If your RealMe 16 fingerprint scanner suddenly stops recognizing your finger, unlocking your phone can become frustrating very quickly. You place your finger on the sensor, but it fails repeatedly or does nothing at all. In most cases, this issue is caused by simple setup problems, sensor interference, or software behavior that can be fixed in just a few minutes.
Why Your RealMe 16 Fingerprint Scanner Is Not Recognizing
- Your fingerprint was not registered properly or was saved incompletely.
- The fingerprint sensor is dirty or blocked by oil, sweat, or a screen protector.
- Software glitches after an update are affecting biometric recognition.
- Your finger is too dry, wet, or slightly injured, changing its texture.
- Battery or performance restrictions are limiting background services.
1. Clean the Fingerprint Sensor
The fingerprint scanner relies on clear contact to read your fingerprint accurately. Dust, oil, or residue can prevent the sensor from detecting the ridges on your finger.
Gently wipe the fingerprint sensor with a clean, dry cloth.
Wash and dry your finger, then try unlocking the phone again.
2. Re Register Your Fingerprint
If the original fingerprint scan was rushed or incomplete, the phone may struggle to recognize it. Re registering creates a cleaner and more accurate fingerprint profile.
Open Settings, and then tap Security.
Tap Fingerprint, and then delete the existing fingerprint and add it again.
3. Add the Same Finger Twice
Registering the same finger more than once helps the phone recognize it from different angles. This improves accuracy, especially if you unlock your phone often throughout the day.
Open Settings, and then tap Security.
Tap Fingerprint, and then add the same finger again as a new entry.
4. Check for Screen Protector Interference
Some thick or low quality screen protectors can block fingerprint recognition. This is common with in display fingerprint scanners.
Remove the screen protector temporarily, and then test the fingerprint scanner.
If it works, replace it with a fingerprint compatible protector.
5. Restart Your Phone
A restart refreshes biometric services and clears temporary system issues. It is often enough to restore fingerprint recognition.
Open Quick Settings, and then tap the Power icon.
Tap Restart, and then wait for the phone to boot up fully.
6. Update the System Software
Software updates often include fixes for fingerprint sensor issues. Running outdated software can cause recognition problems.
Open Settings, and then tap Software update.
Check for updates, and then install any available version.
7. Disable Battery or Performance Restrictions
Aggressive battery saving can limit biometric services in the background. Disabling these restrictions allows the fingerprint scanner to work consistently.
Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
Turn off power saving features and test the fingerprint scanner again.
Fingerprint issues on the RealMe 16 are usually easy to resolve once you address sensor cleanliness, fingerprint registration, or system behavior. After applying these fixes, your fingerprint scanner should unlock your phone quickly and reliably again.
FAQs
Why does my fingerprint work sometimes but fail other times?
Changes in finger condition, such as dryness, moisture, or small cuts, can affect recognition. Re registering your fingerprint usually improves consistency.
Does resetting fingerprints delete my data?
No. Deleting and adding fingerprints only affects biometric data and does not remove apps, photos, or files.
Is fingerprint unlocking less reliable than a PIN or pattern?
Fingerprint unlocking is convenient but can be affected by physical conditions. Using it alongside a PIN or pattern gives you both speed and reliability.
