Missing fingerprint in Xiaomi settings: causes and solutions

You opened security settings on your Xiaomi to add or change your fingerprint, but the corresponding menu item disappeared? This is a common problem that can occur after a MIUI update, a system failure, or improper firmware actions. In 80% of cases, the decision takes no more than 5 minutes to complete a few simple steps.

In this article, we will discuss all possible causes of fingerprint disappearance from settings (from the banal to the technical), offer step-by-step instructions for restoring function, and also tell you what to do if the scanner stopped working physically. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and flagships Xiaomi 12/13/14, where the problem is most often encountered.

Why the fingerprint was missing in Xiaomi settings

Disappearance of the Fingerprint item from the Settings menu → Passwords and security are almost always due to one of 5 reasons:

• 🔄 Software failure after update MIUI (This is especially true for transitions between versions, such as MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
• 📱 Disabling the sensor at the system level (for example, after installing custom firmware or root rights).
• 🔧 Scanner malfunction – physical damage or contamination of the sensor.
• 🛡️ Blocking a function due to security policy (for example, when activating Incognito or corporate mode) MDM-profile).
• 📴 Resetting settings without restoring sensor data.

The most common reason is to upgrade MIUI to a new version of Android (for example, from Android 11 to Android 12/13), in which the scanner drivers are reset or conflict with the new software, in which case the menu item may disappear even with the physically working sensor.

Less commonly, the problem lies in the hardware: the scanner could fail after falling, getting moisture or wear (relevant to older Redmi 5/6 or Mi A2) models. Check this out is simple: if the sensor does not glow when touched and does not vibrate, most likely, repair will be required.

First steps: reboot and check the obvious

Before you start complex manipulations, follow 3 basic steps that solve the problem in 60% of cases:

1. Reboot your smartphone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds). MIUI.
2. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes the scanner bug fix comes in patches.
3. Clear the sensor cache: Go to Settings → Apps → App Management. Find Google Play Services and click Storage → Clear the cache. Repeat for the Settings app (com.android.settings).

If after rebooting the fingerprint item appears, but the sensor does not respond to touch, try re-registering the fingerprint:

1. Remove all the fingerprints (if they are displayed).
2. Add a new fingerprint by pressing your finger tightly against the scanner (at least 5 seconds).
3. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times for reliability.

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On models with an ultrasonic scanner (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra) before registering a fingerprint, make sure that there are no cuts on the finger or severe dryness of the skin - this interferes with reading.

Resetting security settings (without data loss)

If the basic methods didn't work, the next step is to reset security settings, which will bring all biometrics back to factory settings, but won't affect personal files, apps, or accounts.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Slip on Additional (or more depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Select Reset Security Settings.
4. Confirm the action with a password / pattern lock.

After you restart, check for the fingerprint item. If it appears, add the fingerprint again. If it doesn't, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) Security reset may result in Find My Device being blocked.Be sure to remember your Mi Account information before the procedure.

Make sure you have a backup copy of important data

Remember the password from Mi Account

Connect your phone to charge (minimum 50%)

Shut down. VPN proxy-server-->

Recovery through MIUI Recovery (for Advanced)

If the fingerprint is missing after a failed update or custom firmware installation, recovery via MIUI Recovery will help, a method that is suitable for users who have previously worked with fastboot or TWRP.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (this is a complete reset!).
4. After reset, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you have lost your data after reset, restore it from a Mi Cloud backup or local backup. On TWRP models, you can only try flashing the persist partition, but this requires ADB skills.

Checking the hardware health of the scanner

If the software methods didn't work, there might be a physical problem with the sensor, and you can check that by the following:

• 🔦 The scanner is not illuminated when touched (on backlit models, for example, Xiaomi Mi 11).
• 🔊 No vibration or sound when trying to add a print.
• 📱 B Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press the kernel multiple times – if the scanner is not displayed in the sensor list in the test menu (#4636###), it is defective.

For diagnosis:

1. Install the Sensor Test app from Google Play.
2. Run the Fingerprint test.
3. If the sensor doesn’t respond, it’s a 100% hardware problem.

The most vulnerable scanners in models:

• Redmi Note 8/9 – often fails after falls
• POCO X3 NFC - problems with the contacts of the plume.
• Xiaomi Mi 9/10 - wear backlight sensor.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone was in a wet environment (such as a bathroom), the scanner could oxidize. In this case, you can not connect the device to charge - this can cause a short circuit.

Features for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi models have unique nuances of working with a fingerprint scanner.

Redmi Note 10/11/12 Pro (Side Scanner)

In these models, the scanner is paired with a power button.

• Check if the button is stuck (a common problem after getting dust).
• Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI – in the old versions there was a bug with the scanner driver.
• If the sensor is not responding, try calibrating the button through the engineering menu (#36446337###).

POCO X3/X4/X5 (underscreen scanner)

Subscreen scanners are sensitive to screen protection, and the solution is:

• Remove the glass or film – they can block the IR illumination.
• Increase the brightness of the screen to the maximum when registering the fingerprint.
• In Settings → Display → Advanced settings turn off Adaptive Brightness.

Xiaomi 12/13/14 (Ultrasonic Scanner)

Qualcomm 3D Sonic (Ultrasonic) sensors require:

• Clean finger and scanner (wipe with an alcohol napkin).
• Updates to drivers via Mi PC Suite.
• Disconnect the Power Saving mode, which can block the sensor.

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On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and 14 Ultra, the fingerprint scanner is integrated into the screen and sensitive to matrix damage. If the sensor stops working after replacing the display, a recalibration at the service center is required.

What to do if nothing helps

If all of the above methods have not returned the fingerprint to the settings, there are 3 options left:

1. Contact the service center: Xiaomi official centers diagnose hardware malfunctions for free.Scanner replacement cost: from 1,500 to 4000 ₽ model-wise.
2. Use alternative unlock methods: Set up Face Recognition (less secure but fast). Activate Smart Lock to automatically unlock on trusted networks.
3. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com. Sweep through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

If you decide to sew your phone yourself, remember:

• 🔌 Use only official firmware for your model.
• 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 60%.
• 📋 Make a backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP.

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked loader (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) A self-supporting firmware can lead to a hard brick, requiring an authorized service with access to Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fingerprints in Xiaomi