According to a fingerprint authentication method, fingerprint data is obtained through a fingerprint sensor, a degree of rotation of an electronic device including the fingerprint sensor when the fingerprint data is obtained is detected, a pattern of minutiae is extracted from the fingerprint data, a registration pattern for a registered fingerprint is rotated based on the degree of rotation, the pattern of minutiae is matched to the registration pattern, and the fingerprint data is authenticated on the basis of a match result.