Some Pixel 6 users are unable to get the fingerprint calibration tool to work following screen repair

The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have had a rough launch from Android 12 software bugs to firmware updates with signal drop issues, to delayed firmware updates to address the issues caused by updates. Plus, users have complained about the optical in-display fingerprint scanner’s poor performance, even after firmware updates were supposed to fix them.

The latest pain point for Pixel 6 users involves users who have had to have their screens replaced. Many users on Reddit and Google Support threads are unable to use their Pixel 6 (and 6 Pro)’s fingerprint sensor following a display replacement. Even those repaired by one of Google’s officially endorsed service shops: UBreakIFix. Even the technicians who are supposed to be able to repair Google Pixels can’t get the tool to work every time.

Google Pixel 6 Pro

The problem arises when attempting the use Google’s provided fingerprint calibration tool. For an unknown percentage of users in this situation, it fails to install the new fingerprint scanner to the device. Users see a message that reads: “Couldn’t find the unique calibration software for this device”.

Considering that this is a tool Google released for owners and repair shops to re-calibrate the new component to a repaired device, it’s unfortunately not working for all users. Right to repair activist and repair shop owner Louis Rossmann posted a video, citing users on Reddit, XDA, Google’s Support forum, and iFixit all experiencing the same issue.

Rossmann encourages DIYers and Right to Repair supports to always be skeptical when a company makes announcements about making their devices easier to repair as they could be putting up a front to downplay Right to Repair legislation. Rossman says the company’s response is more important than the issue, as it could have been unintentionally done by the company. Still, users have shown to be experiencing this problem for months now. We hope Google addresses the fingerprint calibration tool and makes it less painful to own a Pixel 6 device.

If you recall back in October, it was discovered that users who had a fingerprint sensor replaced would need to have them re-calibrated to the unique phone. Since the display and in-display scanner are part of the same assembly, you can’t replace the display without replacing the scanner. The calibration tool is an extra step that might not be needed, but Google messed up the step and needs to issue an update to it.

Via