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Android: Delete a Saved Fingerprint

If an old fingerprint still unlocks your phone, even though the person no longer needs access, that print is sitting unused in Fingerprint Unlock. The same applies to a scan that never worked reliably and just clutters the list. Removing it requires your screen lock method, not the fingerprint itself.

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Step 1 of 7: Tap on **Settings**

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Android 14 · Android 14
Delete a Fingerprint from Android – Android 14: step 1 – Tap on Settings
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Android

Delete a Fingerprint from Android auf Android

Every saved fingerprint on Android sits in a list under Fingerprint Unlock, independent from the actual unlock password. That separation exists for security: to add or remove a print, you always need to confirm with your PIN, pattern or password first, never with a fingerprint scan alone.

This matters if you shared your phone with someone temporarily, sold a device to a family member, or added a fingerprint that never scans reliably. Leaving unused prints active means anyone whose finger is still stored can unlock the device or approve payments.

To remove one, open SettingsSecurity & privacyDevice unlockFingerprint Unlock. Confirm with your screen lock when asked. Tap the fingerprint entry you want to remove, then tap Delete and confirm with Delete again.

If you want to remove every stored fingerprint at once, repeat the process for each entry, since Android does not offer a single bulk-delete option in this menu.

Deleting a fingerprint does not affect your PIN, pattern or password. Apps that used fingerprint approval will simply fall back to those methods afterward.

Frequently asked questions

You cannot remove a fingerprint without confirming your screen lock first. If you forgot your PIN, pattern or password, you need to recover or reset the device lock before Fingerprint Unlock lets you edit anything.