Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10+ feature a front-mounted ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. A major advantage of such a sensor is that you don’t have to pick up your phone to unlock it. You can just a place your finger on the screen to get access. However, since the launch of the S10 devices, several users have complained of a slow Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor. Though Samsung has issued software updates to address this issue, some are still frustrated by the slow response of the sensor. If you are also facing such an issue, then there are a few tricks that could help you to fix a slow Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor.
Issues with Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor
Samsung has added Qualcomm’s ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner in the Galaxy S10 phones to maximize the screen space and bring the fingerprint sensor to the front. The sensor makes use of sound waves to detect the fingerprint and deploys blood-flow detection to prevent spoofing.
However, users have long been reporting issues with the fingerprint scanner functioning. Samsung has released a few updates to fix the issue of the sensor being unresponsive or slow. For instance, the Korean firm came out with an update “Biometrics security patch” in April to address issues of the sensor being sluggish.
Prior to this update, Samsung also admitted issues with the fingerprint scanner. “There can be many occasions where users find the fingerprint scanner doesn’t work well, for example, when you are in a dry environment, or when your finger skin is really dry, or when you have a scratch on your fingerprint,” a company spokesperson told Korea Herald in March last year.
In October 2019 users also reported issues with the fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy S10 phones. Samsung again came out with a software update to fix the issue.
Now again, users are reporting issues with the fingerprint sensor after upgrading to the latest One UI 2.0 based on Android 10. Affected users say that it takes multiple tries to unlock the phone using their fingerprint.
If you are also among the affected users, then don’t worry. There is a trick that could help you to fix the slow Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor. This trick has been shared by a Reddit user, who recommends tapping your finger on the fingerprint sensor, rather than holding it there.
“Tap your finger on the fingerprint sensor, don’t hold it. The recognition is so much faster using this method,” the Reddit user says.
How to fix slow Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor
What the Reddit user seems to suggest is that instead of holding the finger on the sensor and waiting for the phone to unlock, you need to rest your finger on the sensor for about 1/3 of a second. Hopefully, this trick will help you to fix the slow Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor issue. If not, then there are a few more tricks that may help:
Change screen protector – it is recommended that you use a good protector that won’t block the sensor, such as InvisibleShield Ultra Clear or Whitestone Dome Glass.
Register your fingerprints properly – unlike the earlier Samsung phones, the Galaxy S10 requires you to place your thumb several times, along with side placements, to capture every area when registering fingerprints. To properly do so, follow the instructions and don’t pull your fingers off too quickly. The more data you give to the fingerprint sensor, the better it should perform.
Enroll twice – the Galaxy S10 allows you to register multiple fingerprint profiles. You can take advantage of this and enroll the same fingerprint twice. This increases the chances of the sensor successfully recognizing you. You should register the fingerprint in different positions, such as one while holding the phone and the other while the phone is placed on a flat surface or in any other position. There is a significant difference in how your thumb or fingers come in contact with the screen when you hold the phone at different angles.
Better your aim – the Galaxy S10 sensor requires the majority of your fingerprint to be on the center of the sensor area. Considering the sensor area is small, it will require a bit of practice to hit the right spot when trying to unlock the phone using the fingerprint sensor.
Re-register your fingerprints – if even after using the above tricks, you are still not able to get the sensor to work properly, then your last option is to register your fingerprint again. Hopefully, refreshing your fingerprints will make the sensor work properly.
Use Face Unlock
If you are still having issues with the Galaxy S10 fingerprint sensor, then instead of trying to fix it, you can use its alternative, i.e., go for Galaxy S10’s Face Unlock. Though it is theoretically not as secure as using the fingerprint, it is much faster. To enable Face Unlock, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Face recognition > Face unlock.
Once you are in Face unlock, you will also have the option to disable “Stay on lock screen.” After you disable this, you won’t have to swipe up after your face is detected. You can also enable “Faster recognition” for quick unlocking. However, enabling these options would make Face Unlock less safe.
