Xiaomi Biometric Authentication: How to Enable a Fingerprint, Face and Voice in 5 Minutes

Why you need biometrics on Xiaomi and how it works

Today’s Xiaomi smartphones support several types of biometric authentication: fingerprint, facial recognition, and even voice access, which not only speed up unlocking the device, but also increase its protection against unauthorized access. PIN-In the case of a code or pattern lock, biometric data is unique to each user and is almost impossible to forge.

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14/15, biometrics are integrated at the system level and even works with third-party applications (banks, instant messengers, payment services), for example, a fingerprint can be used to confirm purchases in Google Pay or authorization in Mi Account, while all biometric data is stored in a secure TrustZone chip and not transferred to Xiaomi servers.

It is important to understand that not all models support all kinds of biometrics, for example, the underscreen fingerprint scanner is only available in flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi). K70 Pro, a. 3D-Face recognition (like the iPhone) is not yet implemented in any of the brand’s devices, but even budget models (Redmi Note 13, POCO X6) equipped with a side scanner or basic face recognition through the front camera.

Preparing a smartphone before setting up biometrics

Before you enable biometric authentication, make sure your Xiaomi meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Updated firmware: Install the latest version MIUI (Biometrics may not work on obsolete assemblies.
• 🔒 Installed PIN/Password: No primary unlock method (minimum) 4 numbers) to add a fingerprint or face.
• 🧹 Clean screen: For a fingerprint scanner, remove the protective film or case covering the sensor.
• 🔋 Battery charge > 20%: The setup process may be interrupted due to discharge.

If you have just updated your firmware or reset your settings, wait until the system optimization is complete (usually takes 5-10 minutes), otherwise the security menu may not open or work with lags.

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Account without a linked phone number, add it before setting up your biometrics. If you reset your settings, it will be more difficult to restore access to the device.

Update MIUI last-minute|Install PIN-code|Clean the fingerprint sensor of dirt|Charge your phone at least 20 times%|Link the number to the Mi Account (optional)

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How to Add a Fingerprint to Xiaomi

A fingerprint scanner is the most reliable and fastest way to authenticate biometrics, and on Xiaomi, it can be:

• 👆 Under the screen (optical or ultrasonic) – in flagships (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60).
• 🔘 Side (built into the power button) - in most models (POCO X5, Redmi Note 12).
• 🏠 On the back of the device - in old devices (Redmi 9, Mi) A3).

To add a print:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Add a fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen: Place your finger on the scanner at different angles until the scale is 100% full.
4. Name the print (for example, "Indicative right") and save.

For better scanner performance:

• 🖐️ Register the same finger twice at different angles, which will increase the accuracy of the recognition.
• 🚿 Avoid wet or dirty fingers – the scanner may not work.
• 🔄 If the fingerprint is not recognized, restart the phone and try again.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 12, 13 Lite), the optical scanner under the screen does not work well in bright sunlight.

Facial recognition settings on Xiaomi

Facial recognition on Xiaomi works through the front camera and is divided into two types:

To adjust facial recognition:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Enter. PIN-proof-code.
3. Place your face in an ovale on the screen and wait for the scan to be completed.
4. If necessary, add an alternative look (such as glasses).

To improve accuracy:

• 🌞 Set up recognition in different lighting (daylight, room with lamp).
• 👓 If you wear glasses, add a separate profile with them.
• 🔄 After changing your hairstyle or growing a beard, re-write the details of the person.

💡

If facial recognition is slow, turn off unlock animations in Settings → Special features → Delete animations. This will speed up the process by 20-30%.

Voice authentication: how to set up and where it works

Voice access is the least common but useful way to biometrics, and is used by Xiaomi to:

• 🔊 Unlocking the device (limited).
• 📞 Confirming calls via Google Assistant.
• 🏦 Authorization in some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online).

To add a voice print:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Voice unlock (on some models, the path may be different).
2. Read the sentence 3-5 times to record the sample.
3. Confirm your voice.

Limitations of voice authentication:

• 🎤 It only works in quiet rooms – noise interferes with recognition.
• 🗣️ Does not support accents or altered voice timbre (for example, with a cold).
• 🔒 Less secure than a print or face – can be fooled by a voice recording.

⚠️ Attention: Voice unlocking can accidentally trigger similar voices (such as twins) and do not use it as the primary method of protection if you store sensitive data on your phone.

How to manage biometric data: editing and deleting

Over time, it may be necessary to update or delete stored biometric data, for example if:

• 🩹 You hurt your finger and the scanner stopped recognizing it.
• 💇 Changed hairstyle or shaved off a beard.
• 🔄 You want to add another fingerprint for convenience.

To control biometrics:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select the desired section (Fingerprints, Face Recognition or Voice Unlock).
3. To edit: Click on saved profile → Rewrite. Follow the instructions on the screen.

• Select a profile → Delete.
• Confirm the action. PIN-code.

FAQ: Frequent questions about biometrics on Xiaomi