Some Pixel 7 series users report broken fingerprint sensor after Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 update

Although the recent Android 14 QPR2 beta 2 update has brought a bunch of bug fixes and new features for Pixel phones, it may have also inadvertently introduced a bug in the fingerprint sensor on some Pixel 7 units.

As per reports, several Pixel 7 and 7 Pro users are facing difficulties unlocking their phones using the fingerprint sensor. Some have experienced issues where the fingerprint button flashes intensely and fails to function correctly. For some users, an error message reading ‘Can’t use fingerprint sensor. Visit a repair center’ appears.

Although the fingerprint sensor works for some users without any problems, it takes a few seconds to respond. It might have made sense if only users with a replaced screen were experiencing this issue, but surprisingly, it’s affecting even those who have the original screen installed on their devices.

Adding to the frustration, users are also unable to delete their current fingerprints or register new ones. Moreover, this issue seems to extend beyond just the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, affecting some Pixel 7a users as well. However, in our testing, we haven’t encountered any issues with the fingerprint scanner on our Pixel 7a running Android 14 QPR2 beta 2.

While Google is yet to acknowledge and address the issue, those affected can try the potential workarounds mentioned below and see if any of them help.

Google has a fingerprint calibration tool that can help you restore the fingerprint on your device. For that, you just need to install the fingerprint calibration software on your PC or Mac. Once installed, go into fast boot mode on your phone and plug it into your PC. After following the procedure, the phone will restart, and the fingerprint sensor will be restored to a fully working condition.

However, if the aforementioned workaround doesn’t help you fix the issue, then you can also try wiping your device and installing the stable build. Furthermore, Google has also suggested some troubleshooting steps to fix fingerprint issues, so you can try them out too.

That said, it’s important to note that these workarounds might not resolve the problem entirely, but they are temporary solutions until Google acknowledges and addresses the issue officially.