[Updated] Google Pixel 7a 'fingerprint sensor' not working or reading slow? Try these workarounds

10:27 am (IST): Fortunately, Google has recently acknowledged the issue with Pixel 7a’s fingerprint sensor. However, there is no official word on the update containing the anticipated enhancements. So, it looks like you’ll have to wait for a while.

05:15 pm (IST): According to a user, the Google Pixel 7a fingerprint sensor is much worse than that of their old OnePlus 6T, a smartphone released in 2018.

Original story follows:

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

The hype around the Google Pixel phone is nothing new, and that was the case with its newest addition, the Pixel 7a.

However, there are certain areas in which it can be improved, one of which is the performance of the fingerprint scanner.

Multiple Google Pixel 7a owners (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) are facing an issue where the fingerprint sensor is not working or reading slowly.

They claim that the sensor takes long to recognize their fingerprint, making it frustrating to even unlock the device. Notably, people are also unable to use it in outside environments.

On the other hand, the sensor sometimes completely fails to recognize their fingerprints, forcing users to retry multiple times or use alternative authentication methods.

However, it’s also worth noting that Pixel 7 (1,2,3,4,5) and Pixel 6 users have experienced similar issues as well.

This has even made some speculate that the sensors used in the recently launched Pixel 7a devices are the same as those used in the previously released Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 lineup.

One of those affected alleges that the fingerprint sensor on their newly purchased mobile rarely works. They also mention that they barely ever faced such an issue on their old Pixel 5 smartphone.

Pixel 7a fingerprint is a disaster and phone was burning when connected to android auto.
Source

Has anyone found that the touchscreen near the fingerprint reader doesn’t work well?
Source

Unfortunately, Google has not officially acknowledged this issue, but we did manage to come across some workarounds that might help solve your problem.

It is recommended that you register additional fingerprints in every orientation possible. To do so, change the finger placement every time you place it on the sensor.

Along with this, it is also suggested that you keep your hands moisturized, as the sensor may not work due to very dry hands. So moistening your hands or even licking your finger can help mitigate the issue.

If the above-mentioned workarounds don’t help solve your problem, then you can try removing the screen protector applied to the phone. However, removing it will leave the screen vulnerable to damage.

In the meantime, we’ll keep tabs on the issue where the fingerprint sensor is not working properly or is taking long to read on Google Pixel 7a units and update this article.

Note: We also have a dedicated Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro & 7a bugs, issues, and new features tracker, so be sure to check it out.

Featured image source: Google Pixel 7a

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.