Unlock problems on the Galaxy S22+ involve the ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition. The ultrasonic sensor reads the ridges with sound, so a protector that is not designed for it, a film with an air gap or a scratch over the sensor stops it working. Samsung and owners advise using a protector made for ultrasonic sensors, cleaning the screen and your finger, and pressing firmly on the marked area. If it fails, delete your fingerprints and add them again, adding the same finger twice, and add a second finger. After an update the sensor sometimes needs a restart, or the stored prints need re-adding. Face recognition on Samsung is less secure than the fingerprint and fails in poor light or with glasses.
Use your PIN meanwhile, and if the sensor fails on a clean bare screen with fresh prints, Samsung should check the hardware. If the fingerprint works for a while and then fails, wait: the sensor can misread after a long phone call or in the cold, and a firm press for a second longer fixes many reads. A cracked screen over the sensor spoils the ultrasonic reading, so a repair of the glass may be the real cure. Samsung's own Biometrics menu also lets you see which fingerprints are registered and rename them, so check that the finger you use is still listed after a system update, because a restore from backup does not always carry fingerprints across and you may simply need to add them again.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung Galaxy S22+ biometric unlock is not working”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A wrong protector
What separates it Unlock stopped after fitting one
How to confirm Use a protector made for the ultrasonic sensor or remove it
- 2
A dirty screen or finger
What separates it Reads fail often
How to confirm Clean both
- 3
A weak enrolment
What separates it Only some touches work
How to confirm Delete and re-add the fingerprint
- 4
A software fault
What separates it It stopped after an update
How to confirm Restart and re-add prints
- 5
A damaged sensor
What separates it It fails on a bare screen
How to confirm Contact Samsung
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The protector type
- How many prints are enrolled
- Whether face unlock works
- Whether it began after an update
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedRemove the protector
ReversibleTest the bare screen.
Clean the screen and your finger
ReversibleWith a soft cloth.
Press firmly
ReversibleOn the marked area.
Delete and re-add the fingerprint
ReversibleSettings, Security and privacy, Biometrics.
Add the same finger twice
ReversibleFor a better match.
Restart and update
ReversibleInstall the latest update.
Press a little longer
ReversibleHold your finger on the marked area for a full second to give the ultrasonic sensor time to read.
Check the screen over the sensor
ReversibleLook for a crack or deep scratch over the sensor area, which blocks the reading.
Check which prints are registered
ReversibleSettings, Security and privacy, Biometrics, Fingerprints lists them; add any that are missing after a restore.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Ultrasonic sensing
- It reads through glass with sound, so protectors matter.
- Re-enrol
- Adding prints again fixes many failures.
- Cold and calls
- Cold fingers and warm phones both reduce accuracy.
- Cracked glass
- A crack over the sensor stops it reading.
- After a restore
- Fingerprints are not always carried over by a backup restore.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it fails with a bare clean screen and new prints, contact Samsung
- !If a screen crack covers the sensor, repair it
- !Use the PIN meanwhile
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my S22+ fingerprint fail?+
A wrong protector, a dirty screen or a weak enrolment.
What is an ultrasonic sensor?+
It reads the finger with sound waves.
Can I use any protector?+
No, it must suit the ultrasonic sensor.
Is face unlock as secure?+
No.
Why does the sensor fail in the cold?+
Cold dry fingers read poorly.
Does a crack stop it working?+
Over the sensor, yes.
Why is my fingerprint missing after a restore?+
Backups may not include fingerprints, so add them again.