Fingerprint scanner issues - SOLUTION

[Sensination]

It appears that the widespread issues with the fingerprint scanner are caused by the faulty hardware supplied to Sony by the scanner manufacturer and the only way to fix that is to replace the phone under warranty. Unfortunately there is no way to check if the unit is faulty without booting it up and entering the service menu so prepare for several exchanges until you get a working one.

Please follow this steps to see if you are affected and if yes, log a warranty claim with the seller of your phone:

1. Enter the following code *#*#7378423#*#* into the dialler.

2. Click on "Service Tests"

3. Scroll to bottom and click on "Fingerprint Test"

If the status of your fingerprint sensors shows as "Sensor not OK" like this then you got a faulty unit and you should make a claim under warranty.

It seems that Sony strategy of "cheap components in and expensive packaging" haven't changed since Xperia Z1 and as usual we are the ones paying the price...

[jeoleo7]

Thank you for the longest and clear post.

Actually fps was broken in the latest update. It is a software issue.

I'm saying this with the reason.

fps in Android 9 works better on my phone than Android 10. It opens up in the first attempt. 

In Android 10 I have to wait for few seconds or touch the fps twice with the registered finger.

I reverted to Android 9 and tried. It works at the first touch. This arises a question to a user of Sony Xperia 1.

Should I be using Android 9 forever with the working fps or use Android 10 with this buggy fps??

This latest update today version 55.1.A.3.107 (without changelog) must be a security update because It didn't fix the fps.

Why won't they fix it? It has really annoyed me.

[Gilgameshuk]

sounds like codswollop to me.

tried it and nothing comes up

FP sensor is working great for me anyway as:

a: I dont attempt to use the sensor when my hands are damp or sweaty.

b:) i follow the instructions carefully and use different parts of the same finger

c:) I register the same finger TWICE

😧 I always delete all fingerprints AND re-register them after a firmware update.

Doing all of the above, i dont have a single failure.

Now on a different tack

I am a little brassed-off with people putting issues onto Sony when it really is USUALLY  a user-error and all they need to politely do is put a help request here. Whilst the Xperia 1 DOES have some glaring issues (like the Electronic Image Stabilisation at 4k being actually WORSE than the XZ Premium and a few other issues-with most lately being GOOGLE's fault) I do not think it is entirely fair to off-load at Sony like this.

Now admittedly the COMBINED fingerprint sensor on the XZP and the XZ3 was MUCH faster and better overall, however the xperia 1's design is down enirely to the fault of the 'AMERICANS', as they filed a lawsuit AGAINST SONY for patent infringment (i could not have been a good patent-being that it was for the USA only) so THAT is exactly why on past Sony phones the FP sensor was set to disabled for the AMERICA region ONLY!

Now with the Xperia Mark II it seems they have finally obtained a deal where they can use the much superior combined sensor again. 

Like i said there are a few GLARING issues with the Xperia 1, however for me the FPS (I have two sony X1 phones the grey and black) has NEVER relaly been one of them and btw I (if you look on back chats I have posted) had the Xperia 1 since day one!

[Strampke]

My impression is that the fingerprint sensor has improved in the 55.1.A.3.49 software but it still is below par.

My sensor works flawlessly both at unlocking the phone and I banking apps.

I quote @RottenFoxBreath because of something else I noticed.

Could you test if my observation is correct that the fingerprint sensor is more accurate when used in for instance banking apps?

Is it just my impression or do other users experience the same behaviour.

[Jon.Hidden-Coley]

My FP sensor works probably 98% of the time. If it doesn't, I usually only have to give the sensor a quick wipe and it works. However, I also picked up on your observation regarding banking apps. My FP sensor works first time, every single time I use my banking apps. There was a period where the sensor just wasn't playing ball, but my banking apps were not affected.

[Kim790573]

Mine works fine in banking apps and similar. Not always working when unlocking the phone - seems to help if I wake it up using the power button. 

[Strampke]

This method of first using the power button seems to help indeed.

[AfroAmericanIdo]

My fingerprint sensor issue is a bit different. After short usage, the option disappears from the menu altogether. I ran across this thread and used the service menu to check the fingerprint sensor and it has even disappeared there too. This will mark the 4TH TIME I'm sending the phone in for service and for the same issue. Two out of three times it has been returned without any repairs being made after the shop failed to replicate the issue. I literally pulled it out of the box upon the last return and had the issue appear as before all of my apps finished downloading. 

I'm beyond frustrated and nobody in the Sony network seems to care. 

[RottenFoxBreath]

---

@Strampke wrote:

My impression is that the fingerprint sensor has improved in the 55.1.A.3.49 software but it still is below par.

My sensor works flawlessly both at unlocking the phone and I banking apps.

I quote @RottenFoxBreath because of something else I noticed.

Could you test if my observation is correct that the fingerprint sensor is more accurate when used in for instance banking apps?

Is it just my impression or do other users experience the same behaviour.

---

My FPS works flawlessly in both unlocking the phone and in banking apps.

I've not really had an issue with it.

Maybe once or twice, but nothing recent springs to mind.

No complaints here, sorry.

[Gilgameshuk]

Never had any problems here either, unless I had wet hands:)

[Yasstruche]

It's  annoying someone do something it was working well the first days then I used a toothbrush to clean the FPS and after that it's only responsive when I add a new finger in the settings...