[Updated] Google Pixel 6a fingerprint scanner allegedly unlocks phone even with unregistered fingers

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on July 25, 2022) follows:

In May this year, Google announced their latest smartphone – Pixel 6a. Powered by the same Tensor SoC found in the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro, the phone features a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display.

However, Google had to cut some corners to make it pocket friendly. Compromises were made by limiting the display refresh rate to 60Hz and using Corning Gorilla Glass 3 instead of the Gorilla Glass Victus.

Another department where Google seems to have saved up money is the back panel. Instead of the glass panel found on the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 6a features a plastic back that is allegedly susceptible to scratches.

Coming to the camera department, the Pixel 6a has a dual camera setup on the back featuring a 12MP lens alongside a 12MP ultrawide sensor. Also, the selfie camera is a mere 8MP shooter that supports 1080p recording at 30fps.

Similar to the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 6a will receive Android upgrades for up to three years and security updates for five years.

All of this is backed by a 4410mAh Li-Po battery that supports fast charging up to 18W. Unsurprisingly, the phone will be running Android 12 out of the box.

That said, some YouTubers who got a chance to review the phone are allegedly facing an issue where the fingerprint scanner is unlocking the phone even with unregistered fingers.

What seems to be frustrating is that even budget smartphones do not have this type of problem. It looks like Google has messed up big time.

At this point, it is still unclear if the issue where users are able to unlock the Pixel 6a using unregistered fingers is related to the hardware or the software.

The Google Pixel 6a seems braced for a rough launch, considering more powerful devices are available at the same price point.

Let us hope the developers at Google resolve the problem with the fingerprint scanner before the Pixel 6a hits the market. So far, the device has yet to reach most people, so not much is out there about this issue.

Rest assured, we will be keeping an eye out for further developments on the matter and let you know as and when we come across more information so make sure you keep checking this space for updates.

01:05 pm (IST): Google has released the first software update for Pixel 6a with June patch. However, the changelog does not mention any fix for the fingerprint issue where it unlocks the device even with unregistered fingers.

06:16 pm (IST): A product expert has shared a statement that says fingerprints of an individual can sometimes be similar between fingers. Therefore, the device can be unlocked using different fingers.

However, it seems that Google is not fully aware of the situation. This issue isn’t just limited to the unregistered fingers of the same person, but the fingerprint scanner also unlocks the device even with unregistered fingers of other people.

Sometimes an individual’s fingerprints can be very similar between fingers, which can cause an unregistered print from the same person to unlock the device. (Source)

06:02 pm (IST): Some users are now reporting (1, 2) that they aren’t able to remove their existing fingerprints or add new ones. Hence, they can’t try to re-add their fingerprint to resolve the issue.

01:49 pm (IST): While Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have already received September 2022 update, Google is yet to deliver it to the Pixel 6a.

This update for Pixel 6a includes improvements for fingerprint recognition. So you can look forward to updating your phone to September 2022 update and see if this issue gets resolved.

11:13 am (IST): September 2022 update is now live for Google Pixel 6a owners and it brings improvements for the fingerprint scanner.

Hence, if you are still facing this problem on your unit, then you can install the new update and see if the issue is resolved.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google

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