Google Pixel 6a Isn't Even Out Yet But Already Has Fingerprint Issues

The Google Pixel 6a won’t officially be available until July 28 but some users have already reportedly received their devices and some are also reporting significant issues with its fingerprint sensor. And it could have big implications for device security, depending on how and when Google responds.

What issues is the Google Pixel 6a already having with its fingerprint sensor?

Now, reports of the problems stem primarily from Reddit and YouTube. So they should be taken with a grain of salt, for now. But the problem itself doesn’t appear to be a small one. In fact, it represents a potentially monumental problem for end users of the new Pixel handsets.

That’s not only for those who prefer fingerprints to keep others out of their phones, in general. More importantly, this could severely impact those who choose to use biometrics to lock down apps. For example, for locking down their banking, photo storage, and messaging apps.

That’s because, according to the users in question, the fingerprint scanner simply doesn’t work. Once set up, in cases where issues are present, the Google Pixel 6a unlocks for any fingerprint placed on the sensor. That’s regardless of whether or not the fingerprint has been registered as part of the authentication setup. Meaning that any fingerprint can allegedly unlock those devices.

Google should fix this one quickly

In terms of resolution for the problem, Google has not officially responded to the reports as of this writing. It also isn’t immediately clear whether the problem is with the hardware or the code underpinning the security method. Depending on the underlying cause, though, this is one problem it could probably fix quickly.

If the problem is with the hardware, the company will need an investigation to determine where the fault is. And users will likely need to send their gadgets back in for a replacement. As has been the case with some previous problems on Pixel devices.

Conversely, a software problem should be more straightforward. Since a fix could simply be pushed out via an OTA update, the company could end up fixing the issue before the phone is officially available. Or, on the other hand, just after. For instance, it could issue a fix as quickly as with the first monthly security patch. Which itself should arrive in early August.