If your Galaxy S25 Ultra suddenly stops recognizing your fingerprint, unlocking your phone can become frustrating fast. You press your finger, nothing happens, or the phone keeps asking for your PIN instead. This issue is usually caused by sensor interference, registration problems, or small setting changes introduced in OneUI 7, not a hardware failure.
Why Your Galaxy S25 Ultra Fingerprint Scanner Is Not Recognizing
- The fingerprint sensor or screen is dirty or oily.
- Your fingerprint data was not registered properly.
- A screen protector is interfering with the sensor.
- Your fingers are wet, dry, or have small cuts.
- Software glitches after an update or restart delay.
1. Clean the Fingerprint Sensor and Screen
The fingerprint sensor relies on clear contact to read your fingerprint accurately. Dirt, oil, or smudges can block the sensor and cause repeated failures.
Turn off the screen, and then gently wipe the display with a clean microfiber cloth.
Dry your finger completely, and then try unlocking the phone again.
2. Re Register Your Fingerprints
Fingerprint data can become inaccurate over time, especially if it was added quickly. Re registering improves recognition by capturing clearer patterns.
Open Settings, and then tap Security and privacy.
Tap Biometrics, and then remove your existing fingerprints before adding them again.
3. Add the Same Finger More Than Once
Registering the same finger multiple times helps the sensor recognize different angles and pressure levels. This is especially helpful if you unlock your phone one handed.
Open Settings, and then tap Security and privacy.
Tap Biometrics, and then add the same finger again using a slightly different angle.
4. Check Screen Protector Compatibility
Some screen protectors block ultrasonic fingerprint sensors. If the protector is too thick or low quality, recognition will suffer.
Open Settings, and then tap Display.
Enable Touch sensitivity, and then test the fingerprint scanner again.
5. Restart Your Phone
A restart refreshes background services related to biometric authentication. It can fix temporary glitches that stop the fingerprint scanner from responding.
Swipe down from the top right to open Quick Settings.
Tap the Power icon, and then tap Restart.
6. Update Your Phone Software
Samsung often improves fingerprint performance through updates. Running outdated software can lead to recognition issues.
Open Settings, and then tap Software update.
Tap Download and install, and then install any available update.
Fingerprint recognition on the Galaxy S25 Ultra is usually reliable once properly set up. After cleaning the sensor, re registering fingerprints, and checking display settings, most users see instant improvement.
FAQs
Why does my fingerprint work sometimes but fail other times?
This usually happens when your finger is wet, too dry, or placed at a different angle. Adding the same finger twice improves consistency.
Can a cracked screen affect fingerprint recognition?
Yes. Cracks or deep scratches near the sensor area can interfere with how your fingerprint is read.
Is fingerprint recognition worse after a software update?
It can feel that way temporarily. Re registering fingerprints after updates often restores normal performance.
