Workaround for Android 15 QPR2 fingerprint firmware glitch on Pixel 9

de0u

DSJ009 My understanding is that if, as the system boots, it can't handshake with the fingerprint sensor then it disables the code that would manage the sensor, thus the settings pieces won't be visible. So far it seems that rebooting a sufficient number of times will enable the fingerprint sensor handshake to work.

PDA

I know this issue isn't related to GrapheneOS in any way, but I wanted to chime in that ever since installing build 2025040700, my fingerprint reader hasn't shown up once.
With the previous updates (before 2025040700), I had to reboot once or occasionally power off — power back on the device to get my fingerprint reader working again.

But today I have rebooted and powered off — powered back on the device so many times now, and still nothing.

Suppose there was a firmware update/fix for the fingerprint reader and the actual fingerprint reader isn't being recognized because of the above issue, does the firmware for the fingerprint reader still get applied?

memoria

PDA But today I have rebooted and powered off — powered back on the device so many times now, and still nothing.

Same here

wellfuture

PDA same issue after update to 2025040700

cadillyst

I've been effected by this since the beginning of March and had been able to get it back by rebooting, but that no longer seems to work. On my Pixel 9 update 2025040700 has nixed my fingerprint reader and rebooting normally or via recovery mode has not brought it back. As this is caused by firmware issues I don't suppose anyone has had any luck fixing the issue by a reinstall of GrapheneOS?

Lilac6044

cadillyst When the issue first surfaced I reinstalled GOS and it made no difference. I know it isn't particularly helpful as advice, but sometimes the fingerprint reader comes back instantly, sometimes after me rebooting once, and the most I have had to reboot is upwards of 20 times. I would suggest simply to keep powering off and on and it will come back on eventually.

cadillyst

memoria I had the same issue and just kept power cycling as Lilac6044 recommended and finally got it to start working again. Had to cycle upwards of 20 times.

DSJ009

Has anyone tried factory resetting the phone to bring back fingerprint unlock after update 2025040700 and did it work ?

Lilac6044

DSJ009 Hi, I reinstalled GOS when the problem first surfaced, but not since this latest update. The GOS team may correct me, but looking at the release notes there is nothing to suggest this latest update did anything to change this problem. So I cannot believe that reinstalling GOS now will make any difference compared to when I did it when the problem first started surfacing.

Lilac6044

This being said, my phone does seem to need to power off and on more often now to get the fingerprint reader to come back. But this is like coincidental, as it has never been a set number of times in the past. But just food for thought.

jb7

can you still use your phone and login a different way?

I guess fingerprint is very safe otherwise is it so preferred way of accessing your phone normally?

I'm looking at getting a Pixel 9 to install GOS soon but don't want complications from the start as I'm not a tech wizard

Lilac6044

jb7 Yeah, fingerprint is only ever a secondary unlock method. So even when it is failing your primary (pin or password) can still be used

Franco

jb7
Yes, fingerprint is only a secondary unlock method indeed. However, some applications may require the fingerprint. I have an authenticator application for my work which does not work without the fingerprint. A few years ago, I had to get a new smartphone because the fingerprint sensor was on a button and it stopped working. I was unable to access my work environment and had to buy a new phone in an emergency. But it is the only example I have so far.

lor-mer

This is just great. Pixel 8 → Had to force the vendor over two months to refund it since it had green screen issues that "they could not find." Now Pixel 9 has fingerprint issues. It's sad such a great project is only available on trashy phones.

wellfuture

After updating to 2025041100, the fingerprint reader on my Pixel 9 started working again.

Lilac6044

wellfuture tmThis may be coincidental, I do not think anything in the latest update points to a fix for this bug. If you restart your phone does the fingerprint reader remain?

cadillyst

wellfuture I had the same experience with 2025040700 on my Pixel 9. I could not get the fingerprint reader to come on no matter how many power cycles. When restarted into 2025041100 the fingerprint reader was back.

wellfuture

Yes, maybe coincidental. With the new release I have restarted the phone twice and turned it off/on once, each time the fingerprint sensor appears directly.

With 2025040700, the fingerprint sensor never appears, after 20 restarts and turns off/on.

Lilac6044

wellfuture Interesting. I am still on the 2025040700 release, so when the update is pushed to me I will see if it helps my device.

wellfuture

Lilac6044 I temporarily switched to the beta channel and got the new release directly.

Lilac6044

wellfuture Out of curiosity, I switched to beta channel and my fingerprint reader came straight back on reboot. Have since powered off and on 5 times and the fingerprint reader has worked every time. Do not want to jinx it, but maybe it is fixed like you say...

Can any of the devs confirm the latest update would have done this or is it just a huge coincidence?

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