Fingerprint Not Working After Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Update? Here’s the Fix

Fingerprint Not Working After Samsung S25 Ultra Update– If your Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra fingerprint scanner suddenly stopped working after a recent software update, or you see a strange error on your lock screen, you’re not alone. Many users have reported issues like the fingerprint icon disappearing, errors saying Fingerprint can’t be recognized, and problems with Google Wallet failing to accept the correct PIN. We will walk you through everything you need to know to troubleshoot and fix Fingerprint and security-related issues on your Samsung S25 Ultra. Let’s get started with why this is happening and, more importantly, how you can fix it.

Understanding the Issue: Why Your Fingerprint Sensor Isn’t Working

After major software updates—especially involving One UI 8 or Android 16—it’s common for devices to undergo background configuration changes. Sometimes, the update process isn’t fully completed, causing temporary glitches such as:

• Fingerprint sensor errors
• The fingerprint icon is not showing on the lock screen
• Google Wallet PIN verification failures

These are usually temporary bugs; most users can fix them with simple steps.

⚙️ Quick First Fix: Perform a Second Restart

Before diving into deeper troubleshooting:

1. Hold the Power button and select Restart.
2. Wait until the phone reboots completely.

Sometimes, the initial restart post-update doesn’t finalize all processes. A second restart gives your phone a fresh start and often resolves minor bugs.

Advanced Fix: Clear the Cache Partition

If restarting didn’t help, the next best step is to clear your phone’s cache partition. This won’t delete any personal data, but it removes temporary system files that might be causing issues.

Follow these steps to wipe the cache partition:

1. Turn off your Galaxy S25 Ultra.
2. Press and hold the Power button + Volume Up button together.
3. Release both buttons when you see the Samsung logo.
4. Your device will now boot into Recovery Mode.
5. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to “Wipe Cache Partition.”
6. Press the Power button to select it.
7. Confirm by choosing “Yes.”
8. Once done, highlight “Reboot system now”, then press Power to reboot.

Clearing the cache partition is a safe and effective way to eliminate post-update errors without affecting your data.

Google Wallet is asking for a PIN, but is showing an error.

Another issue users report is that Google Wallet is not working after the update. Even if you enter the correct PIN, it still says it’s invalid or gives an error.

This typically happens due to:

• Security settings desync
• Fingerprint authentication is not being fully enabled post-update
• Corrupted data in the Wallet app

Here’s how to fix it:

✅ Fix Google Wallet PIN Error:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Google Wallet
2. Tap Storage > Clear Cache
3. Then tap Clear Data (note: this will log you out of Wallet)
4. Go back to Google Wallet > Settings > Unlock Method
5. Re-enable PIN or Fingerprint login
6. Restart your device.

Still not working? Try removing your Google account and re-adding it after rebooting. This forces a full resync with Google’s servers and often fixes validation problems.

Remove and Re-Register Fingerprints

If your fingerprint scanner still shows errors or doesn’t respond at all:

1. Go to Settings > Biometrics and Security > Fingerprints
2. Delete all saved fingerprints
3. Tap Add Fingerprint and follow the prompts
4. Make sure your finger and screen are dry and clean
5. Register the same finger twice for better accuracy

Pro Tip: Don’t press too hard when registering your Fingerprint—gentle contact gives better results.

Check for App Updates After Software Upgrade

App incompatibility is another reason for fingerprint and Wallet issues. Once the new OS is installed, some apps—like Google Wallet—may need to be updated.

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile > Manage apps & devices
3. Tap Update All

This ensures your apps are compatible with the latest software environment.

Enable Device Protection Features Again

Sometimes, after an update, security settings get reset or disabled in the background.

Check and enable these:

• Settings > Biometrics and Security > Device Protection
• Make sure Find My Mobile and Remote Unlock are turned ON
• Re-enable Secure Lock Settings

These settings help sync biometric verification with lock screen functionality and wallet services.

Safe Mode: Rule Out Third-Party App Conflicts

If nothing has worked, booting into Safe Mode can help determine whether a third-party app is interfering.

To enter Safe Mode:

1. Hold the Power button > tap and hold “Power off.”
2. Select Safe Mode
3. Test the fingerprint scanner and Wallet in Safe Mode

If it works fine, a recently installed app may be causing the problem. Uninstall apps one by one until the issue disappears.

Backup and Factory Reset (Last Resort)

A factory reset may be necessary if you’ve tried everything and nothing works. But only do this after backing up all your data.

Steps to factory reset:

1. Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory data reset
2. Read the warnings and confirm
3. After reset, set up your phone from scratch
4. Re-register fingerprints and sign into Google Wallet

Make sure you set up security features early during the setup process. This minimizes conflicts.

Why These Issues Happen After Updates

Modern Android devices—especially Samsung’s high-end phones—are built with complex biometric security layers integrated with:

• Knox Security
• Google Play Protect
• Third-party authentication APIs

When updates roll out, these layers must resync and reinitialize, sometimes leading to temporary errors. That’s why you see issues like “Fingerprint doesn’t show”, “PIN not working”, or “Wallet not responding.”

Good news? Most of these are easy to fix and not hardware-related.

️ Summary of Fixes to Try

ProblemFix

Fingerprint not showing. Restart > Clear Cache Partition > Re-add Fingerprint.

Wallet PIN error:r Clear Wallet Cache/Data > Re-enable unlock method

The fingerprint icon is gone after the update. Enable biometric lock > Register again

There is no response from the fingerprint sensor.Boot to Safe Mode > Try Factory Reset

PIN correct, but still fails to remove Google account > Re-add

✅ Wrap Up: Don’t Panic, These Issues Are Fixable

It can be frustrating when your fingerprint scanner doesn’t work, or your Google Wallet fails after an update. But you’re not alone; thankfully, these issues are almost always software-related.

By performing a second restart, clearing the cache partition, and resetting biometric data, most users can fully restore fingerprint and wallet functionality on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

If you’re still stuck after trying these steps, it might be worth checking for a future software patch or contacting Samsung Support—but chances are, you won’t need to.

Stay secure, and happy unlocking!

Source

Selva Ganesh

Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.