How to Fix Moto G5 Fingerprint Sensor Not Working Issues


The Motorola G5 series consists of sleek budget-friendly smartphones that pack innovative features. One of their standout features is the fingerprint sensor which adds a layer of security and convenience. What happens when such a handy feature stops working? Undoubtedly, panic sets in when you see the Moto G5 fingerprint sensor not working. Whether your Moto G5 reads ‘fingerprint not recognised’ or anything else, go through the practical solutions below. Hopefully, your fingerprint sensor will be up and running shortly.

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Common Reasons Why Your Moto G5 Fingerprint Sensor Not Working Anymore

Any smartphone or device that features a fingerprint sensor utilises a small scanner to capture the unique patterns of your fingerprint. When you press your finger against the sensor, it reads the image and compares it to stored fingerprints. In case it finds a match, voilà! Your phone unlocks, right?

Now, why is your Moto G5 fingerprint sensor not working? Well, the following reasons might be responsible:

  • Dirt, dust, moisture, or even grime can interfere with the sensor’s ability to scan your fingerprint. So, make sure that your hand is clean and dry when you access the sensor.
  • Also, software glitches or updates can make the fingerprint sensor unresponsive sometimes.
  • Incorrect registration of the fingerprint can lead to malfunctioning.
  • On the other hand, physical damage or impacts can affect the fingerprint sensor.
  • Indeed, exposure to water can damage your phone’s fingerprint sensor.

10 Effective Fixes for ‘Fingerprint Not Recognised’

When you come across your Moto G5 fingerprint sensor not working, look out for the situation. After carefully assessing the surroundings and understanding the probable reasons, you might be able to get a fix that will resolve the problem once and for all.

Here are some proven tricks you should try for your phone biometric fingerprint not working.

1. Clean the Sensor

The simplest step is to clean the impacted sensor. Indeed, Mobile Repair in Dubai experts have shared that a little dirt can affect the sensor’s functionality. Hence, ensure that the sensor is spotless through the following steps:

  • Gently wipe the sensor with a soft lint-free cloth.
  • However, avoid using harsh chemicals while cleaning the fingerprint biometric scanner.

It’s better if you use a microfibre cloth for cleaning the sensor area. Also, ensure that your hands are dry and clean while pressing your fingers against the sensor. If cleaning alone doesn’t work then move on to the next steps.

2. Restart Your Moto G5

Regular cleaning can help you maintain the functionality of the fingerprint sensor. However, cleaning won’t cut the chase of biometric fingerprint not working if minor software glitches are responsible for the problem. Well, what might work is a quick restart.

Check out how you can proceed with a clean and straightforward restart on your Moto G5:

  • Locate the power button on your phone.
  • Next, press and hold that power button.
  • A power menu should appear on the device.
  • Simply, choose Restart.

Within a few seconds, your Moto G5 will restart. Now, you can see if the Moto G5 fingerprint sensor not working issue still persists. However, the issue should have gone if temporary glitches were behind it.

3. Take Extra Measures for Moisture

If you suspect excessive moisture is the problem then pay attention to the sensor as well as your fingers. Ensure that your fingers are completely dry and neat. On the other hand, utilise a soft dry cloth to wipe off excess moisture from your Moto G5, especially the fingerprint sensor.

Next, wait for a few minutes to verify that everything is dry. Now, press your finger against the sensor and notice whether it works.

4. Reset Your Fingerprint Data

Are you still stuck in the loop of the Moto G5 fingerprint sensor not working? According to Mobile Repair Dubai experts, complications with the saved fingerprint data can force you to face such obstructions. 

However, the solution is to reset your fingerprint settings and reassign the desired data. Here’s how you can do so:

  • Navigate to the Settings app on your Moto G5.
  • After that, scroll down and spot Security. Tap on Security.
  • Then, choose Fingerprint.
  • Make sure you remove every single existing fingerprint. Your device might ask for the PIN or password before you proceed further.
  • Now, register the new fingerprint.

Verify that you register the new fingerprint from different possible angles for better and more effective recognition.

5. Look Out for Software Updates

Outdated software can be a headache, especially for advanced features to work properly. Hence, update your Moto G5 to see if it fixes the underlying malfunctions behind the fingerprint not recognised.

It’s easy to check for software updates on a Moto G5, such as:

  • Open up the Settings app just by tapping on the grey gear icon.
  • Next, scroll down until you come across ‘About Phone’. Tap on it.
  • After that, tap on System Updates.

Now, your phone will search for available software updates. If any updates are available, abide by the on-screen prompts to install them. After your phone has the latest update, test your fingerprint sensor.

6. Boot in Safe Mode

Does any third-party app influence the activity of the fingerprint sensor? Well, chances are there. How can you confirm this? Booting your device in safe mode can help you identify whether a third-party app is responsible for all this. 

In fact, safe mode allows only pre-installed apps to run. By the way, check out how you can enter safe mode on Moto G5:

  • Press and hold the power button.
  • Then, release the power button when the power menu appears.
  • Afterwards, long-tap the Power Off option until you encounter the ‘Reboot to Safe Mode’ option.
  • Finally, confirm your choice with a tap on the OK button.

Try the fingerprint sensor and if it works then a recently downloaded app might be the culprit. Unfortunately, you need to delete them if you want to eradicate the biometric fingerprint not working issue.

7. Clear Cache Partition

Perhaps, your phone is still under the influence of glitches that can’t be fixed by a restart. In that event, clearing the cache might address glitches without affecting your data. Check out what it takes to clear the cache partition:

  • Shut down your Moto G5.
  • After a while, press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together until the phone turns on.
  • Now, utilise the volume buttons to reach the Recovery Mode. To select the option, press the power button.
  • Next, select ‘Wipe cache partition’ and confirm your choice.

This particular method can help you erase any corrupted cache that might be impacting the fingerprint sensor. Once you turn on the device, test whether the Moto G5 fingerprint sensor not working problem is still there.

8. Perform a Factory Reset

Are you clueless about what interfered with your fingerprint sensor mechanism? Internal misconfigurations with your Mto G5 can confuse the device itself. Well, the last resort you can try on your own is to forge a factory reset.

However, this should be your final step as factory resetting your phone will delete all data on your device. As a protection step, back your important data up on a cloud storage or external physical drive. Then, you can follow the steps below:

  • Explore the Settings app and tap on System.
  • After that, scroll down and choose ‘Reset Options’.
  • Opt for ‘Erase All Data (Factory Reset)’.

A factory reset is proven to be a solution for eliminating deep-rooted software issues that can linger the ‘fingerprint not recognised’ problem.

9. Examine the Hardware

Do all the above-mentioned hacks fail? If your fingerprint sensor still can’t capture your data, it’s time to initiate a hardware test.

  • Start by inspecting the sensor for physical damage.
  • Check for any symptoms of water damage, as well.
  • However, consider hiring a mobile repair Dubai expert for a professional assessment.

After all, expert assistance can save you from further complications.

10. Go for Warranty and Support

Is your Moto G5 still under warranty? Then, reach out to your nearby Motorola support or retailer. They can help you with a complete diagnosis followed by repairs or replacements. Not to mention, taking advantage of your warranty can save you both time and money.

Preventive Measures for Future

In future, your Moto G5 phone might face the same fingerprint sensor issue if you don’t take care of it. Hence, keep your phone clean. Wipe the fingerprint sensor regularly. Also, avoid water exposure.

In addition, keep your device updated. Don’t forget to add multiple fingerprints for added convenience. Bear in mind that technology is not perfect. So, you should have backup options for emergencies. However, don’t hesitate to seek help from professional Mobile Repair Dubai technicians if the issue doesn’t go away.

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