If you have trouble with your fingerprint sensor or screen lock, try the below steps.
Troubleshoot screen lock issues on a Pixel Tablet
I forgot my PIN, pattern, or password
If you forget your Pixel Tablet’s PIN, pattern, or password, you can use your tablet's buttons to perform a factory reset.This will let you set up your tablet again and set a new screen lock. Learn how to factory reset your Pixel Tablet with its buttons.
Important: If you already performed a factory reset and still can’t get into your tablet, you might need to remove your Pixel Tablet from your Google Account before factory resetting your Pixel Tablet:
- Open your Google Account. You might need to sign in.
- Under “My devices,” click Manage all devices.
- Select your Pixel Tablet
Sign out.
- Factory reset your Pixel Tablet using its buttons.
If you can't sign into your Google Account when you set up your tablet, learn how to recover your account.
I lost my Pixel Tablet and want to lock it remotely
If you lost your Pixel Tablet, you can lock or erase it remotely. Learn how to find, secure, or erase a lost Pixel Tablet.
Tip: You can also lock or erase your Pixel Tablet from your Google Account.
My Pixel Tablet keeps asking for my PIN, pattern, or password
When using your Pixel Tablet in Hub Mode, you might need to unlock your device for certain voice commands. Learn more about using Google Assistant in Hub Mode.
In some cases, you might need to use a backup PIN, pattern, or password instead of a fingerprint. A few examples of when this is required:
- Your fingerprint isn't recognized after a few tries.
- You restart (reboot) your tablet.
- You switch to a different user.
- Your tablet has been idle for a while since you last unlocked it with your fingerprint.
Troubleshoot fingerprint sensor issues on a Pixel Tablet
I can’t set up a new fingerprint
If you can't add a new fingerprint, clean the power button gently with an alcohol wipe or a soft, dry lint-free cloth, then try again.
If that doesn't work, make sure your tablet's software is updated and try again with a different finger. Learn how to check and update your Android version.
My Pixel Tablet’s power button is unresponsive
If your power button is unresponsive, check “Touch to unlock anytime” settings:
- Open your device’s Settings app
.
- Tap Security & Privacy
- Turn Touch to unlock anytime on or off.
- When “Touch to unlock anytime” is off, you can unlock your tablet if you press the power button with an enrolled fingerprint when the screen is off, or touch the power button with an enrolled fingerprint when the screen is on. This setting prevents unintentional touches.
- When “Touch to unlock anytime” is on, touch the power button with an enrolled fingerprint anytime to unlock your tablet. This setting can help you unlock your tablet more easily.
Tip: If your power button is unresponsive, make sure your Android version is up to date. Learn how to check & update your Android version.
My Pixel Tablet unlocks when the fingerprint sensor is touched
To stop your tablet from unlocking when touched:
- Open your device's Settings app
- Tap Security & privacy
My Pixel Tablet’s fingerprint sensor is not recognizing my fingerprint
- Make sure your power button is clean. You can clean the power button gently with an alcohol wipe or a soft, dry lint-free cloth
- If you use a protective case on your Pixel Tablet, re-enroll your fingerprint. Make sure you capture the pad, edges, and tips of your fingerprint. Learn how to set up a fingerprint.
- Check that you scanned the same finger you used when you enrolled in Fingerprint Unlock. You can add up to 5 fingerprints. Learn how to set up a fingerprint.
My fingerprint isn’t accepted
If your fingerprint isn't accepted:
-
Use your backup PIN, pattern, or password.
-
If you can't remember your backup, you’ll need to factory reset your Pixel Tablet using its buttons. Learn how to factory reset your Pixel Tablet with its buttons.
After you get back into your tablet, you can make your fingerprint more likely to be accepted:
-
Edit your fingerprints. Learn how to edit your fingerprints.
-
When setting up a fingerprint, hold your tablet and finger in the same position you'll usually unlock it
-
Add up to 5 fingerprints, in case a finger gets injured. (You can add up to 5 fingerprints on Pixel Tablet.)