Marshmallow and Fingerprint Functionality

[mcdonx]

I was so happy earlier that I got the marshmallow update on my xperia z5 compact. I've had this phone soon after it was launched and have enjoyed the fingerprint functionality. 

After the update, I tried unlocking my phone with my fingerprint and it wasn't going through. I thought something must be wrong here. So, I deleted the stored fingerprints and created new ones. This still did not fix my dilemma. 

Then it dawned on me that Sony announced lately that the US versions will not have the fingerprint functionality. I was livid!

For one, I bought the phone even before they decided to disable the fingerprint scanner! IF I knew that they will do this, I wouldn't have bought the phone in the first place. 

I feel cheated! Fix this Sony! 

[CameronT]

Hi @mcdonx,

Is your phone the USA version? Where did you purchase it from?

[mcdonx]

Model E5823. I bought it from eBay.

[CameronT]

@mcdonx, 

If the functionality was there before and has been removed by the update there could be a couple of reasons as to why.

The update may simply not have installed correctly. If this is the case, you should try running a software repair on your handset to completely re-install Android. I recommend trying this first.

If it doesn't help then it is likely your suspicions about the US version, and the update that was installed may be the US Firmware. If that is the case you will have to flash a ROM from another country. Please be aware that in doing this you may damage your phone and/or void your warranty, so I will be unable to provide assistance on how to do this.

[mcdonx]

I still see the fingerprint function and I can register my fingers. But when it comes to unlocking the phone, it just says enter pin and will not read my fingerprint.

[CameronT]

@mcdonx,

Does it register that you are attempting to unlock it with your fingerprint? For example, does it vibrate and show the fingerprint icon at the bottom of the screen? Or does it come up saying there is a hardware issue?

[mcdonx]

When I attempt to unlock the phone from sleep, it vibrates as soon as it senses my thumb and brings up the Keypad immediately and says Enter Pin. There is no fingerprint icon anywhere on the screen.

[mcdonx]

Also, on the security settings, it says Fingerprint Unlocking Activated.

This does not make sense at all.

[CameronT]

@mcdonx,

Try these methods one after the other. Verify whether the problem was solved after each method, before trying the next one.

• To unlock the device, simply touch the power key with a finger that you have registered as a fingerprint. After you press the power key to wake up your device, do not press it again. If you do, your device will return to standby.
• Check if the fingerprint sensor recognizes your finger by looking for the message “Try again” at the bottom of the screen when you touch the power key.  If you don’t see the message, make sure that both your finger and the power key are clean and dry. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any dirt or moisture from your finger and the power key before trying again.
• Restart your phone and register your fingerprint again.
• Unlock your device with your backup PIN or password. Using the Fingerprint Manager, delete all the registered fingerprints and register your fingerprint again.
• Any dents and scratches on, or near, the fingerprint sensor in the power key may decrease the recognition rate of the fingerprint function.
• Make sure that no protective cover or case blocks the fingerprint sensor located in the power key.

Also note:

• Dirt or moisture on your finger or the power key during the registration of your fingerprint can affect the sensor’s ability to later recognize your fingerprint. 
• Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any dirt or moisture from your finger and the power key before registering your fingerprint.
• Using the Fingerprint Manager, you can register a fingerprint up to five times to improve the recognition rate of the fingerprint sensor.  
• Make sure that you do not only register the center area of your fingerprint. Between each vibration of the power key during the registration process, move your finger slightly upwards, downwards and sideways to include a wider area of your fingerprint in the registration.
• The condition of your skin, such as cuts, dryness, or moisture may have an effect on the fingerprint recognition rate.
• Any activity that may affect the state of your skin, such as showering, cooking or exercise, can have an effect on the fingerprint recognition rate.
• Any dents and scratches on, or near, the fingerprint sensor in the power key may decrease the recognition rate of the fingerprint function.

[_alexdon_]

@mcdonx I think what you experience is this:

/t5/Xperia-Z5-Z5-Compact-Z5-Premium/Android-6-0-Fingerprint-requires-backup-unlock-too/td-p/1101348

Basically you have a 3rd party app for locking the device and you are required to enter the PIN too.