How to Calibrate the Fingerprint Sensor in your Google Pixel Phone

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Comments: 70

How to Calibrate the Fingerprint Sensor in your Google Pixel Phone

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

3 - 5 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to calibrate the fingerprint sensor in your Google Pixel phone. This guide is only applicable for the Google Pixel 6 and newer phones.

You need to calibrate your fingerprint sensor whenever you replace the screen, as most replacement screens come with a new fingerprint sensor pre-attached. If you don't, your fingerprint sensor will not work.

Step 1

Follow these instructions to enable developer options and USB debugging mode.
If you're using a Windows operating system, download the Google USB driver and follow these instructions to install it.
Navigate to this page to prepare the calibration software.
If your phone isn't turned off, do so now.
Hold down the power and volume down buttons on your phone for three seconds to enter Fastboot mode.
Your phone will show a red warning triangle with the caption "Fastboot mode."
Plug your phone into your computer.

I'm in "Fastboot Mode" as described.

A connection to my PC is not yet possible.

A selection menu can be seen on the Pixel 6 display:

- Start

- Restart bootloader

- Recovery mode

- Rescue mode

- Bar code

- Power off

Which option to choose to install fingerprint calibration software?

Andreas -

As mentioned in other sections, this does not work in the latest version of Android. Will likely be updated soon.

Rick Stanley -

I found a comment against the step below that worked for me. That is to enable developer options and then enabling USB debugging:

1. Go into the Pixel 7a Settings > About Phone > Build number

2. Tap build number 5 times to enable developer options

3. Back in Settings > System > Developer options, enable USB debugging.

As soon as I did this, then following the instructions above actually worked.

Roger Wills -

How am I supposed to navigate the menu having the screen just replaced and touchpad not calibrated?

I was lucky to have one enabled prior to the work. Otherwise you could try using OTG adapter with a mouse...

Ilia Nedoluzhko -

It doesn’t work no matter what. There is no software available for the latest version of android

Rad D - 21/04/24

In order to install the USB Driver for Windows 10, I needed to have the phone connected to my PC while the phone was on the fast boot mode, otherwise Windows would keep saying it had the latest driver already. I think this may have achieved a similar outcome to Roger Willis saying they needed to enable USB debugging. This was with Android 14 up to date at the time of writing.

Alberto Einsteino - 17/05/24

Similar to other comments. The instructions in the How to Calibrate page should be modified. Steps are missing/in the wrong order. From a Windows machine, you can download the USB driver from Google, yes, but the USB driver cannot be installed to the phone via Device Manager until after you have booted the phone into Faststart mode and then connected to the USB cable. Otherwise it says I already have the latest driver.

Greg K -

Step 2

Select the "Connect Device" button.
Choose your device from the pop-up menu.
Depending on your browser, your pop-up menu will look different.
If your device isn't showing up, select the "Troubleshooting tips" link near the bottom of the page to diagnose your issue.
Once your device connects, select the "Install software" button.

Hi, I'm stuck because there is not Italy in the carrier country selection and with "other" says that is not able to determine the software installed on the phone. The phone is with stock android 13 latest update. Anyone encountered this same issue? There is a workaround?

Alessandro Colombo -

Had to go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyanuJwV... to get help with driver install

drbret -

Hi, Whenever I want to download the software, I get "Couldn't find the unique calibration software for this device".
I would appreciate the assistance.

Cornelius L. -

this solution doesn't work with android 14 in the newest version 14/AP1A.240305.019.A1.

It seems that the ifixit sofware needs an update to the newest version of Android 14.

Any chnce to get it done?

Guido Esser -

To all the people having issue with the latest Android update and no software available for your version.

This fix works. Make sure:

1. You are in the FASTBOOT MODE (do not select Rescue mode or anything else, stay on the Fastboot Mode screen)

2. Make sure you are on the correct Google page https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps

(the other site you could run into https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/steps would make you select the carrier and connects only if you run Rescue Mode - THIS WON'T WORK!)

3. Manually reboot your phone and you are done.

Rad D -

It worked for me. I've first flashed it to public release of the software and then tried your method and I had to install the calibration tool two times with this https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps and done. Fingerprint sensor is recognized now.

Matteo Di Rollo -

bonjours cela ne fonctionne pas pas sur mon pixel 7 pros pour savoir quel version public avez vous télécharger celle de Android 14 ou ultérieur j'ai toujours ce message qui s'affiche "Impossible de trouver le logiciel d'étalonnage unique pour cet appareil" comment je peut faire pour réglé ce soucis ?

Vincent Munoz -

I got the error massage:

Your device's current software version:AP1A.240505.004 is newer than this repair tool has

At first it didn't work for me but I tried it a few times and somehow the button "install software" at the "pixelrepair.withgoogle.com"appeared. I don't really know, why it suddenly worked.

I think it's crucial to use the udfps-site: https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps

And I think it's crucial to use the "fastboot mode" and not the "rescue mode"

Benjamin Bauer -

Step 3

Wait for the calibration software to download and install.
The program will run automatically and restart your phone.
After you receive the "Install successful" prompt, unplug your phone and manually restart it again to complete the calibration.
If you don't manually restart your phone, your fingerprint sensor will not work properly.

Si vous voulez pas vous embêter, utiliser un Chromebook (même un vieux). Ça prend 1 minute et aucun logiciel à installer. Il suffit de suivre cette page . Redémarrer une fois encore votre Pixel et s'est réglé. Génial non?

Toully -

I didnt need to install anything on my Pixel 7 Pro. I entered debug mode and went to https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps when it finished . It didnt work until I manually restarted my phone, now it works.

Daniel -

Wow, I didn't expect that it would work so well without any huge installations (just via browser)! Great plus for Pixel phones that changing the display is so easy.

Daniel Roth -

Hallo,

vielen Dank für diese tolle und ausführliche Anleitung!

Rainer Schäfer -

Conclusion

Your fingerprint sensor is calibrated and ready for use.

If the calibration fails for any reason, repeat the calibration procedure.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

127411 Reputation

51 comments

When I try and use the calibration tool on my Pixel 6 I get an error message whilst downloading the software that says "Couldn't find the unique calibration software for this device". Any suggestions as to what is causing this?

Isheanesu Gambe -

Same problem. Pixel 7 android 14 latest update

Gleb -

Same problem. Pixel 6 android 14 latest update

Pavel Dolínek -

Same problem, pixel 7 android 14 January update

Sunggat Yerzhan - 09/01/24

same problem. Please help

Stalyn Moreno Briones -

Have you had a screen repaired by a non-authorized warranty repair center? I made that mistake and ran into this error. Google Support basically informed me that I can pack sand. We need right-to-repair legislation so that a software fix such as this cannot be denied.

Scott Hammer -

Same, Pixel 7 android 14. "Couldn't find the unique..."

Антон Кондрашкин -

Bonjour et pour les utilisateurs de mac?

nicolas ROUX -

Bonjour @nicolasrou74085 malheureusement Apple réserve cette manipulation à son réseau de réparation agréé :( Vous trouverez toutes les infos sur l'appariement de cette pièce dans notre article : https://fr.ifixit.com/News/83553/la-vue-..., en particulier le tableau récapitulatif des iPhone 5 aux iPhone 15 vers la fin de la page.

Claire Miesch -

I am in fastboot mode and my device appears in the list to connect but it consistently comes up with 'Unable to connect device' - I am using Ubuntu 22.10 (Linux) and my Pixel 6 is not rooted. I can't proceed past this point.

Chris Howe-Jones -

This worked for me. Much appreciated!

Ryan L Barber -

Tedious but was able to figure it out and calibrate the fingerprint sensor.

Metalman -

pour installé les drivers il faut passer le téléphone en fastboot et ensuite le connecter au PC pour pouvoir installer les drivers approprié, si le téléphone est en mode normal rien ne se passe une foi connecter au pc (lorsqu'on veut installer les fameux drivers).

après l'installation du logiciel de calibration sur le téléphone n'oublier pas de redémarré votre appareil une nouvelle foi si non le capteur ne fonctionnera toujours pas. bon courage

MrVaddle -

thank you guys I bought a genuine screen for my pixel 6 and change it it's great but the fingerprint wasn't working , now after I followed these steps it's working just fine

Ibrahim Maslati -

I completed the calibration on my P8 Pro, worked fine. There is one point however for anyone attempting it: Use proper, quality cable! My phone wasn't recognized as a device after I connected it with some random cable from my drawer (works fine for charging the phone), after I used something better it worked like a charm.

Such a simple and dumb thing, but it can make a difference between failure and success.

Josip Rosandic -

On my Google Pixel 7 Pro I get the following error. I can't calibrate my Finperprint Reader. I'm trying for hours now. Nothing helps.... : "Your device's current software version:UQ1A.240105.004 is newer than this repair tool has."

What am I doing wrong ????

Der Doss -

Me as well..

Sebastian Schaeffer -

I got this message when I try to run the tool on my Pixel 7 Pro. Your phone's current software version is newer than this repair tool has.

Sebastian Schaeffer -

Sucessfull on my Pixel 6. Do not forget to reboot your phone after having disconected it otherwise the calibration error stays.

cybertrand -

Hi, May I know what Android version are you on?

Cornelius L. -

Yes! Have pixel 7 pro; After software download, reboot your phone, go back into settings to set up fingerprint unlock. This was with replacement screen #3. Ifixit stands by their 'Never take broken for an answer.'

C * -

Did not work for me. Got the message "can not complete the fingerprint setup". https://i.imgur.com/xrU5VNu.png

Avtandil Kikabidze -

Dans l'ordre, pour que cela fonctionne bien, après passage en mode fastboot, se rendre dans le gestionnaire de périphériques, chercher votre appareil mobile qui doit être non reconnu, et la seulement mettre à jour son pilote avec le google usb driver.

Suivez ensuite les indications.

FABRICE BAUDOIN -

I have tried several Pixel6Pro and cannot activate the fingerprint sensor.

I have disassembled multiple Pixel6Pro and tried different combinations and the following is the situation.

[combination that works].

Pixel6Pro + any screen + the sensor that was on that device

(It should work without any calibration in the first place, right?)

[Combination that cannot be used]

Pixel6Pro + any screen + the sensor that was on another Pixel6Pro

Is this calibration app not to enable any fingerprint sensor that was moved from another device, but just to enable the new sensor that came with the new screen? Is that correct?

- Fastboot mode: Yes

- Reboot twice: Yes

- Use Google Driver for Fastboot mode: Yes

("Android Device/Android Bootloader Interface" on device manager)

It still does not work.

Nona - 07/02/24

I finally got this to work but I had to blaze a trail, as it seems no one had the same set of issues. Using Chrome 121.0.6167.160 on Ubuntu 22.04, I was getting an error "Unable to connect to device" (In the developer console, it printed "The selected device was not able to be opened. Confirm it is not in use by another application and then try removing the device and reconnecting it to continue."). The only thing that ended up working was:

1. Go into the Pixel 7a Settings > About Phone > Build number

2. Tap build number 5 times to enable developer options

3. Back in Settings > System > Developer options, enable USB debugging

4. Connect the phone to the computer with a good USB cable

5. (optional, can't remember if necessary) From Ubuntu, apt install adb and run adb shell from a terminal

6. On phone, allow the computer to access the phone in debug mode (check the "remember" box)

7. Power down phone, power back up using Fastboot (volume down + power)

8. Follow the instructions above starting with Step 1

Gerald Tilma -

Thank you!

You saved my day. And yes, step 5 should be optional. At least, I couldn't make adb shell just run, so I skipped it without further problems. For those who can't find the box to tick in step 6, it pops up when you enter the settings menu on your phone.

Christoffer -

Thank you! The same steps worked for my Pixel 6a.
I can confirm that step 5 is not needed; I didn't do that step.

Robin Ryder -

For the people who get this error: Your device's current software version:UQ1A.240105.004 is newer than this repair tool has.

I found the solution on this website: https://xdaforums.com/t/fingerprintsenso...

-enabled usb debugging on the phone

-Get your best usb c to usb c cable (I think this was a big part of my problem, I tried 3 or 4 cable options and ended up with it working while using -my $79 quest 2 link cable.)

-boot into fast boot, power + vol down. Do not go into rescue mode.

-installed the google driver while connected in fast boot

-went to https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/carri..., scrolled down to the link to "Install fingerprint calibration software" (https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps)

-connecting the phone while in fast boot (Not rescue like it says on the repair wizard)

-deploy the software

-REBOOT

-setup fingerprint

-enjoy success

Thank you pixelguyfromca

Alchalide -

Thanks a lot! I was having lots of connection (or not connection, better said) problems. Your guide worked perfectly!

Juan del Río - 28/02/24

Question: are there any options to calibrate the Pixel 6a fingerprint sensor that do not require Windows? I have no Windows available - only Android (on my pixel tablet) MacOS (on my wife's Macbook). Honestly I'm shocked that Google would require Windows for anything!

Ed Fair -

The process worked fine on my MacBook

Nils Liebherr -

Pixel 6a: before I could not even add the fingerprint (it recognized one in a few attempts but failed in the middle). The calibration process described above worked flawlessly. After the calibration, the rate of recognition did not improve, but I was finally able to add a fingerprint. Nevertheless, the fingerprint sensor on my Pixel 6a has so poor performance that it is useless.

Marcin Kawalerowicz -

Worked great, got a little confusing on the part that mentions downloading OEM drivers but in the end everything worked on the first go, cheers!

Cayde-6 -

Salut à tous. J'ai galéré avec un PC Windows 2 soirs sans jamais réussir à calibrer l'empreinte. Je me suis tout à coup rappelé que j'avais un vieux Chromebook et j'ai tenté. Ça m'a pris 1 minute et tout fonctionne. Aucun logiciel a préinstaller. Il suffit de se mettre en mode Fastboot, brancher le Pixel au Chromebook, lancer le process ci-dessus et s'est terminé. Malgré le redémarrage qui se fait après la mise à jour du calibrage de l'empreinte, redémarrer une fois le tél et tout est OK.Fait avec Pixel 7 Pro

Toully -

Chromium worked as an alternate to the chrome browser.

Christopher Solomon -

Doesn't work for me

Stefan Söllner -

Ok, I cannot believe you have no re-assembly part for this at all.
The box contains co many stickers and the re-assembly part can probably take almost as much work as opening the screen, but you decided to completely ignore it.
Not good at all. I had to rely on youtube for this repair, which is fine, but I am very unhappy after buying the screen from you and receiving only half of the instructions.
Nowhere do you mention what the blue adhesive strips are for and how to apply them or that there's a hidden sticked under selfie camera.

Pawel “Yakito” -

I got the same problem, I can't calibrate the sensor because the software is not supported. I've replaced the screen of my Google Pixel 7a.

Matteo Di Rollo -

Do i need to calibrate finger print sensor on pixel 6 pro when reglass?

Cris Luntad -

This is the right way to do it :

1.Before you turn your phone off, go to the developer options and enable USB debugging.

2. Go here Get the Google USB Driver and download the google USB zip file (this is for windows BTW)

3. Unzip however you want it

4. Open the folder usb_Driver and rightclick "android_winusb" and install

5. To make sure it installed, connect your pixel (with USB debugging still enabled) to your PC and open "device manager". You should see "Android Devices > Android Composite ADB Interface".

6. Disconnect pixel from PC

7. Go here Google Fingerprint Calibration website and follow the instructions.

thibaut -

Thank you thibaut. A real big thank you. On the second installation run it worked for me too. (Pixel 6a, Android 14) Much appreciated! KR Stan

Stanley Berge -

After spending 15 to 20 minutes trying to follow the main guides and hitting a roadblock because I'm on Windows 11 and some of the menu options weren't there, your solution worked perfectly for me and I was done in under 5 minutes. Thanks for sharing!

Scott B -

Pixel 4A is not supported obviously: "Only Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a devices can install this software."

U. B. -

not working with android 14

Piotr Wach -

Please see my post below that may help on Android 14.

Riverwind -

If you're having problems with the Google tool not recognizing your Pixel in Fast Boot Mode, this is what I found. I just did the install of the new screen/fingerprint reader (Pixel 6a) and found the above steps no longer work with Android 14 on Windows 11. I ended up taking it to the recommended Google Authorized Repair shop and the tech told me that it only works on a MacBook or iMac computer, which we both agreed makes no sense at all, but it worked using a MacBook.

1. Swap screens per ifixit docs

2. Power on phone to make sure it was successful

3. Power off phone

4. Boot phone into Fast Boot mode (to do this, hold Power button and Vol down for 3 seconds)

5. Go to google's repair tool (https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps) and follow steps to run it.
NOTE: If your Pixel is not showing up in the device list, you have to do it from a MacBook or iMac until Google updates.

6. Once the tool finishes, it reboots your phone.

7. After initial reboot, reboot again.

8. You should be able to enroll/scan fingerprints as normal

Riverwind - 24/05/24

Make sure you enable USB debugging on the phone to install the drivers. This took me a while to figure out.

Dennis Van Hees -

Getting the "Couldn't install the software" on my Pixel 7 Pro - any thoughts, please?

Running out of ideas and out of patience with my Google phone.

Many thanks

AlexandruVlad -

It worked for me very well ! Thanks ! :)

Greg Mdmn -

Note: the drivers won't install on a laptop running Windows 11 S-mode. (Also: Don't ever buy a computer running windows 11 S-mode.) Had to find an old laptop running Win10 for it to load the drivers.

From there, followed the instructions for my P7 Pro and it worked perfect! Thanks Google!!

Joe Camilleri -

Hat auch für mich bestens funktioniert heute:

1. Treiber auf den PC runter laden und dort entpacken

2. Auf dem Handy den Entwicklermodus freischalten und "USB-Debugging" aktivieren

3. Handy ausschalten und dann in den Fastboot Modus starten

4. Auf dem PC im Browser auf die Google Repair Seite gehen

5. Das Handy per USB an den PC anschliessen

6. Im Gerätemanager nach dem Handy suchen und dann per Rechtsklick "Treiber aktualisieren"

7. Auf der Google Repair Seite weiter gehen, das Handy sollte nun erkannt werden

8. Auf der Website die Schritte durchführen

9. Das Handy noch einmal manuell neu starten

Dominic - 21/06/24