First Phone With In-Display Fingerprint Scanner

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The first smartphone with an in-display (under-screen) fingerprint scanner was the Vivo X20 Plus UD, announced in January 2018 and released in China shortly after. It used a optical sensor embedded in the OLED display, letting you unlock by pressing your finger on a designated area of the screen.

Background: Why In-Display Scanners Took So Long

Fingerprint scanners on phones existed since 2011 (Motorola Atrix) but were always placed on a physical button or the back. As bezels shrank and screens grew, manufacturers wanted to remove the front home button. The challenge was that traditional capacitive sensors (like those on the back) can’t read through a glass display. They need direct contact with a conductive surface. The solution was a different technology: optical sensing, which uses light to capture a fingerprint image.

Optical scanners were old tech in the security world (used in door locks and laptops), but miniaturizing them to fit under a phone screen and work reliably through glass took years. The Vivo X20 Plus UD was the first to commercialize it, using a sensor from Synaptics and a display from Samsung. It was a limited release, but it proved the concept.

How It Works: Optical vs. Ultrasonic

There are two main types of in-display fingerprint scanners:

Optical: The display lights up the finger with a bright sub-pixel pattern. The light reflects off the ridges and valleys of your fingerprint, and a tiny camera sensor beneath the screen captures that reflection. The image is then compared to the stored template. This is the most common and cheapest method.
Ultrasonic: Uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the finger. The sensor measures the echo pattern to create a 3D map of the fingerprint. It works better with wet or oily fingers and can be placed under thicker glass. Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic Sensor (used in Samsung Galaxy S10 and later) is the most well-known example.

Both types require an OLED display because the sensor needs to see through the panel. LCD screens are too opaque and have a backlight that blocks the sensor.

The First Generation: Vivo X20 Plus UD and Its Limits

The Vivo X20 Plus UD had a 6.43-inch OLED screen and a fingerprint sensor area at the bottom. It worked, but it had notable drawbacks compared to physical sensors:

Speed: Unlock took about 0.6-1.0 seconds, noticeably slower than a physical button.
Accuracy: It struggled with dry fingers and bright sunlight (which interferes with the optical sensor).
Placement: You had to press exactly on the marked area, not anywhere on the screen.
Brightness: The scanner area would briefly light up brightly to capture the finger, which was distracting in the dark.

Early reviewers noted these issues, but the technology was a proof of concept. Within a year, Vivo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and others released improved versions with faster sensors and larger detection areas.

How It Evolved: From First to Mainstream

After the Vivo X20 Plus UD, the technology improved rapidly:

2018: Vivo released several more models with in-display scanners, including the NEX and X21. The sensor area was still small and required precise placement.
2019: Samsung introduced the Galaxy S10 series with an ultrasonic scanner, which was faster and more reliable. This brought the feature to a global flagship audience.
2020: Optical sensors became cheaper and faster. Mid-range phones like the Redmi Note 9 Pro and Realme 6 series adopted them.
2021-2024: Large-area optical sensors (like those from Goodix) allow you to place your finger almost anywhere on the lower half of the screen. Ultrasonic sensors also expanded to cover a larger area (e.g., Galaxy S24 Ultra).

Today, in-display scanners are standard on virtually all OLED Android phones above $200. Apple never adopted them, sticking with Face ID.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Owners of in-display scanners often report issues that are actually inherent to the technology:

â€œMy fingerprint isn’t recognized after applying a screen protector.â€� Thick glass or plastic protectors can block the optical sensor. The solution is to use a protector specifically designed for in-display scanners (often with a cutout or thinner material) and re-register your fingerprints after applying it.
â€œIt doesn’t work in very bright sunlight.â€� Optical sensors rely on light reflection; strong ambient light can wash out the fingerprint image. Ultrasonic sensors are less affected.
â€œIt’s slow.â€� Even the fastest optical sensors are slightly slower than a physical capacitive sensor. Most users get used to it, but if you need instant unlock, a physical sensor is still superior.
â€œThe screen burns in where the fingerprint is.â€� The bright light used for scanning can cause image retention on OLED screens over time, but modern sensors use lower brightness and the effect is rare.

How to Choose a Phone With an In-Display Scanner

If you’re buying a phone and this feature matters to you, consider these points:

Type: Ultrasonic is generally more reliable in varied conditions (wet fingers, gloves). Optical is cheaper and more common.
Sensor size: Some phones have a small circle (like early models), while others have a large area (like the iQOO 12 or Samsung Galaxy S24). Larger is easier to hit.
Screen protector compatibility: Check if the phone manufacturer sells an official screen protector that works with the scanner. Third-party ones may not.
Speed: Read reviews for the specific model. Some budget phones have noticeably slow scanners.
Alternative security: If you often wear gloves or have dry hands, consider a phone with both an in-display scanner and face unlock (even if it’s just 2D).

Comparison: In-Display vs. Physical vs. Face Unlock

Here’s a quick comparison of the three main unlock methods:

In-display (optical/ultrasonic): Great for maximizing screen space. Works well in most conditions. Can be slow if the sensor is cheap. Requires OLED screen.
Physical (capacitive): Fastest and most reliable. Works with wet fingers and any screen protector. Takes up space on the front or back.
Face unlock (2D): Convenient but less secure (can be fooled by a photo). Works in all lighting if it uses IR, but not all phones have IR.
Face unlock (3D, like Face ID): Very secure and fast, but requires a notch or punch-hole with extra hardware. Not available on most Android phones.

For most people, an in-display scanner is a good compromise. It doesn’t take up space, is secure enough for payments, and is now fast enough for daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the in-display fingerprint scanner secure?

Yes, it’s comparable to a physical fingerprint scanner. Both store a mathematical template of your fingerprint, not the image itself. The sensor is encrypted and isolated from the main processor. Optical scanners can be fooled by a high-resolution photo of your fingerprint, but that requires physical access to your finger, which is unlikely.

Can I use a screen protector with an in-display scanner?

Yes, but you need the right kind. Tempered glass protectors that are too thick or have a full adhesive layer can block the signal. Look for protectors labeled “compatible with in-display fingerprint” or use a film protector. After applying, re-register your fingerprints and increase the touch sensitivity setting if your phone has it.

Why did Apple not use an in-display scanner?

Apple invested heavily in Face ID and has not publicly stated a reason for skipping in-display sensors. However, they have patents for under-screen Touch ID, suggesting they might use it in the future. For now, Face ID is their biometric solution.

Does the in-display scanner work if my finger is wet or dirty?

Ultrasonic sensors handle moisture better than optical. Optical sensors struggle with water because it refracts light and can distort the fingerprint image. If you have wet hands, you may need to dry them before using the scanner.

Can I use the in-display scanner to unlock apps and make payments?

Yes, most phones allow you to use the fingerprint for app locks, password managers, and payment services like Google Pay or Samsung Pay. The system treats it the same as any other fingerprint sensor.

Will the in-display scanner damage my eyes?

No. The light emitted during scanning is within safe limits and is similar to the brightness of the display itself. It’s not a laser and poses no risk to your eyes.

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