How (un)reliable is the fingerprint sensor?

[Random_odo]

I received a new Galaxy note 8 yesterday and I am having a hard time setting it up. Specifically, the fingerprint sensor refuses to register any of my fingers, simply giving me an error message saying that I have to clean the screen (over and over and over) or that I am not covering the entire sensor. The sensor is as clean as it as as it is possible to get, and I'm covering the sensor. So my frustration level is pretty high right now

At this point I am highly likely to return the phone, my question is: is this likely a defect with this particular device, or is the fingerprint sensor serially unreliable across any replacement device I would be likely to get? (I have a hard time thinking it's operator error, but I'm biased)

Essentially I am torn between buying an entirely different product from a different company or taking a leap of faith and getting a second note 8 to see if the fingerprint sensor will actually work this time

 

[marctronixx]

if the sensor were the unreliable, you would see everyone talking about it. The sensor is fast and responsive. i have the t mobile varant and the sensor has never let me down. this is a first production run copy from 2017.

since the phone can't be looked at over the internet, and you are following the directions to the letter, and ASSuming the phone is brand new ant not refurbished, logica tells me your device may be faulty.

since you just picked it up, an exchange is recommended.

im sure you have seen tech blogs about this device, and the features it has. its flagship level.

on deciding what to do, that's up to you. you are coming to a note 8 forum, you will get responses mostly in favor of the note 8. if you go to the other forum of the device you are interested in, you will get mostly favorable reviews for that, so its no gain to you in that regard.

 

[The_Chief]

First of all, welcome to Android Forums! Great to have you here!

And absolutely: I use the fingerprint scanner to log in to my phone AND apps. Not a problem. I know that a factory reset is the last resort, but there aren't many tricks left. You can try booting into Safe Mode to see if MAYBE an installed app is conflicting with it. If there's still a problem, I would factory reset it. You're going to exchange it anyway, right? And if you contact your carrier or Samsung, they will not proceed with an exchange until they know a factory reset did not solve the problem.

 

[kokiangel]

I had a really hard time getting mine to register when I first started due to the crazy location of the sensor. I ended up using two hands and barely tapping my finger over the sensor as though it was hot. From every conceivable angle. That worked for me if it helps any. And hitting that awkward sensor does get easier with practice though I still need two hands...one to hold he phone and the other with the required digit to hit the sensor...left handed and all that...

 

[The_Chief]

Reason enough to buy the Note9, if for nothing else than a new fingerprint sensor location!