Samsung S7 wont allow me to use Thumbprint

A

AC Question

I have had my S7 5 months, and awoke this morning to a black screen asking for my pattern to unlock the phone. Its not giving me the option to use my thumbprint. Problem is I have only used my thumbprint for so long that I don't remember what the pattern is! Why wont it let me use my Thumb? This has never happened before. I have restarted the phone but it just does the same thing.
 

B. Diddy

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Welcome to Android Central! The phone will still ask you periodically for your backup password/PIN/pattern. It's actually spelled out in a Google support page:

"For security, you'll need to use your backup PIN, pattern, or password:
  • When your fingerprint isn't recognized after a few tries
  • After restarting (rebooting) your device
  • After switching to a different user on the device
  • After more than 48 hours have passed since you last unlocked using your backup method"