Having Problems With FIngerprint Unlock? One Approach...

Question

Finger print unlock never worked well for first 8 days with S5. I would have to scan finger multiple times. And 1/3 the time, it just would not recognize my fingerprint, so I would have to enter the alternate password. But I really wanted it to work.
Solution... I started over and  created a new fingerprint, figuring I had created a bad unlock scan. This time, I did each of the 8 or so sample scans carefully and as much the same as possible. It made all the difference. Now, I can unlock it with the stroke of a finger every time.
Just go to Settings >Fingerprint> Fingerprint Manager and replace your finger print "key" with a better one. Its worth the effort to make a few attempts at this, because once you get a good one, the fingerprint unlock works like a charm almost every time, the first scan.
Also I discovered, I could do the index finger on my other hand since it stores up to 3 fingerprint unlock profiles. Just use the + button at the top of the fingerprint "You Can Register..." screen, to add another one.
(At one point, I suspected the high edges of the Otterbox Defender case was interfering with the placement of my finger over the scanner. But now it is not a problem after all)

Answer 1

Hi wlo21,
Welcome to the Support Communities!
The article below may be able to help you with this issue.
Click on the link to see more details and screenshots.
iPhone 5s: Using Touch ID
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5883
Troubleshooting Touch ID
Ensure that your fingers and the Home button are clean and dry.*
Note: Cover the Home button completely. Don't tap too quickly, don't press down hard, and don't move your finger while Touch ID is scanning.
Tap Settings > General > Passcode & Fingerprint > Fingerprints and verify:
Passcode Unlock or iTunes & App Store is enabled.
One or more fingerprints have been enrolled.
If one finger isn't working, tap Edit in Settings > General > Passcode & Fingerprint > Fingerprints > Edit to delete and then reenroll the finger.
If that finger still isn't working, try enrolling a different finger.
If you are unable to enroll any of your fingers, take your iPhone 5s to an Apple Retail Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact AppleCare for further assistance.
iPhone 5s: About Touch ID security
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5949
Cheers,
- Judy