Pixel Fingerprint Not Working After a Screen Replacement? How to Calibrate It

You fit a new screen to a Pixel, the display looks perfect, and the fingerprint sensor does nothing. On most Pixels from the Pixel 6 onwards, that isn't a faulty part: the under-display sensor needs to be calibrated to the new screen. Here's which models need it, how to do it, and what to try when it doesn't work first time.

Which Pixels need calibrating?

It depends on the type of fingerprint sensor. Pixels with an optical under-display sensor need calibrating after every screen replacement, even when the new screen is a genuine part. Pixels with an ultrasonic sensor don't normally need this step.

Model Sensor Calibrate after screen swap?
Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a Optical Yes
Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a Optical Yes
Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a Optical Yes
Pixel 9a Optical Yes
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL Ultrasonic Not normally needed
Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL Ultrasonic Not normally needed
Pixel Fold models In the power button Not affected by a screen swap

Watch the Pixel 9a: it shares a name with the Pixel 9 family, but it uses an optical sensor and needs calibrating like the Pixel 8.

What you need

  • A computer with Google Chrome (or another Chromium-based browser such as Edge)
  • A USB cable that carries data, not just charge
  • On Windows, the Google USB driver installed
  • The new screen fully fitted and working, with touch tested

If the phone boots into Android, enabling Developer options and USB debugging beforehand can help the tool find it.

How to calibrate, step by step

1Power off the phone. Then hold Power and Volume Down together until the Fastboot Mode screen appears.
2Connect the phone to the computer and open Google's calibration page: pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps.
3Click Connect Device, choose the phone from the browser pop-up, then click Install software.
4Wait for it to finish. The tool downloads the calibration software, installs it and restarts the phone.
5Restart it again yourself. After you see “Install successful”, unplug the phone and restart it manually. This step is easy to miss, and the sensor won't work properly without it.
6Enrol a fingerprint and test it several times before the phone goes back to the customer.

When it doesn't work first time

  • The tool can't see the phone. Check the screen says Fastboot Mode, not fastbootd; if in doubt, restart and hold Volume Down again. Then try a different cable or USB port, and on Windows check the Google USB driver is installed.
  • “Couldn't find the unique calibration software for this device.” This error is widely reported. Restart the phone, put it back into Fastboot Mode and run the whole procedure again.
  • It calibrates but reads poorly. Remove any screen protector and test again. Optical sensors struggle through thick glass, so fit a thin protector if the customer wants one, then re-enrol.
  • The sensor isn't detected at all. Check the display type. Some aftermarket panels don't support the under-display sensor, which is why we stock Service Pack and original screens for these models.

Pixel 9 and Pixel 10: what to check instead

On the ultrasonic models, the sensor sits with the display assembly. Our Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 screens come with the frame and fingerprint sensor already fitted. If fingerprint unlock doesn't work after the swap, reseat the connectors, clean the screen, and delete and re-enrol the fingerprints before assuming a faulty part.

Tell the customer up front

Stored fingerprints need to be re-enrolled after a Pixel screen replacement. Mentioning it at the counter saves a confused phone call later.

Pixel screens in stock

Browse all Google Pixel parts, including batteries, back glass and charging ports.

Stocked in Brisbane

Order before 5pm on a weekday for same-day pickup at our Coopers Plains trade counter — about 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and easy to reach from Sunnybank, Logan, Ipswich and the Gold Coast.

Not sure which screen suits a job? Call 04 7888 7212 or email smartstation.au@gmail.com.

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