Original topic:

s11 fingerprint reader problems

(Topic created: 10 hours ago)
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monsieurms
Cosmic Ray
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I'm not sure if this is specific to s11 or just me, but I the fingerprint reader here is awful. It worked well enough for me to register fingerprints! Big issue seems to be unlocking. I did add a tempered glass screen protector, but also  did increase touch sensitivity in settings. It rarely works. I might add face recognition isn't so reliable either on this tablet. And then I tried to pair with my phone. It let me pair but wouldn't add it as "trusted device," claiming it might not be close enough for bluetooth. Um, it was six inches away. 

On the whole, this is a train wreck. I guess I use passwords.


Here's Samsung's fingerprint advice, btw:

  • Re-register fingerprints with the screen protector on. Register the same finger multiple times at slightly different angles.
  • Use Samsung-certified screen protectors (third-party ones often reduce accuracy).
  • Clean the sensor area โ€” smudges or dust can cause misreads.I've done #1 multiple times, doesn't help. I guess I can throw away my screen protector (Sparin

I did #1 multiple times, doesn't help. I haven't done #2, but never had to before. Sparin has usually been pretty good. #3 doesn't help. Nothing looks dirty.

Any suggestions to get SOMETHING to work reliably as an unlock? Because it's really annoying have "try your biometrics again in 29 seconds" keep popping up. Or, maybe this is just defective?

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11 Replies
TipsyTrex
Black Hole
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Ditch the screen protector. For whatever reason, samsung uses optical fingerprint sensors on their tablets, which shines a light on your finger and then uses a camera to visually identify fingerprints. Screen protectors prevent the camera from getting a good reading on your thumbprint. If they used the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor on these tablets like they do on phones it wouldnt be a problem, but I guess that would eat into profits too much.
monsieurms
Cosmic Ray
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This thought has crossed my mind. But I admit I'm a little queasy about ditching a screen protector. I do have a book cover case. 

Would it help do you think to ditch the tempered glass for film?

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s1r_11
Constellation
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Yeah ditch the screen protector
monsieurms
Cosmic Ray
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Yeah, might have to. But disappointed in Samsung. This isn't the firs of their tablets I've had, but the first that has had this problem. Seems like they cheaped out. I'm half inclined to return it.

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Robin621k
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Not all screen protectors are equal, some work some don't work with the fingerprint scanner.

Which one are you using?
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monsieurms
Cosmic Ray
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Sparin
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Robin621k
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After reading all the reviews none seem to be fingerprint compatible. I don't take my tablet out of the house much. I also have a screen cover for it so I am not worried about scratches. I don't use a screen protector on my tablets.
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monsieurms
Cosmic Ray
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At least in theory they advertise something that should work. I'm not so sure the fault is theirs, but rather Samsung's.

"Responsive Touch Experience: Ultra-thin 0.33mm thickness ensures smooth touch sensitivity with immediate response and complete S Pen functionality"

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Robin621k
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Touch sensitivity is not the same thing as using a fingerprint scanner. As @TipsyTrex has stated the Optical scanner is dependent on light to work. None of the screen protectors I looked at said compatible with fingerprint scanners.
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