4 Ways to Fix Face Recognition Not Working on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Quick Tips

• If you frequently wear sunglasses, hats, etc., consider adding an alternative appearance to enhance facial recognition.
• You can remove and re-add your face data if there have been major changes in your appearance.
• Enable Brighten screen if you would like Samsung to brighten the screen when using facial recognition.

Basic Fixes:

• Ensure facial recognition data is added properly: When capturing your face data, ensure you’re in a well-lit room. Additionally, add your face data from all the suggested angles.
• Try running the Diagnostic Tool: Use the Settings app to run the Diagnostic Tool on your Samsung Galaxy device. Select Facial Recognition from the options and let it run. This will help detect and resolve any device-related issues.
• Check for software updates: Software bugs can cause certain device functions, like facial recognition, not to work properly. In this case, check and install the latest software updates on your Samsung Galaxy device.

Fix 1: Remove and Re-Add Facial Recognition Data

If your face data wasn’t properly registered the first time, it might cause issues when using it. In this case, remove the current face data and add it again from scratch. Here’s how to do it on your Samsung Galaxy phone.

Step 1: Open the Settings app > tap on Security and privacy. Scroll down and tap on Biometrics.

Step 2: Here, tap on Face recognition. Enter your phone’s PIN or password for authentication.

Step 3: Then, tap on Remove face data. When prompted, tap on Remove.

Once you see the Register Face option, tap on it, and follow the on-screen instructions to register your face data again.

Fix 2: Try Adding an Alternative Appearance

If you regularly wear glasses or occasionally keep a light beard, you can add an alternative appearance to improve the face recognition success ratio. This will ensure your Samsung device recognizes you despite the occasional change in appearance. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on Security and privacy > Biometrics.

Step 2: Then, tap on Face recognition > enter your phone’s PIN or password for authentication.

Step 3: Here, tap on Add alternative appearance to enhance recognition and follow the on-screen instructions to register the alternative appearance data.

Fix 3: Enable Brighten screen

Face recognition might not work well in low-light environments. To overcome this, you can make your Samsung phone’s screen brighter when using face recognition in a dark environment. Here’s how to enable it on your Samsung Galaxy device.

Step 1: Open Settings and access Biometrics settings using the abovementioned steps.

Step 2: Then, tap on Face recognition and enter your phone’s PIN or password. Once done, scroll down and turn on the toggle for Brighten screen.

Fix 4: Disable Lock Screen Swipe and Require Open Eyes

Usually, facial recognition unlocks the lock screen but requires one more swipe to jump to the home screen. Additionally, you must always have your eyes open. So, if you want to open the home screen and aren’t too fussy about your eye’s appearance, disable these settings. Here’s how.

Note: While disabling Require open eyes settings ensures higher chances of success when using facial recognition, it might leave your device vulnerable.

Step 1: Open Settings and access Biometrics settings via Security and privacy settings.

Step 2: Here, tap on Face recognition and enter your phone’s PIN or password.

Step 3: Then, turn off the toggles for Stay on the Lock screen until swipe and Require open eyes.

This should automatically unlock your phone once it opens. If you still face issues using facial recognition, consider resetting all device settings. Then, set up facial recognition data from scratch.