Disclaimer: We may earn a commission if you make any purchase by clicking our links. Please see our detailed guide here.

Follow us on:

Google News
Whatsapp

Finally! Google Fix the Pixel 6a’s Hit-and-Miss Fingerprint Reader Bug

Yusuf Balogun
Yusuf Balogun
Yusuf is a law graduate and freelance journalist with a keen interest in tech reporting.

Join the Opinion Leaders Network

Join the Techgenyz Opinion Leaders Network today and become part of a vibrant community of change-makers. Together, we can create a brighter future by shaping opinions, driving conversations, and transforming ideas into reality.

Earlier this year, the American tech giant, Google released the Pixel 6a smartphone. The device is arguably one of the best phones in its price range and supports Android OS updates until July 2025 with security updates till July 2027 as well. However, users have been experiencing varied bugs on the device ranging from a hit-and-miss fingerprint reader to heating and battery drain.

In curtaining these bugs, Google’s first Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1) Beta 1 for Android 13 included some significant fixes. The upgrades to the fingerprint reader, though, maybe the most significant for Google Pixel 6a users. Although we are unsure of the extent of the problems, there have been early instances of using an unregistered fingerprint to unlock the Pixel 6a. 

Though there were a lot of internet complaints about inconsistent unlocking of the smartphone, which required a lot of tries and occasionally didn’t even function. Then, it’s difficult to estimate how many people had these kinds of problems. Nevertheless, Google had to be aware of these issues because, in the QPR1 Beta 1 release, it fixed the inconsistent fingerprint reader in the Pixel 6a.

Accordingly, the fix is outlined in the beta release stating that: it “fixed various issues that made it difficult for users to unlock their device or to set up Fingerprint Unlock.” Although many users might never have experienced an unregistered fingerprint unlocking on their Pixel 6a, some had a bit inconsistent. However, with the update, it has been confirmed that the fingerprint reader has vastly improved.

Now, the device’s reader can reliably and swiftly identify a fingerprint. This holds even when deliberately attempting to thwart detection, for as by only placing the finger’s tip on the reader. Of course, everyone will have a different experience. Therefore, to attest to this fact, you can download the latest QPR1 Beta 1 release; but, as it’s a beta, there’s a possibility that anything might go wrong. 

Meanwhile, it should be noted that if the device you plan to update is your daily smartphone, it might be better to wait for the release to arrive on a public build of Android 13. Although you can revert to a stable version of Android, it will require you to delete everything from your device. Follow TechGenyz for more updates.

Join 10,000+ Fellow Readers

Get Techgenyz’s roundup delivered to your inbox curated with the most important for you that keeps you updated about the future tech, mobile, space, gaming, business and more.

Recomended

Partner With Us

Digital advertising offers a way for your business to reach out and make much-needed connections with your audience in a meaningful way. Advertising on Techgenyz will help you build brand awareness, increase website traffic, generate qualified leads, and grow your business.

Power Your Business

Solutions you need to super charge your business and drive growth

More from this topic