If there’s one thing Google has been consistent with every Pixel phone, it would be issues with the fingerprint scanner. The company’s latest Pixel March update is causing fingerprint headaches for some users.
Fingerprint scanner disappeared
Multiple reports on Reddit claim that the fingerprint option has disappeared entirely from their phones. This makes it impossible to unlock their devices using biometric authentication. Some users found a temporary fix by restarting their phones multiple times, while others suggested turning the phone off completely, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it back on. If that doesn’t work, they recommend repeating the process.
The issue appears to stem from a bug in the fingerprint sensor firmware update, which was released not too long ago as part of Google’s March update. However, it doesn’t appear to be widespread. According to users on the GrapheneOS forums, only 1 in 1,000 Pixel 9 owners (or 0.1%) have reported the problem. However, we imagine that it is still quite annoying.
Not the first time for Google
This isn’t the first time a Google update has messed with the Pixel’s fingerprint sensor. Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 caused similar issues for some users. Both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 also had problems with their fingerprint scanners. Google has a history of struggling with biometric security, and this latest update only adds to the frustration.
While the Pixel March update focuses on security improvements, users expect basic features like biometric unlocking to work properly. An update that unintentionally locks people out of their devices is hardly an improvement.
Fingerprint issues aren’t the only problem with the March Pixel update. Users have reported other glitches, including haptic feedback that feels unnaturally strong and weird. There are also random brightness drops that make screens go dim unexpectedly. Lastly, some users are reporting audio issues.
For now, Google hasn’t officially acknowledged the fingerprint bug, but given the number of reports, a fix could arrive in a future patch. In the meantime, if your fingerprint scanner stops working, try the power cycle trick. Turn your phone off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. If that doesn’t work, you may need to restart multiple times until the sensor kicks back in.
