Fingerprint scanner not available

[29sleepy]

Within the last week, my scanner stopped working on my s22+. Ive always used a pattern for lock screen, but apps with biometrics were no longer recognizing the scanner at all, prompting password. I tried to remove and re-register prints, only to get the message "fingerprint sensor not working. If this keeps happening, restart your phone". Multiple restarts did not resolve, nor did clearing the cache partition and ultimately respond the device. Pulled the screen protector even though it's never been an issue. Any other suggestions? Feeling like trade in time, and that might mean time to go back to OnePlus...

[realaud]

Have you done a diagnostic on the phone?  Try the diagnostic (support tab in the members app or device care/diagnostics).  Otherwise I would suggest a factory reset and then restore your backup.  Resetting will wipe all passwords and biometrics and my bring the fingerprint sensor back. You will have to reset your pin/passwords/biometrics.

[29sleepy]

Yep, I tried diagnostic, and it failed, saying sensor not available. After a factory reset, I was not able to register new fingerprint. The diagnostic points me to settings to load new biometrics, which then gives me the sensor, not available message...

[realaud]

Well, then it looks like you either need to visit a repair shop or consider upgrading your device.  It is probably considerably cheaper to repair it, assuming you are having no other issues with the phone.

[29sleepy]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking too

[userrFxna8Dxno]

I had this exact problem before. It turned out to be the LCD cable on the back of my s21. I was having multiple problems with the screen including horizontal lines going up the screen and the fingerprint scanner not being available. This could have occurred because I changed my battery maybe the cable was damaged or because I use a magnetic car holder.
I changed the cable on the back of my phone which is the LCD cable, the one that runs right below the cameras so when you put your phone down the cable on the right side, the cable that is parallel to your volume up and volume down buttons.

Orderred the cable through fixed.com. $10 shipped

[29sleepy]

Well, it appears you inadvertently solved it for me. When you mentioned magnetic car holder, it got me thinking about my magsafe style case and OhSnap holder. So I pulled the case off and restarted... works again!

Odd that I've been using that case for several months, and the OhSnap even longer, and only recently had issue.

[userrFxna8Dxno]

I wanted a mag safe for the longest. I haven't gotten one because I don't know how the magnet would have affected the internals. If it happens again. Remove the LCD cable and put it back on. If not order one from fixez.com. I'm happy I was able to help. I also was using the magnetic holder for like years. I thinks the magnet moved the cables inside of the phone breaking it slowly.