OnePlus 6 Display Fingerprint Sensor: How It Works

The OnePlus 6 does not have a display fingerprint sensor. It uses a rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner, located on the back panel below the dual camera. If you were hoping for an in-display reader, that feature only arrived with the OnePlus 6T, released later that year.

Why the OnePlus 6 Lacks an In-Display Sensor

When the OnePlus 6 launched in May 2018, in-display fingerprint technology was still very new. A few phones had experimented with it, but the technology was slow and unreliable compared to traditional capacitive sensors. OnePlus chose to stick with the proven rear sensor for faster unlocking and lower cost. The company explicitly stated that the optical in-display sensor available at the time was not fast or accurate enough to meet their standards.

Instead, the OnePlus 6 kept the same rear fingerprint placement as the OnePlus 5T. The sensor is a small oval shape, positioned just below the camera module. It is easy to reach with your index finger, and it wakes the phone almost instantly. The OnePlus 6T, released just six months later, was the first OnePlus device to feature an in-display fingerprint sensor, marking a major shift in design.

How the OnePlus 6 Fingerprint Sensor Works

The OnePlus 6 uses a capacitive fingerprint sensor, which works by detecting the ridges and valleys of your fingerprint through tiny electrical charges. When you place your finger on the sensor, it creates an image of your fingerprint and compares it to the stored data. This type of sensor is fast, reliable, and works even when your hands are slightly wet or dirty.

In contrast, an in-display optical sensor (like the one on the OnePlus 6T) uses light to illuminate your finger and captures a 2D image. That technology was slower and could be fooled by a high-quality photo. The capacitive sensor on the OnePlus 6 is generally considered more secure and more consistent, which is why many users still prefer it today.

How to Set Up and Use the Fingerprint Sensor

Setting up the fingerprint sensor on the OnePlus 6 is straightforward:

1. Open Settings and tap Security & lock screen.
2. Tap Fingerprint and enter your PIN or password if prompted.
3. Place your finger on the rear sensor and lift it off when you feel a vibration.
4. Repeat this process, adjusting your finger slightly each time, until the phone has captured enough of your fingerprint.
5. You can add up to five fingerprints in total.

To unlock, simply place your registered finger on the sensor. You do not need to press hard; a light touch is enough. You can also use the fingerprint sensor to access locked apps or authorize payments, depending on your settings.

Common Problems and Solutions

Some users experience issues with the rear fingerprint sensor. The most common problems and fixes are:

• Sensor not recognizing your finger: Make sure your finger and the sensor are clean and dry. Remove any screen protector or case that might be covering the sensor.
• Slow or unresponsive sensor: Try deleting and re-adding your fingerprint. Also, check if you have enabled the “Screen-off gestures” that might interfere.
• Sensor stops working after an update: Restart your phone, and if that doesn’t help, go to Settings > System > Reset options and choose “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth” (this does not erase your data).
• Sensor works but doesn’t unlock the phone: Ensure that “Fingerprint unlock” is enabled in Settings > Security & lock screen, and that you have not accidentally disabled it.

If none of these work, a factory reset may be necessary, but back up your data first.

OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 6T: Fingerprint Sensor Comparison

The OnePlus 6T was the first OnePlus phone to feature an in-display fingerprint sensor. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Location: OnePlus 6 has a rear sensor; OnePlus 6T has an in-display sensor on the front.
• Speed: The rear sensor on the OnePlus 6 is generally faster and more accurate than the optical sensor on the 6T.
• Design: The 6T has a smaller bottom bezel because the fingerprint sensor is no longer on the back, but the phone is slightly thicker.
• Unlock experience: With the 6T, you can unlock by placing your finger on the screen, which feels more modern, but the sensor can be finicky with screen protectors.

If you already own a OnePlus 6, the rear sensor is not a disadvantage—it’s actually quite reliable. If you’re buying a used phone and care about having the latest tech, the 6T offers the in-display experience, but you might sacrifice some speed.

Is It Worth Buying a OnePlus 6 Today?

The OnePlus 6 is an older phone, but it still works well for basic tasks. Its rear fingerprint sensor is fast and dependable, and the phone can run many modern apps. However, it no longer receives major Android updates, and its battery life may have degraded over time. If you find a OnePlus 6 at a very low price, it can be a good budget option, but be aware of the lack of software support and potential hardware wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OnePlus 6 have a fingerprint sensor on the screen?

No, the OnePlus 6 does not have an in-display fingerprint sensor. It uses a rear-mounted capacitive sensor. The OnePlus 6T was the first OnePlus phone to feature an in-display sensor.

Can I add an in-display fingerprint sensor to my OnePlus 6?

No, it is not possible to add an in-display fingerprint sensor to the OnePlus 6. The hardware is not present, and there is no way to retrofit it. You would need to buy a different phone, like the OnePlus 6T or newer models.

Why is my OnePlus 6 fingerprint sensor not working?

Common reasons include a dirty sensor, a damaged fingerprint scanner, or a software glitch. Try cleaning the sensor, re-adding your fingerprint, and restarting your phone. If the problem persists, it may be a hardware issue that requires repair.

How many fingerprints can I store on the OnePlus 6?

You can store up to five fingerprints on the OnePlus 6. This allows you to register multiple fingers or even add fingerprints from other people if you wish.

Is the rear fingerprint sensor on the OnePlus 6 secure?

Yes, capacitive fingerprint sensors are considered secure because they require a physical finger to unlock. They are less likely to be fooled by a photo compared to some optical in-display sensors.

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