Nokia 9 PureView in-display fingerprint scanner has this serious bug

Nokia 9 PureView was launched by the HMD Global at the MWC 2019 in Barcelona and the handset made heads turn with the penta-camera setup on its back panel. The Nokia 9 PureView is the flagship device from the company and although it is powered by an older Snapdragon 845 SoC, it still considered to be one among the best smartphones that have been launched in 2019. But now, reports have surfaced online that claim that the Nokia 9 PureView is having security issues with its in-display fingerprint scanner.

Some users reported that the in-display fingerprint scanner of the Nokia 9 PureView is accepting unregistered fingerprints to unlock the device. The fingerprint scanner of the Nokia 9 PureView is also letting chewing gum and random objects unlock the smartphone. On this note, HMD Global confirmed that it is investigating the malfunction further to see if the reports are true or not, and if it is true then what is the cause behind it and how can they fix it. Currently, it is not known whether the malfunction is related to hardware or software.

A Twitter user with the name DecodedPixel shared a video on his handle where his Nokia 9 PureView is being unlocked with a pack of chewing gum. He also said that, he was able to unlock his device using someone else’s fingerprints. He was even able to unlock the device using a coin and leather gloves as well. Other Twitter and Reddit users confirmed that they were also able to unlock their Nokia 9 PureView using unregistered fingerprints or objects.

Here is my Nokia 9 Fingerprint sensor issue, phone can be unlocked using a chewing gum packet or someone else's finger. Even unlocked with a coin or leather gloves. Please do help me get my Nokia 9 sorted. pic.twitter.com/Thce3nB2fr

— Decoded Pixel (@decodedpixel) April 21, 2019

On this matter, the Global Chief Officer of HMD Global Juho Sarvikas responded to the user saying that the matter was being investigated.  He also said that his team in the UK will reach out to the user if they were able to recreate and reproduce the issue on their own unit. Sarvikas also said that he would take the user’s phone to investigate the malfunction further and find a solution.

Although not much is known about the issue, but if it’s a software issue that the HMD Global should be able to fix it with an update. But if it’s a hardware issue then the company might face some problems.

It should be noted that, the Samsung Galaxy S10 had also faced similar less-secure face unlock feature, but it turned out to be a turned-on option in Settings menu of the device. the problem in the Galaxy S10 was fixed by turning the Settings off.