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Restarting the Phone
Typically, when dealing with any kind of software-related issue on your Android phone, such as a malfunctioning fingerprint sensor, the first step in troubleshooting is simply rebooting the device. It's a simple solution, but effective, as it can immediately resolve minor bugs and glitches.
Potential for bug causing issue
The Android operating system, like any software, is prone to various bugs and errors that can cause various functionality issues. In the case of an in-display fingerprint sensor not showing up in your phone's settings, it's highly likely that a software bug is the culprit. This is particularly true if you've not restarted your phone for a while. Bugs can accumulate over time, causing various issues, including problems with the fingerprint sensor.
Restart may solve problem
By restarting or rebooting your phone, you're effectively forcing your device to reset its software components. When your phone restarts, it has to load all its software from scratch, which means that any temporary bugs or glitches will be wiped out. To reboot your device, simply hold the power button until the restart option appears on the screen. Tap on it to allow the device to shut down and turn back on. For some Android phones, you might need to long-press the power button for about 10 seconds for the automatic reboot to occur. If the issue with the fingerprint sensor has been caused by a software glitch, there's a good chance a simple reboot may fix the problem.
Solutions for MIUI or POCO Users
If you're using an Android device with the MIUI or POCO user interface, and are facing issues with your fingerprint sensor not appearing in your Settings, there are a few additional steps you can take to resolve the issue. These involve running diagnostic tests in the CIT (or Engineering) mode, clearing data from the Fingerprint Test app, and registering new fingerprints.
Running Fingerprint test in CIT mode
The first step is to diagnose your sensor utilizing CIT or Engineering mode. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Settings app and tap 'About phone'.
- Find and tap on 'Kernel version' 5-6 times to enter CIT mode.
- Once in the CIT menu, navigate to the 'Finger sensor test' option.
- Run the 'Finger sensor test FPC'.
- If a problem is detected, choose 'Fail' to reset the sensor.
After completing the test and exiting the CIT mode, check if your fingerprint sensor has started working again.
Clearing data from Fingerprint Test app
Clearing the fingerprint app cache can potentially fix software issues that are causing the fingerprint option to be missing from your settings. Take the following steps:
- Go to 'Settings' > 'App' > 'Manage Apps'.
- Find and select 'FingerprintExtensionservice'.
- Choose 'Clear Data'.
- Return to 'Manage Apps' and this time select 'Fingerprint Test'.
- Also tap on 'Clear Data' for this application.
Once you've done this, restart your device and check if your fingerprint sensor has resumed normal operation.
Registering new fingerprints after clearing app data
After you've cleared the app data as described above, you will probably need to register your fingerprints again. To do so, navigate back to your device's Settings, scroll down and select 'Security'. Here, you should find the 'Fingerprint' option. Tap it, follow the steps to set up your fingerprint, and once it's done, test if your fingerprint sensor is working as expected.
Solutions for Non-MIUI Users
If you're using an Android device that is not running MIUI, there are still several steps you can take to rectify the issue of your fingerprint scanner not appearing in your Settings. These steps involve booting your device in safe mode, adjusting settings in safe mode, clearing the Settings app cache, and checking for software updates.
Booting device in Safe Mode to disable third-party apps
Many issues on Android devices can be caused by third-party apps, especially those that interact with system features like your fingerprint scanner. In Safe Mode, all third-party apps are disabled, allowing you to troubleshoot whether an app is causing the problem. Here are the steps you should take:
- Turn off your phone then switch it on again.
- Navigate to the software update section in your device's settings and ensure your device is up to date.
- Check app updates as well by opening the Google Play Store app, select 'My apps & games' and update the apps if necessary.
- Boot your phone into Safe Mode to disable third-party apps, then check if the fingerprint scanner works properly.
Accessing fingerprint settings in Safe Mode
Once your phone is in Safe Mode, go to Settings and seek out the fingerprint settings. As third-party apps are disabled in this mode, this can help identify if an installed app is causing the issue with your fingerprint settings.
Clearing Settings app cache
You can also try clearing the cache of the Settings app itself. This can sometimes fix problems relating to system settings, such as the missing fingerprint option. Head to 'Settings' > 'Apps’ and find the System ‘Settings’ app. Select 'Storage' and then 'Clear cache'. After clearing the cache, check if the fingerprint option is now visible.
Checking for software updates and installing pending updates
Lastly, it's crucial to check for software updates and install any pending ones. Software updates include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve existing issues with your device. Therefore, it's possible that a pending software update could solve the missing fingerprint issue. Go to 'Settings' and then 'About phone'. Here, select 'System updates' and install any required updates. After updating, check to see if your fingerprint sensor is functioning properly.
Advanced Solution: Recovery Mode
If basic troubleshooting steps don't resolve your issue, you might have to utilize more advanced measures. One such strategy is to use Recovery Mode to clear your system's cache. This operation doesn't harm your phone, but clears frequently accessed data by apps and system settings, which might be causing the problem with the fingerprint setting.
Launching phone in Recovery Mode
To enter Recovery Mode, you first need to switch off your device. The process for entering recovery mode can vary based on your specific model of Android device. In general, it involves a combination of pressing the power button along with volume keys. Once the device powers on, release the power button but continue holding the volume button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
Clearing phone cache from Recovery Mode
Once in Recovery Mode, use the volume buttons to navigate through the list of options until you reach 'Wipe Cache Partition'. Select this option using the power button, then confirm your choice. This will clear the system cache. Note that this doesn't delete your personal data, but it will remove cached system data that might be contributing to issues with your fingerprint sensor.
Restarting phone and re-enacting fingerprints
After clearing the cache partition, select 'Reboot System Now' from the recovery menu to restart your device. Once your Android phone has booted up, navigate to your device's security settings to re-enroll your fingerprints. If the cache was causing the problem, your fingerprint sensor should now work correctly.
