Galaxy S20 FE Fingerprint Sensor Location & Setup
The Galaxy S20 FE fingerprint sensor is an optical, under-display sensor located in a fixed spot near the bottom center of the screen—roughly 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the bottom edge and centered horizontally. You don’t need to look for a physical button or side-mounted reader; you simply press your registered finger on that screen area to unlock the phone.
Why It’s Under the Display
The S20 FE uses an optical fingerprint sensor, which works by shining a bright light through the OLED panel to capture an image of your finger. This is different from the ultrasonic sensor found on the more expensive Galaxy S20 and S20+ models. The optical sensor is cheaper to produce, which is one reason the FE (Fan Edition) was able to offer flagship-level specs at a lower price. It also means the sensor has a specific, relatively small active area—unlike some newer phones that allow a larger touch zone. The sensor’s position is fixed by the hardware, so you cannot move it or resize it in software.
How to Find the Exact Spot
If you’re not sure where to place your finger, the phone shows a fingerprint icon on the lock screen whenever the display is on. That icon marks the exact location of the sensor. However, the icon only appears when the screen is awake and the phone is locked. To make it easier to find the sensor in the dark or when the screen is off, you can enable the “Show icon when screen is off” option in the fingerprint settings. When enabled, a faint icon will always be visible on the lock screen, so you know exactly where to press.
Setting Up the Sensor for Best Results
To get the most reliable unlocks, follow these steps when you first register your fingerprint:
- Go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Fingerprints.
- Enter your PIN, pattern, or password to confirm your identity.
- Place your finger on the sensor area and press firmly until you feel a vibration. The phone will lift your finger and ask you to reposition it slightly each time.
- Cover the entire sensor area with your fingertip, not just the tip. Try to place your finger at slightly different angles each time so the phone captures more of your fingerprint.
- After the initial setup, go back to the fingerprint settings and tap the fingerprint you just saved. You can then “Check added fingerprints” to see which areas were captured. If any part is shaded, you can add more scans by placing your finger on the sensor again.
Many users find that registering the same finger twice (as two separate entries) significantly improves accuracy, especially if you tend to unlock with a slightly different grip.
Common Problems and Fixes
The most frequent complaint about the S20 FE’s fingerprint sensor is that it’s slower or less accurate than the ultrasonic sensor on other S20 models. This is a hardware limitation, but several software and usage factors can make it worse:
- Dry or calloused fingers: Optical sensors rely on light reflecting off your finger. Dry skin or thick calluses can reduce the quality of the image. Try applying lotion or breathing on your finger before pressing.
- Screen protector: A thick or poorly applied screen protector can interfere with the sensor. Samsung’s official screen protectors are designed to work, but many third-party glass protectors cause issues. If you have one, try removing it to see if that fixes the problem.
- Dirty sensor area: Smudges on the screen can blur the image. Wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth before registering or unlocking.
- Software glitch: Occasionally, the sensor may stop working after an update. A simple restart often fixes it. If not, try deleting all fingerprints and re-registering them.
If the sensor is completely unresponsive, check that “Fingerprint always on” is enabled in the fingerprint settings. If it’s off, you’ll need to wake the screen first before the sensor activates.
How It Compares to Other S20 Models
The Galaxy S20 and S20+ use a Qualcomm 3D Sonic Sensor, which is ultrasonic. That technology uses sound waves to map the ridges and pores of your fingerprint, making it more secure and more reliable with wet or dirty fingers. The S20 FE’s optical sensor is faster to read in ideal conditions but struggles more with moisture and dry skin. The S20 FE also lacks the “faster unlock” animation that the ultrasonic models have, making it feel slightly less snappy. If you’re upgrading from a phone with a rear-mounted sensor, the under-display location takes a few days to get used to, but most users adapt quickly.
Security and Accuracy Considerations
Optical sensors are generally considered less secure than ultrasonic or capacitive sensors because they only capture a 2D image of your fingerprint. However, for everyday phone unlocking, the S20 FE’s sensor is still protected by Samsung’s biometric security framework, which requires a high match threshold. It’s not recommended for financial transactions if you’re concerned about spoofing, but for unlocking the phone and authorizing Samsung Pay, it’s adequate. If you have very dry skin or a job that roughens your fingertips, you may find the sensor unreliable. In that case, consider using a PIN or pattern as a backup, or re-register your fingerprints more frequently.
Alternatives if the Sensor Fails
If your fingerprint sensor stops working entirely and none of the troubleshooting steps help, you can still use the phone’s face recognition (which is less secure but convenient), a PIN, pattern, or password. To disable the fingerprint sensor and rely on other methods, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Fingerprints and remove all registered fingerprints. If the sensor is physically damaged, you’ll need to contact Samsung support or a repair center, as the sensor is integrated into the display assembly. Replacing just the screen will also replace the sensor, so a screen repair typically restores fingerprint functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t my fingerprint icon show on the lock screen?
The icon only appears when the screen is on and the phone is locked. If you have “AOD” (Always On Display) enabled, the icon may appear there. If not, you can enable “Show icon when screen is off” in the fingerprint settings. Also, make sure the phone isn’t in a pocket or covered by a case that blocks the screen—the sensor area needs to be visible for the icon to show.
Can I use the fingerprint sensor with a screen protector?
Yes, but it must be a thin, compatible protector. Samsung’s own film protectors work well. Thick glass protectors often cause failures because they blur the optical image. If you have a glass protector and the sensor is unreliable, try removing it. If you must use glass, look for one specifically designed for the S20 FE that claims “fingerprint compatible”—but even then, results vary.
How do I add a second fingerprint?
Go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Fingerprints, enter your PIN, then tap “Add fingerprint.” You can register up to four fingerprints on the S20 FE. Many users register the same finger twice at slightly different angles to improve recognition.
Is the S20 FE fingerprint sensor faster than the one on the S10?
The S20 FE’s optical sensor is similar in speed to the S10’s ultrasonic sensor, but the S10’s ultrasonic works better with wet fingers. The S20 FE is generally faster than the S9’s rear sensor in terms of unlock speed, but the S9 was more reliable because it was a capacitive sensor. It’s a trade-off between convenience and accuracy.
Why does my fingerprint sensor stop working after a software update?
Software updates can sometimes reset biometric settings or introduce bugs. A simple restart often fixes it. If not, go to the fingerprint settings, delete all fingerprints, and re-register them. If the problem persists, clear the cache of the “Biometrics” app via Settings > Apps > Show system apps > Biometrics > Storage > Clear cache. If that fails, a factory reset may be needed, but back up your data first.
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