[PM-32378] Can't authenticate using fingerprint

[carolfs]

Steps To Reproduce

1. Use Bitwarden to fill in password. It asks for fingerprint, as previously set up.

Expected Result

The app will unlock.

Actual Result

A green "verified" mark appears, indicating the fingerprint recognition was successful, but a dialogue window from Bitwarden pops up and says that the unlock failed, and biometrics unlock must be re-enabled in the app. Then it asks for the master password.

Screenshots or Videos

No response

Additional Context

No response

Build Version

2026.1.1 (21176)

What server are you connecting to?

US

Self-host Server Version

No response

Environment Details

Android 14

Issue Tracking Info

• I understand that work is tracked outside of Github. A PR will be linked to this issue should one be opened to address it, but Bitwarden doesn't use fields like "assigned", "milestone", or "project" to track progress.

[bitwarden-bot]

Thank you for your report! We've added this to our internal board for review.
ID: PM-32378

[SaintPatrck]

Hi @carolfs,

Out of curiosity, did this occur after a recent OS update or modification of existing biometrics (like adding or removing a fingerprint)?

[carolfs]

@SaintPatrck I think it might be related to adding a fingerprint.

[Tipoff4317]

If you add a fingerprint, that's the normal behavior on Android. It's probably related to security. Someone else with your Android PIN can add a fingerprint but still cannot access Bitwarden.

[carolfs]

I added the fingerprint more than a month ago and have already entered the master password several times, as well as re-enabled biometrics unlock an equal number of times. I accessed my vault on my phone every day since adding this fingerprint. This makes no sense. It is a bug.

[pamperer562580892423]

@carolfs Could you add the full "Environmental details" from your phone? You can copy & paste them in here (or in your OP), when you enter the BW app --> Settings --> About --> Version.

[carolfs]

© Bitwarden Inc. 2015-2026

Version: 2026.1.1 (21176)
📱 google Pixel 5 🤖 14@34 📦 prod
🧱 commit: 0ee3e2e
💻 build source: bitwarden/android/actions/runs/21527118876/attempts/1
🦀 SDK: 2.0.0-4676-0544ddec
🌩 Server: 2026.1.1 @ US

[pamperer562580892423]

@carolfs Thanks!

Hm. If I were you (and BTW, I'm only another user - not a Bitwarden employee)... and as the app sometimes can get a "hiccup"... I probably would do the following now:

1. Delete the app data of the BW app (in the Android Settings --> Apps).
2. Remove/deinstall the BW app.
3. Restart the phone.
4. Reinstall the BW app.
5. Log in again (and set everything up again).

(= kind of a general troubleshooting tip...)

[carolfs]

I had already tried to delete the data and uninstall/reinstall, but without restarting my phone. That worked, thanks!

[pamperer562580892423]

@carolfs Glad I could help. - And if it remains resolved for you, you could close this issue eventually.

[carolfs]

The bug still exists. Reinstalling the app is just a workaround.

[pamperer562580892423]

Ah, so you still get the popup which says that unlock fails?