Google Pixel 6a’s fingerprint scanner has a security bug

Google Pixel 6a was recently launched in India at Rs. 43,999 and is expected to go on sale on July 28. Before its first sale, it seems that the Google Pixel 6a is having problems with its fingerprint reader. Apparently, the Google Pixel 6a allows unregistered fingerprints to unlock the device. At this point, it is unclear whether this is a software bug or a hardware failure.

The Google Pixel 6a’s in-display fingerprint scanner apparently has a security flaw that even authenticates unregistered fingerprints to unlock the smartphone. This issue was spotted by Beebom and later confirmed by YouTuber Tech Geeky Ranjit and 91Mobiles. We also found the same issue on our Google Pixel 6a review unit. Our device could be unlocked with my left thumb even though it had never been registered on the Pixel 6a. However, it did not unlock when a third party attempted to unlock the phone using their fingerprint. Gadgets 360 has contacted Google about this issue and we are awaiting a response.

After re-enrolling my fingerprint, the device worked as expected, only allowing registered fingerprints to unlock the smartphone. It didn’t allow my left thumb to unlock the smartphone, but sometimes it showed “Partial Fingerprint Detected” at the bottom of the screen. It is not known whether this issue is caused by fingerprint scanner software or hardware. It should be noted that the Pixel 6a did not receive any software updates after launch and our device is still running the Android security patch dated April 2022.

The Pixel 6a is the latest smartphone from Google in India and is powered by the Google Tensor chip. It sports a dual-camera setup on the back and packs in a 4,410mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. The Pixel 6a is guaranteed for three years of Android security updates and five years of Android security updates.