Fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Xiaomi smartphones have become an integral part of our digital lives, storing vast amounts of sensitive information. As a result, biometric protection has become a necessary security standard, and a fingerprint scanner integrated into the device’s body provides quick access to the system and applications, replacing complex passwords.

Xiaomi has implemented different scanning technologies depending on the price segment of the model, which can be a classic capacitive sensor, an optical sensor under the screen or an advanced ultrasound system, and understanding the differences between them will help you to properly configure the device and use the full potential of data protection.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how these mechanisms work, how they differ, and how to fix common recognition errors. You will learn why MIUI or HyperOS sometimes refuse to accept a finger, and what settings to change for maximum unlock speed.

Principle of operation and types of scanners in Xiaomi devices

The user identification technology in Xiaomi smartphones has evolved from simple buttons on the back to invisible sensors under the display. The basic principle is to read the unique skin relief and convert it into digital code. This code is compared to a reference stored in a secure memory area of the processor.

There are three main types of scanners that you'll find in current models of the brand: Capacitive scanners use electric current to create a finger map, and are often placed on the side or back of the case, and they are fast and low cost, but require physical contact with the surface.

More advanced are optical scanners built into the screen, which illuminate the finger with bright light and take a picture of it with a camera located under the display matrix, such solutions are often found in the latest generation Xiaomi 13 and Redmi Note series, providing an aesthetic appearance without unnecessary holes.

⚠️ Warning: Optical scanners may work worse in bright sunlight or if a thick protective film is pasted that blocks light.

The pinnacle of technology at the moment are considered ultrasonic scanners that use sound waves to build 3D-They're faster, more accurate, and they can read a fingerprint even through moisture or dirt. These systems are usually installed in flagship models like the Xiaomi 14 Pro.

• 🔹 Capacitive – Classical technology with physical contact.
• 🔹 Optical – scanning through the glow under the screen.
• 🔹 Ultrasonic — 3D-sound-scanning.

Setup of biometrics in MIUI and HyperOS

The process of adding a fingerprint in shells MIUI And the new HyperOS is as simple as possible for the user, so to start setting up, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select the Passwords and Security section, and click on the Fingerprints. PIN-code or pattern lock to confirm the identity of the owner.

Once you log into the settings menu, you'll see a list of already added fingerprints and a new add button. It's important to put your finger on different sides, gradually changing the angle of inclination, which allows the system to create a more complete digital profile and improve recognition accuracy in the future.

Special attention should be paid to the “Screen Unlock” feature, which can be activated or deactivated at will, and this menu also configures the access of the fingerprint to payment systems and authorization in third-party applications. Some models allow you to assign the launch of specific applications when you touch certain areas of the scanner.

If you use a case with thick edges, you may have to reconfigure the print by holding the phone in the case, which will help avoid situations where the case interferes with the normal application of the finger to the scan area. HyperOS also has improved animation and faster sensor response to touch.

Advanced features: payment, encryption and guest mode

Biometrics on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a sign-in; fingerprint is used extensively for authorization in banking applications such as SberBank, Tinkoff or Google Pay (through third-party solutions), and this feature requires that the option to use a fingerprint for payments is activated in the security settings.

File encryption allows you to hide personal photos and documents in a secure folder that is only accessible after scanning your finger, which creates an additional level of privacy, because without biometrics or password, the contents of the folder cannot be seen.

There's also a useful feature of guest mode, or a second space, where you can attach the input to a particular fingerprint, and if you tap the scanner with a certain finger (like your left thumb), you instantly switch to an isolated profile with other apps and data, which is the perfect privacy option when you need to give the phone to someone else.

⚠️ Note: When resetting to factory settings, all saved fingerprints are deleted without the possibility of recovery, they will have to be added again.

This is a standard Android security measure that prevents unauthorized access to data if the device has been turned off or restarted.

Comparison of scanning technologies

To better understand what type of scanner is installed in your device and what to expect from it, it is useful to compare their key characteristics: the differences are not only in speed, but also in operating conditions, as well as the level of safety when trying to deceive the system.

Below is a table that shows the main differences between the technologies used in the Xiaomi ecosystem, which will help determine whether to expect a scanner with gloves or a wet screen.

Capacitive sensors, despite their old age, remain very reliable and fast in everyday use, but their location on the side of the edge can be uncomfortable for users with large palms who have to intercept a smartphone.

Optical and ultrasonic solutions are winning in ergonomics, because the scanning area is at the bottom of the screen, so you can unlock the phone with your thumb without changing the grip of the device, ultrasonic scanners are 10 times faster than optical scanners, and even work with protective films up to 0.7 mm thick.

Solving problems with fingerprint recognition

Even the most advanced technology sometimes fails. If your Xiaomi has stopped recognizing your finger or is late, don't panic, and most often, the problem is contamination of the scanner surface or changes in the skin of the hands.

The first step should always be to clean the scanning area. Fat marks, dust or water droplets can distort the signal, especially in optical scanners. Wipe the screen or side face with a soft microfiber. If the problem persists, try to re-register the problem finger, paying special attention to the edges of the pad.

Sometimes a software conflict or a bug in the biometrics drivers causes a crash, and then you can reboot the device, and if that doesn't work, you can try to delete all the old prints and create new profiles from scratch by following the setup instructions.

• 🧼 Clean the screen or sensor from fat and moisture.
• 🔄 Remove the old print and add it again.
• 📱 Remove the protective film if it is damaged.
• 🔋 Check if the energy saving mode is included.

It is worth noting that in power-saving mode, the sensor polling frequency can be reduced to save battery power, resulting in a slowed-down response, which often returns an instantaneous unlock speed.

Face ID and alternative methods of unlocking

In addition to fingerprints, Xiaomi smartphones offer face unlocking, which uses a front-facing camera to analyze a user's face. While it's convenient when hands are busy or dirty, the security level here is lower than that of a finger biometric.

The standard face unlock in most Redmi and Poco models is software-based (2D). It can be fooled by high-quality photography and doesn't work in complete darkness without screen illumination, but in flagship models with an infrared camera (like the Xiaomi series). 13/14) implemented more securely 3D-unlock.

Use of Face ID It is convenient for quick access to a gallery or browser, but for banking applications, the system often requires a fingerprint or a fingerprint. PIN-This is due to the security requirements of financial institutions for authentication methods.

By combining security techniques, you create layered security for your data, such as a fingerprint for payments, Face ID for login, and a complex password as a backup method, a strategy that strikes a balance between convenience and cybersecurity.

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Add a thumbprint of both hands – this will speed up unlocking when the phone is lying on the table or you hold it with one hand.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

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Regular cleaning of the scan zone and recalibration of the fingerprint every six months ensure stable operation of biometrics throughout the lifetime of the smartphone.