--- title: "ZKTeco F18 Fingerprint Not Working or Not Reading | Qyvea" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-f18-fingerprint-not-working description: "ZKTeco F18 or K40 not reading fingerprints, or biometric attendance machine not working? Causes from dirty sensors to worn fingers, and the fixes." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-f18-fingerprint-not-working for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. 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Fixes Fingers not recognised, 'please try again' or a machine that won't respond: what to check. Every day this stays broken costs you more than the repair would. Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - Clean the sensor glass gently. - Re-enrol with the finger flat and centred. - Dry or worn fingers: enrol a different finger or use face/card. Quick answer Most fingerprint failures come from the finger or the enrolment, not the machine: a dirty or scratched sensor, dry, wet or worn fingers, or a fingerprint enrolled badly. Clean the sensor, re-enrol two fingers carefully, and consider face or card for staff with worn prints. If nothing reads at all, check power, settings and the sensor itself. [Photo: George Prentzas / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/SRFG7iwktDk) Why act on it now ## A fault you ignore is a fault that grows. ### If you wait - Working around the fault for another week - A small problem turning into a replacement - Nobody checking the rest of the system ### What you get - The likely cause found fast, with the checks in this guide - A technician who fixes it properly if the checks do not - A system you can rely on again [ZKTeco K40 Fingerprint Time](/products/zkteco-k40-fingerprint-time-attendance-terminal-67 "ZKTeco K40 Fingerprint Time Attendance Terminal")[ZKTeco Mifare Cards](/products/zkteco-mifare-cards-11310 "ZKTeco Mifare Cards") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20ZKTeco%20F18%20Fingerprint%20Not%20Working%3F%20Fixes.%20I%20want%20biometric%20attendance%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - Clean the sensor glass gently. - Re-enrol with the finger flat and centred. - Dry or worn fingers: enrol a different finger or use face/card. - Nothing reads at all: power, firmware or sensor fault. - Check verification mode wasn't changed. ## Symptom guide | Symptom | Likely cause | Fix | | --- | --- | --- | | One person fails often | Poor enrolment or worn fingers | Re-enrol two fingers; add card or face | | Everyone fails | Dirty or damaged sensor | Clean; replace sensor if scratched | | Sensor doesn't light | Power or hardware fault | Check adapter; service | | Asks for card or PIN | Verification mode changed | Reset verification mode for the user | ## Machine not working at all? - Try another power adapter - Restart the machine - Check it isn't in a menu or locked by an admin - Check the date and time (punches look missing if wrong) **When to call a professional**: Machine locked, not syncing or lost its data? Qyvea services ZKTeco attendance and access devices: resets, admin recovery for the verified owner, software setup and staff re-enrolment, on site or remotely where possible. Call [0113 301 244](tel:+254113301244) or [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20need%20help%20with%20my%20ZKTeco%20machine). ## Frequently asked questions Why does my fingerprint not register? Usually a dry, dirty or worn finger, or a poor original enrolment. Re-enrol with the finger flat and centred. Can I clean the fingerprint sensor? Yes, gently with a soft dry cloth; avoid scratching it. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Biometrics & Attendance · Guide How to Add a User on a ZKTeco Machine Enrol a new employee correctly so their punches always match in reports. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-add-user-zkteco)[Access Control · Comparison Fingerprint vs Face Recognition Which biometric suits your door or attendance point? Speed, reliability, dirty or worn fingers, lighting and data protection compared. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/fingerprint-vs-face-recognition-kenya)[Biometrics & Attendance · Troubleshooting How to Reset a ZKTeco Attendance Machine Restart, reset settings, clear data or factory reset: what each does and how to avoid losing staff records. 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/how-to-reset-zkteco-attendance-machine) ### Related services [ZKTeco Attendance Machines](https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-attendance-machine-price-in-kenya)[Time & Attendance](https://qyvea.co.ke/time-attendance-systems-kenya)[Access Control Repair](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-system-repair-kenya) ### Related products [Best attendance machines](https://qyvea.co.ke/best-biometric-attendance-machine-kenya) ### Related projects [Biometric access control installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#biometric-case-study) [← Previous**Shifts, Overtime & Attendance Reports**](https://qyvea.co.ke/attendance-shifts-overtime-reports-kenya)[Next →**: ZKTeco Forgot Admin Password: Getting Back Into the Machine**](https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-forgot-admin-password) ## Still experiencing the problem? Qyvea can inspect and diagnose the system on site. Chat with us — 30 min response --- **Qyvea Limited** · Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya (delivery only, no walk-in pickup) · serving all 47 counties Phone/WhatsApp: [+254 113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244) · Email: info@qyvea.co.ke · Shop: [qyvea.co.ke/products](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) · Facts: [qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts](https://qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts)