Samsung
Set Up Fingerprint Unlock auf Samsung
Samsung phones separate two things: registering a fingerprint and actually using it to unlock the device. A fingerprint can be stored under biometrics while the lock screen still only accepts a pattern, PIN, or password. That gap is what causes the sensor to feel unused.
To fix it, open Settings ➔ Lock screen ➔ Screen lock type, then confirm your current pattern, PIN, or password. This step exists because changing how the device unlocks always requires proof of the existing credential first.
Next, turn on Fingerprints and tap Continue, then follow the on-screen instructions to scan a finger from different angles. Once the scan completes, the fingerprint sensor unlocks the phone directly, and the pattern or PIN stays active as a backup method.
A pattern-only setup still makes sense on shared devices or when the sensor struggles with wet or gloved fingers. In those cases, skipping fingerprint unlock avoids repeated failed scans and unnecessary fallbacks to the PIN screen.