The Galaxy Z Fold5 reads fingerprints with a sensor in the side key, so its unlock problems differ from the under-display readers on slab phones. Foldable Phone Guide and others list the usual causes: a finger placed on the edge of the sensor, a case that covers the key, dirt on the sensor and a poor enrolment. Press the whole finger pad flat on the side key and rest it for a moment. Delete the fingerprints and enrol them again in Settings, Security and privacy, Biometrics, Fingerprints, adding the finger several times and in the way you hold the phone, which may be folded or open.
The checks in more detail
Some owners found the sensor failed after a software update, and re-enrolling or restarting restored it. Face recognition works on both screens but is less secure. The sensor shares the side key with the power function, so a key that feels stuck needs checking. A phone that is cold or a finger that is dry reads poorly. If the sensor fails on a bare phone with new prints, Samsung must repair the side key. Use the PIN meanwhile.
Because the Fold5's side key is narrow, the sensor reads a strip of the fingertip, so enrol the finger in several positions along the key, including the side of the finger, and name each print. Some owners enrol the thumb that rests naturally on the key when holding the phone folded, and a second print for the hand that holds it open. If you use the Fold5 with a thick case that has a side cut-out, the cut-out may be too narrow and the edge presses on the key, changing the finger's contact.
Compare with the bare phone, and choose a case with a generous opening around the side key. Wipe the sensor with a dry cloth, since oils build up on the key through the day. If the fingerprint works folded but not open, or the reverse, enrol the finger separately for each posture and name them, because the grip changes the finger's contact area. A screen protector on the outer display does not affect the side sensor, but a cracked outer screen can, so look for cracks near the key if the sensor never works.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 biometric unlock is not working”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A partial finger on the sensor
What separates it Reads fail
How to confirm Press the whole finger pad flat
- 2
A case over the side key
What separates it Unlock is poor
How to confirm Remove the case
- 3
A weak enrolment
What separates it Some presses miss
How to confirm Delete and re-enrol the finger several times
- 4
An update-related glitch
What separates it The sensor stopped after an update
How to confirm Restart and re-enrol
- 5
A worn sensor
What separates it It fails on a bare phone
How to confirm Samsung repair
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The case
- How you press the key
- Whether it began after an update
- Whether face recognition works
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedPress the whole finger flat
ReversibleOn the side key.
Remove the case
ReversibleAnd test.
Delete and re-enrol prints
ReversibleSettings, Biometrics, Fingerprints.
Enrol in your usual grip
ReversibleFolded or open.
Restart and update
ReversibleInstall patches.
Use the PIN meanwhile
ReversibleIf it fails.
Enrol several positions along the key
ReversibleInclude the side of the finger.
Enrol the grip you use in each fold state
ReversibleFolded and open.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Side key sensor
- It sits in the power key.
- Re-enrolment
- It restores many failures.
- Narrow sensor
- It reads a strip of the fingertip.
- Two grips
- Folded and open grips differ.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the sensor fails on a bare phone after new enrolment, contact Samsung
- !If the key feels stuck, ask for a repair
- !Use the PIN meanwhile
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Where is the Fold5 fingerprint sensor?+
In the side key.
Why did it stop after an update?+
A software glitch; re-enrol.
Does face unlock work?+
Yes, on both screens.
Can a case block it?+
Yes.
Why does the narrow sensor miss?+
It reads only a strip.
Should I enrol more than one print?+
Yes.