yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ShayMagen1:
Guys, I too had the issue when my phone unlocks with the finger print perfectly but 3rd party apps are a hit or miss (Chase, Amex, Paypal, 1 Pass)

What I did was dip a cotton swab in alcohol and scrub the fingerprint reader pretty hard (dont go crazy) then I used a spray and cloth that comes with all those film screen protectors (Mine is https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073RV6PQD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and again scrubbed it with force... for dessert I scrubbed just with my nail.

The fingerprint felt much smoother so I decided to remove all fingerprint and re-add them after a reboot. I also cleared the cache and data in the google play store and all the apps (Chase, Amex, Paypal, 1 Pass)

and im proud to say that for the past 3 days I have 100% success with all apps. Also I have the same finger registered 5 times...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Phil_Ken_Sebben:
So ShayMagen, just to clarify, you basically rubbed off most of the textured finish that was on the scanner? Or does it still have that matte appearance?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ShayMagen1:
Still have the matte appearance but the texture feels smoother. If you look closely you can see some ruggedness in the reader if that make sense..

It still Black matte color just feels less bumpy on the finger..

I never saw any debris on my finger or cloth.. feels like they over coated the reader and it didnt dry so well...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Agyr:
When I pull it out at work, the fingerprint sensor doesn't respond until I unlock the phone. Then again, I have the back of the phone towards my thigh, so the sweat/moist probably gives it a little trouble. Having a case didn't make a difference either (as the fingerprint sensor is exposed anyway).

Other than that, no real problems.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] :
This is very useful info. Would you share any insight on the color and model of your device? Thanks!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] erojas388:
Its a 128gb black 2 xl manufactured Oct 26. The last was manufactured Oct 19.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Gilley:
Mine started acting up in the past couple days. Really is annoying. Been in an email chat with google trying to get something figured out. Just the typical redo fingerprint, clean sensor, clear cache and then do a hard reset. None have seemed to work because I have a hard time even trying to set my fingerprint again. Takes multiple touches to register it once
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ShayMagen1:
Mine was great for the 1st few days and then start acting up so I think its a mix of software and hardware..
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Phil_Ken_Sebben:
So for those people who have returned their devices due to this issue and received a replacement from Google, did it solve your issue? I am trying to decide whether or not I want to chance getting another Pixel 2 XL or move on to another device entirely. I really have no desire to beta test for Google / LG until they get their hardware/software issues sorted out. I am beginning to think that maybe it is software related considering my device unlocked perfectly well with only the occasional "not recognized" notification. USAA banking app worked 99%; but AT&T and my credit union were 0%.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] macfable:
chatted in, would not allow RMA option, said i have to wait for software update but no ETA on when that will be pushed out. Google has always taken care of me but this pisses me off.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Pecata:
I also was advised by Google that they are aware of the issue and their engineers are looking into it and a software update should address this problem.

Fingers crossed it comes with the December security update.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] steviemch:
Had the phone for 5 days and the fingerprint scanner has just started this crap today. The phone unlocks using the scanner without a problem but my banking app and PayPal will not open at all, keep getting the red "couldn't process fingerprint" error. I'm probably going to factory reset but this is a deal breaker. Just came from a 6p which never had this problem once. Just black, 64gb, October 16th manufacture date, shipped from factory October 20th. Product model: GO11C. November update.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] joe8617:
Yes, this is the error I get as well. Thanks.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Gilley:
I just said i'm not resetting my phone every week to get it to work for a couple days and the guy RMA'd it for me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] thasaleni:
My pixel 2 fingerprint scanner stopped working, first it said "no fingerprint hardware" or something of the sort, now it just says nothing and the fingerprint settings are gone from the menu. Rebooting, Safe Mode and Resetting didn't help either
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Voicebox:
I think there's definitely a software issue. Maybe on top of a hardware issue for some. After a factory reset, I got a good day, and then the next morning had issues. Then it has alternated working great to having problems. One thing I noticed is mine will sometimes single vibrate like the fingerprint was recognized, but then show an error. So that seems like it did recognize, but some coding is messed up and it tells the app not recognized. If does also do the double vibrate, but those single ones seem to be a coding issue.

Cleaning the sensor seems to help mine a bit. But that could be psychological, as in I might pay more attention to putting my finger on the sensor after I've cleaned it off.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] therealisttruest:
Thought I'd chime in since I was having this issue too. In fact, of all the issues others have had this is the only one I've had and I was about to sadly give up and RMA it. Really loving this device overall.

I too am thinking this is mostly a software problem. It seems like it just reads too quickly, BUT, when doing so also reads incompletely or too inaccurately for apps with higher security, like banking. Logging in works the vast majority of the time but banking apps failed for me the vast majority of the time.

With an RMA in mind, I decided to get off of 8.1 and back to 8.0 with the Nov. security update. Figured support would have had me do that anyway. That seemed a little better but not resolved at all. So I also added 5 fingerprints of the same finger but instead of doing different areas of my whole finger to try to get a whole print for each imprint, I concentrated on one small area for each imprint. Since then, I've now tried dozens of times with only a couple failures due to normal stuff. So far seems resolved.

By the way, had also tried cleaning sensor, somewhat gently scraping it, multiple imprints (using whole print though), etc. and had not come close to this working for more than a few minutes. So I'm pretty sure it was either related to 8.1 or more likely resolved by creating the imprints differently. Anyways, hope that helps others.

Edit: forgot to mention that I also relocked the bootloader. That was one of the first things I had done and I know it's somehow linked to security, so maybe that has something to do with it?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tiikki:
Fingerprint Scanner, et al.

In addition to my fingerprint scanner not functioning anymore, the squeeze function also is not working. Just wanted to add my 2¢.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] fanello123:
Have you tried to register just one finger? If I register more than one finger, the sensor becomes really crappy. BUt with only one registered finger it works pretty okay.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tiikki:
Have already arranged a swap of phones with Google, so we'll see how the new one fairs.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] KeytarWarrior:
Just to join in on the mounting evidence - my scanner also doesn't work. Reset device, as per support recommendations. It worked alright for a couple of hours. I've also had one entire work day of it being perfect. Other than that, it seems that if it gets it wrong once, then the next attempts will always fail. I get any and all messages, from the dirty sensor, though not recognized to even not registering anything at all. I've tried cleaning, smoothing etc. Nothing helps. Just got locked out of my PayPal because of this...

I have no idea if it is a software issue, why it would affect a small number of devices. People at my company have a bunch of Pixel 2's (not XL) and they are all working fine. I have never had this with any other phone with a fingerprint scanner. My HTC 10 (previous phone) would never EVER fault unless it was legitimately covered in something or wet. I don't know what the deal is with the grippy texture on it or the QC from LG...

This is seriously ruining an amazing phone for me.

PS: For the guy whose squeeze doesn't work - apps that tinker with the home key break it. I have it so the notification bar and the home keys hide (makes display & apps look SO much better when they cover entire screen) and if the home key is hidden, squeeze doesn't work. I have to swipe up to bring them back and then squeeze. It works if the phone is locked, however, which is how I use it 90% of the time. It's actually been my most used feature, along with the ambient song detection.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] zakarados:
Just got my phone yesterday and today a few times, it wouldn't accept my fingerprint... I have setup the same finger a few times or setup one finger once, same issue happens. Not sure if I should take it back to the store, they would test it on the spot and it will work no issues.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] fanello123:
Does anybody know, where I can reset the fingerprint cache for the apps? It feels like, the Apps want an old, already deleteted fingerprint.

Is anybody using his phone without a case? I'm using the fabric case and everytime I remove it, I see a lot of dust on the back, where it is open. When I then rub the fingerprint scanner with my t-shirt or something else, the fingerprint scanner works great for a few hours. Then again it becomes worse and worse until I clean it again.

Has a new phone helped anybody? I can exchange mine, but I'm not sure if it will really help.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] tiikki:
Squeeze Failure

As per having any apps that interfere the Home key--haven't any at all. Strange thing is, the Squeeze began working again for no reason. And since I am expecting a new replacement phone tomorrow, it no longer matters. I just feel more secure swapping-it-out in case the problem would have recurred.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Voicebox:
Wow, thanks. That made a huge difference in my case. I'll have to wait a few days to see if my phone doesn't change its mind. But it was working last night and this morning. Even the Starbucks app unlocked, which was the one app that never worked out the 10 or whatever apps with fingerprint locks.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ShootME1:
I just spent over 1.5 hours with tech support. I got the problem solved though!

My fingerprint scanner was working fine for unlocking my phone but PayPal, Venmo, Credit Karma, and Robinhood all were giving me issues with fingerprint authentication. Of course, the first tech support rep had me do all the basics then tried to tell me to contact the app developers. I pushed back on that and had to get escalated through a few other reps due to being transferred to the wrong departments and such. I ended up with a guy that was super quick, responsive, and best of all helpful.

What didn't work: clearing app cache and data, adding or removing fingerprints, restarting the phone, cleaning the sensor

What DID work: Boot the phone in safe mode. To do this, hold the power button, then long press on the power off option to bring up the "reboot into safe mode" option. Once rebooted in safe mode, confirm it says safe mode on the screen. Go to Settings -> Security & location -> Pixel Imprint under Device security. Remove all of the fingerprints on the device. Add a new one. I added my two pointer fingers. Reboot the phone. Hold the power button, click restart. Try the apps. At first, Venmo didn't seem to work. I tried Credit Karma and it didn't work at first but worked on the second try. I tried the rest of the apps and by the second try they were all working. I went in and tested each one, finding success on the first try for each.

After typing this I tried once more and Venmo seems to be a bit picky... but the rest of the apps work without much trouble. Hopefully this will help you guys out. Don't spend hours on chat support.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Voicebox:
I think that's a "sometimes works" fix, because someone on the Google forums mentioned this, so I tried it. Kinda worked, depending on the app. But still had some issues with multiple attempts. Locking bootloader is what seems to have stuck in my case. However, maybe if someone's bootloader is already locked, then this is the final step to fix.

Prior to redoing fingerprints in safe mode, I also did factory reset, and the others you mentioned previously.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] :
Had serious problem with black 2xl and black pixel 2. Both shipped before Oct 19.

Just received a new clearly white pixel 2 today. The fingerprint scanner on the white one is smooth as normal ceramic should be, whereas on black 2 and 2 XL the coating makes the scanner has the same grippy feeling as the back.

I'm not sure of that's why, but I've been with the new clearly white pixel 2 for 6 hours. During the same period the black 2xl keep being picky on Chase and Amex. However not even once any app or unlocking got rejected on the white one. I'll update if anything happens in the next few days.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Voicebox:
Someone brought that up as a possibility. Seems to me that smoother is better when dealing with fingerprints, though it isn't an optical reader, but doing some kind of electrical measurement through the surface. Then it figures out where the ridges or valleys are from that. The roughness probably isn't theoretically big enough to make it read differently by having it be on slightly different parts of the surface.

However, someone did mention that buffing the heck out of it with some kind of wipe helped his. Another guy took very fine grit sandpaper to it and said it fixed his. I used a relatively rough paper napkin on it, after turning it off. But it is pretty tough to only get the disk and not the surrounding plastic ring, so I didn't really make a noticeable change in case I had to RMA it. If the coating is a problem, this is actually one thing that might get better with use as the surface is worn down.

Mine is finally playing nice after locking the bootloader. I did try everything everyone else mentioned (other than sandpaper) so can't say what "fixed" it. As an explanation, maybe if I had the bootloader already locked, one of the steps along the way would have showed an immediate improvement.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Phil_Ken_Sebben:
This is really interesting. I had a black 2 XL 128 GB that had the matte coating on the back that failed continuously. Does anyone know if the white/black model has a smooth sensor or the textured kind? If smooth, I may reorder and take my chances. I have two friends that have the smaller Pixel, one with a white phone and the other with the blue model and they don't have any issues whatever with their fingerprint sensors.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] KeytarWarrior:
I have 3 people in my company with black Pixel 2's and they have no problems whatsoever. They've had the phones for over a month too.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Phil_Ken_Sebben:
I assume the regular and not the XLs right?

**EDIT - sorry, read your initial post about co-workers having non-XL versions. **
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] fanello123:
This is crazy. How can it be, that unlocking the phone is working fine, but the apps do not accept the fingerprint... This sounds like it has to be a software issue, but then how can it be that some phones work and some don't....
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] KeytarWarrior:
Any updates from people who got a replacement device?

The problem seems to come and go on my device. Cleaning and not using a case makes it *slightly* better but it's still the same - when it doesn't work, it doesn't work at all. When it does work, it works great.

I've also got pretty bad blue tint so I thought I might as well RMA.

Edit: For what it's worth for me when it works - it works with all apps too (I use PayPal & LastPass a lot). When it doesn't - I can't unlock device at all.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] :
People tend to relate the recent changes they made when FPS failure happens/disappears. For example:

When I order a new pixel in November and meet zero problem, I tend to assume the problem is on earlier product batch.

When I order a non-xl version and meet zero problem, I tend to believe the problem is only on xl version.

When I order a white non-xl version and meet zero problem, I tend to believe the problem is only on black xl version.

It is extremely hard to locate the true cause of an issue with occurrence rate less than 10%. There is no way for people to know whether their new device would have same problem if under the same condition as their previous device, since so few people get chance to own more than one models at the same time, and even they do, it is even rarer that they set up both devices under the exactly same condition.

But I will try my best to keep provide insight to this problem:

The most severe FPS problem I met was with the black 64gb pixel 2 xl, to which I copied my black 64gb pixel 2 (non-xl) data during activation. I recently reset the xl, set up the phone as new rather than copy any data from previous phones. Boom. It has been 24 hrs and the FPS has not even rejected me once.

I will be interested if anyone has similar experience after factory reset + set up pixel 2 xl as new. Hope we could tackle this annoying issue ASAP.

edit:

And to better define the issue, I would like to provide my another feeling about this: your FPS either works or not, there is no middle field in between. When my pixel 2xl's FPS behaved abnormally, it was very picky even when I WAS able to unlock the phone or login the apps. It was like, almost half of the time I got rejected, and then I was able to get success on second or third attempt. However, now my pixel 2xl's FPS DOES work, it works just like my new clearly white pixel 2: it works at an almost 99.99% success rate, wet hand, dry hand, after shower, after getting up, whatsoever.

update:

How stupid am I. Problem reappeared one day after resetting the phone. This time I even had a $503.1 OnePlus 5T (after student discount) by my side. Man. You can't image the frustration if, with the same finger, you get 100% success on one side and get 50% hit or miss on the other. This Pixel 2 XL has to go back to its f**k*** LG factory (I'll keep the clear white one as travel camera tho; that one is dope). And don't let me start with the best face unlock (it could do w/ or w/o glasses - whereas my iPhone X can't; although it's not supporting 3rd party login), EXTREMELY FAST dash charging (it went from 50% to 76%... just during me editing this post), top quality case and OFFICIAL SCREEN PROTECTOR...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] therealisttruest:
Well here's my update. Recently thought my issue was resolved but then tried going to safe mode to delete/add again when issue reappeared. Things stayed messed up after that too though. Logging in fine, finance apps mostly bad. Also, my hands sweat a lot sometimes and when that happens the scanner is near useless (should note that my work phone, an S7 works fine under similar conditions).

Newest development is that I flashed new DP2 image today and this thing appears to be flawless at this point. Everything right now is working Exactly as it should for me and even better than when I thought it was resolved previously. It's now on par with the S7. Will it stay functional? No idea, but since this appears software related, I am hopeful at least.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] 7Bit:
I updated to 8.1 DP2 this morning and fingerprint recognition worked perfectly, even in all apps the first time. But unfortunately this only worked for a short time. Now, after ~14h, the recognition rate is as bad as before DP2. So it's NOT fixed for me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] EeZeEpEe:
When it doesn't work 2 or 3 times in a row, have you waited a whole 2 seconds or more and then retry? It's worked for me every time. I very rarely have any fingerprint issues but when I do, waiting seems to give it time to somewhat fix itself.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] kgroves:
Is anyone using Nova Launcher? That seemed to be my problem w. fingerprint scanner

Since it really DID feel like a software problem (with the fingerprint scanner not working consistently), and, when I realized that I never had my Pixel XL2 report whatever music was being played, I stopped using my Nova Launcher.... guess what? Both the fingerprint reader and music report on my lock screen are now apparently working... I believe I am using the Google launcher, for what that might be worth...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] therealisttruest:
This is still working well for me at this point, with one real exception. Sometimes the sensor gets dirty, not to the point where it warns me to clean it, but only to the point where it complains "couldn't process". I've found 2 things have helped get it back to acceptable functionality.

1. I smudge my finger on the reader for a second or two, almost like wiping it off. It might errantly read my print when I'm doing it and vibrate a time or two but usually does not. Afterwards it reads fine again.

2. Sometimes it errs out and as others have suggested, waiting a couple seconds let's it resume normal reading. I'm finding that if it fails and I try again and again that it won't work unless I do number 1 above or just wait a few seconds after the first failure.

If it continues like this for me I'm good with it. But certainly having to reset the phone every day isn't acceptable. Sounds like you're close to the point I was, which might require an RMA. I just don't want to if I can avoid it since this phone is near perfect for me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] plokm:
I use Nova ....no problem at all
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] 7Bit:
Hmm ok, thanks for the information. My recognition rate is far away from acceptable or normal. Before the 2XL, i had a Nexus 6P and the fingerprint recognition rate was always 98-100%, all worked without any problem. If I am buying a phone which costs ~1000€, I want that my fingerprint scanner works nearly perfect.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] fanello123:
Are there any news from people who changed their phones?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ShayMagen1:
I returned 2 replacement since both had crazy blue shift. waiting for the 3rd tomorrow.

I was always able to unlock the phone 99.9% but Financial apps were at 50% (Dropbox worked 99.9%)

I did install DP2 and using google launcher instead of Nova.

I also took some cotton swab with alcohol and scrubbed the sensor.

I went into safe mode after getting DP2 and added the fingerprints there

and im glad to say that in the past 2 days no issues at all.

I do believe that my issue was software.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Gilley:
I've had my replacement since Monday at noon and I haven't had a problem yet and I open and unlock my phone a lot throughout the day. Not saying it isn't coming though cause my last one worked good for a couple days as well.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] EeZeEpEe:
You use any apps that have fingerprint log in?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Gilley:
Yea my banking ones but I haven't tested them out a lot. I'll be riding to a job today so I can test them out