See Apple and Samsung driving in opposite directions has already become a classic. While the Americans have opted to incorporate the fingerprint reader in their new iPhone 5s, everything seems to indicate that the South Koreans have abandoned the development of this component, although they may return to work on it in the future.
And strange, then at the time There were three main companies that seemed to be betting on fingerprint readers for their smartphones. One of them is the one that always gets a lot of buzz, but then nothing comes of it. We didn't see a smartphone with a six-inch screen, nor a low-cost phone, but the fingerprint reader was confirmed for the new iPhone 5s. The other company is HTC, who still seems to be working on it to launch it with a future smartphone that would arrive this month. And among these three, we couldn't miss Samsung, obviously the world's largest phone and smartphone manufacturer. However, it was the latter that ultimately abandoned this technology and stopped working on a fingerprint reader.
According to an anonymous Samsung official, the company is not yet developing this technology, so at no time could we have seen a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with a fingerprint reader. Sometimes, rumors and possibilities are discussed that don't materialize because deadlines have prevented a specific technology from being delivered on time, or because the manufacturing results haven't been as required. However, in this case, it's because they themselves have opted not to invest in this component. We don't know if they will decide to incorporate the fingerprint reader in the future or if, on the contrary, they will prefer to wait to see what happens with those terminals that are going to implement it. What is clear is that it could be another fiasco like the one with NFC, a promising technology that currently has huge potential, but hasn't quite taken off in smartphones, with a few very specific exceptions. Time will tell if Samsung ends up changing its mind and manufacturing fingerprint readers for its future flagships, such as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy F.
What does it mean that Samsung is not investing in a fingerprint reader?
The temporary withdrawal of this bet can be aligned with a strategy of prioritizing other biometrics and software improvements, or wait for more reliable (optical/ultrasonic) and better integrated sensors. For the user, this means that the experience can pivot towards facial recognition, PINs and passwords, without sacrificing security.
If your Samsung mobile shows warnings like “The fingerprint sensor is not responding. Please try again later.”, does not necessarily imply that there is a physical failure: in most cases it is a configuration, dirt, humidity or software conflict, all of them reversible problems.
Solutions if your fingerprint reader fails on a Samsung
First of all, make sure that the software is up to date. Go to Settings> Software update > Download and install and follow the instructions. Many improvements adjust the biometric module firmware without flashing the entire system.
Set up alternative security methods in advance
To avoid getting blocked, activate a PIN, pattern or password en Settings > Lock screen & AOD > Screen lock & biometrics or in Settings > Biometrics and security. This way you can access it while you troubleshoot the sensor.
How the sensor can fail
- The reader does not respond: Doesn't vibrate or attempt to unlock. This is usually software or dirt.
- Random failure: sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't; possible bad configuration or wear.
- Very slow unlocking: recognizes, but takes time; can improve with cleaning and reconfiguration.
- Only works on some apps: it is usually a problem of compatibility from the app itself.
All practical solutions
One UI Safe Mode: Reboot in safe mode to rule out conflicts. Power off/restart and, when the Samsung logo appears, hold lower volume until you see “Safe Mode”. If the reader works, uninstall the latest apps that you installed.
Diagnosis with Samsung Members: opens Samsung Members > Help > Diagnostic Tests and choose Fingerprint sensorIf you see a green circle, focus your work on software; if it is orange, cleans/removes moisture; if necessary Red, it's hardware and you'll be able to make an appointment with the SAT. Write down the Error code (for example, MZN_0010) and applies recommended drivers if it offers them.
Dry and clean: Water, sweat, or cream will ruin the reading. Dry your hands and screen. Use isopropyl alcohol on a wipe and an air bulb for dust, improving the sensor response.
Reconfigure the footprints: go into Settings > Biometrics and security > Fingerprints, delete the saved ones and add them again. Registers your finger in multiple positions and edges. If you want to better understand how the reading system works, check out how the fingerprint unlock.
Duplicate the same finger: Save the same finger two or three times to improve the hit rate at awkward angles. Add a finger from your other hand as well.
Check the position: Place your fingertip naturally; if the reader is on-screen, press firmly, without dragging.
Did your footprint change? Cuts, burns, or dry skin disrupt the pattern. Repair the skin, wash your hands, and re-registerPaint/plaster residue on handiwork also blocks reading.
Screen saver: Some protectors hinder the under-screen sensor. Try remove or replace it by a compatible/official one and considers the impact of a under-screen sensor.
Updates: in addition to the system, updates biometric apps and services from Galaxy Store and Play Store to fix known bugs.
Factory reset (last resort): in Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset to Default Settings. make Backup before. If it still fails after that, it's hardware.
Repair: if there is a guarantee, process it. Out of warranty, an under-screen sensor usually exceeds the € 100; a button/rear mount is more economical. Consider using alternative methods if it doesn't work.
If the problem is your fingerprint (and not the phone)
It is convenient to have a second fingerprint set for emergencies. Steps: 1) Settings > Biometric data and security. 2) Fingerprints. 3) Add fingerprint +. 4) Touch your finger several times until you reach 100%. 5) Touch Accomplished. You can even add the fingerprint of a trusted person for specific situations, assuming the privacy implications.
Alternatives to the fingerprint reader on Samsung
While solving the problem, use facial recognition if your model supports it and check our guide for Unlock your phone by fingerprint, pattern, or face. Does not use a module TrueDepth Apple style, but it's fast and convenient. It complements with PIN or alphanumeric password (safer) and with a pattern if you prioritize agility.
Activate extra measures such as automatic lock after inactivity and the app lock sensitive. This way, you'll stay safe even if the fingerprint sensor is temporarily out of action.
Samsung's decision to be cautious with the fingerprint reader may be in response to a search for reliability and experience more consistent with your roadmap. If you encounter error messages or the reader is slow, the previous guidelines They usually return to normal without going to the workshop.
