If you own a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 series phone, you may not be happy with the under-display fingerprint scanner on your phone. Many Pixel fans remember how well the fingerprint scanner on older Pixel models worked. The fingerprint scanners are located on the back panel, which wasn’t great but didn’t have issues. Personally, I remember how quickly the Pixel 2 XL unlocked with its biometric security system.
Still having issues with the under-display fingerprint scanner on your Pixel phone?
And truthfully, when the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 models have the under-display optical fingerprint scanners working, there’s a pleasant tactile feedback that makes it feel like you’ve pressed a physical button. The problem is that when the scanner isn’t working, you hold down the button until you’re prompted for your PIN. But a Reddit user discovered a way to make sure the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a always unlock the first time.
The side-mounted fingerprint scanner on the Pixel Fold is integrated with the power button on the unit
Posted on Reddit at GooglePixel sub-Reddit (via AndroidPolice) written by a Redditor nearly a month ago with the title No-Fondant-8757, revealed that when he had trouble with his fingerprint scanner, his fingers were always clean and dry. So he discovered that if he wiped his finger next to the outside of his nose, it would pick up enough oils or schmutz from his face to trigger the fingerprint scanner.
Here’s what his Reddit post said, “I’ve had issues with the fingerprint reader, and it always happens after swimming, showering, or just washing my hands. The reader never works if my fingers are too clean and dry, always to the screen lock PIN. I’ve found that just wiping my finger on the outside of my nose is enough to allow the fingerprint to be read. Maybe it’s just me, but it looks like my finger must have enough oil or something to make the reader recognize the prints.”
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He added, “I briefly considered re-registering some or all of the fingerprints with clean, dry hands, but it’s a lot easier to just touch the outside of my nose if the print isn’t recognised. I suppose other places might work, but I know this one does.” If touching the side of your nose (note, no one tells you to dig deep inside your nose) is too gross for you, another Redditor suggests running your fingers through your hair before trying the fingerprint scanner on a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 series phone.
A greasy nose or greasy hair may help you unlock your Pixel phone faster
Some Pixel users have been lucky enough to have the fingerprint scanner on their device so they don’t have to put their finger somewhere they’d rather not be in order to unlock their phone. As “Lost_Ad3688” wrote, “Most people are used to not touching their face. I’m glad it solved for you, I work 95% of the time in almost every situation. It worked after gardening. It worked after showering. Maybe my device will work for someone else.” I have to try this. I’m lucky I got an unobtrusive device.”
I tried the workaround by the nose and it seemed to work great with my Pixel 6 Pro, so you might seriously want to give this a try next time you have issues unlocking your Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 series phones. As for the Pixel 8 line Next, there have been so early rumors Google will equip the two new phones with an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner which, as some Samsung Galaxy users have discovered, works better than the optical version used on the Pixel units.
It should be noted that the recently unveiled Pixel Fold will use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that integrates with the foldable power button. The Pixel Fold will be released on June 27th and it will be interesting to see how well the fingerprint scanner works on this device.
