settings, click General and pick About phone.
  • Step 2: Select Update Center then choose Software Update.
  • Step 3: Hit Check now for updates. If an update is available, download and install it. 

Boot Into Safe Mode

All in all, while third-party applications usually help people improve their experience on LG G5, they could mess up the performance of components as well. If you suspect apps to be the root of the problem, it’s a good idea to boot into Safe Mode. 

  • Step 1: Press and hold the Power button then press and hold Power off.
  • Step 2: In Restart in safe mode, confirm your decision to boot into Safe Mode. 
  • Step 3: When the screen comes back on, you should see Safe mode at the bottom left of the screen. Now, you must test out the fingerprint scanner and determine whether the issue persists. If the fingerprint scanner works as expected in Safe Mode, feel free to conclude that a third-party app is at fault. In that case, it’s wise to uninstall recently installed applications on your phone. After you finish, restart the device.

Perform A Factory Reset

Note: Remember to back up data in advance.

  • Step 1: Press and hold the Power button then hit Power off to shut down your phone. 
  • Step 2:  Press and hold Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time. When the LG icon appears, briefly release the Power button then press it again. Remember to keep the Volume Down button pressed at all times. 
  • Step 3: In Factory data reset, use the Volume buttons to navigate to Yes and press the Power button once.

How Many Fingerprints May I Add To My LG G5?

The average LG G5 is able to hold up to five fingerprints.

Can Wet Fingers Affect The Function Of The Fingerprint Scanner?

Like many other biometric devices, the fingerprint scanner of LG G5 could only accurately scan clean fingers. If your fingers are wet, oily, moist, dirty,.., there is a good chance that the fingerprint scanner would fail to scan the fingerprint. For the fingerprint scanner to work as expected, make sure that your fingers are dry before pressing them onto the screen. If the screen itself is wet, clean it using a piece of lint-free cloth. 

What Must Be Done If The Fingerprint Scanner Is Damaged?

If you believe the fingerprint scanner on your phone to be damaged, send it in for repair. If the device is under warranty, you don’t have to pay for the repair. On the other hand, if the warranty is no longer valid and the expense is high, you should think about picking up a new phone. 

 

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