Ubuntu 20.04 lts Could not access fingerprint readers

I'm trying to set a Fingerprint login in ubuntu 20.04 but I get this message:

Could not access any fingerprint readers
Please contact your system administrator for help.

I'm thinking that some fingerprint drivers are missing, what do I do?

Solution 1:

Not all the fingerprint scanners have drivers in Linux. I have the same issue with a Dell laptop. One of the easiest ways to check I've found it to use Hardware prob application. It's available in Ubuntu App store in form of a snap, you can find the description at asnapcraft webpage: snapcraft.io

What id does - it scanc you system and then provides you with a link to a summary. The devices that do not have drives or have some issues or pure compatibility are marked. Results are based on other user's systsems/comments (you can edit the report after it's loaded) and LKDBB: LKDBB It's open source and doesn't share you prive information (you can even find the reference in Fedora Project wiki Fedora Wiki). If you do not want to share your specs, you still can use the search on their site: Hardware Probe Search to find which scanner you have you can use lsusb and lshw commands.

In some cases you can try to request new drivers at libfprint gitlab page: libfprint gitlab but I'm not sure how effective is this as it didn't help me - the Goodix scanner I have apparently doesn't have open source code and atherefore the dirver can be provided only by manufacturer or Dell and neither of them have real interest in doing so. You can also find the list of currently supported devices there: libfprint supported devices

Hope it's not too much information at once.