Adding a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: a complete guide with life hacks

Why you need a fingerprint on your smartphone and how it works in the Redmi Note 10 Pro

The fingerprint scanner in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is not just a way to unlock, but a full-fledged security tool. PIN-The sensor in this model is built into the power button, making it more secure from accidental pressing than the rear scanners in older versions of Redmi.

The technology is based on a capacitive sensor, which reads a unique pattern of papillary lines, converting it into an encrypted template. It's important to understand that the print itself is not stored in the phone, only its mathematical model. This means that even if a hacker gains access to the device's memory, it will be impossible to restore the original fingerprint. In the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the sensor supports up to 5 fingerprints, which is convenient for family use or if you want to register the fingers of both hands.

But there are nuances: wet or dirty fingers, as well as severe skin damage (cuts, calluses) can impair reading, and after updating the MIUI or resetting the settings, all the saved prints are deleted β€” they will have to be added again, a security measure that prevents access to the phone through old data.

Prepare the phone before adding a fingerprint

Before you register your fingerprint, make sure your Redmi Note 10 Pro is ready for the procedure.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge at least 20 percent, and if the phone runs out during setup, it'll stop, and you'll have to start over.
  • 🧼 Clean sensor and finger. Wipe the power button with an alcohol napkin (no abrasives!), and wash your hands with soap and dry. Fat marks or sweat reduce scan accuracy.
  • πŸ”’ Installed PIN-code. MIUI It requires a backup unlock method before adding biometrics. If it's not, the system will suggest that you create a backup unlock method.
  • πŸ“± Updated software. Old versions. MIUI There could be bugs with the scanner. Check the firmware's relevance in Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.

In the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the fingerprint sensor is combined with the power button, so do not press it during the scan - this can interrupt the process. If the phone overheats (for example, after games), wait 10-15 minutes: high temperature reduces the sensitivity of the sensor.

πŸ“Š How often do you use your fingerprint to unlock?
Constantly.
Only for payments
Nearby PIN-code
Never.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

Now, let's get to the process. Follow the instructions carefully, because errors in the scanning phase can cause the phone to not recognize your finger well.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the Passwords and Security section.
  3. Select Fingerprint Addition. The system will request input. PIN-code.
  4. Press Add Fingerprint and follow the prompts on the screen. The phone will ask you to put your finger on the power button at different angles until 100% of the surface is scanned.
  5. After a successful scan, assign a name to the fingerprint (such as β€œIndicator Right”) and click Ready.

Important: Don't lift your finger until you feel a slight vibration, which is a signal that the scanner has fixed the area. If the process is stalled by 30-50%, try:

  • πŸ”„ Erase the failed imprint and start over.
  • πŸ’§ Wipe your finger and sensor with a dry wipe.
  • πŸ‘† Change the angle of application (for example, hold your finger more vertically).

β˜‘οΈ What to check before scanning the fingerprint

Done: 0 / 4

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the right setup, Redmi Note 10 Pro users sometimes run into problems. Here are typical scenarios and solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Phone doesn't recognize fingerprintsSensor or finger damaged.Try the other finger. If it doesn't work, check the sensor at the service center.
The scanner works once.Pollution of the power buttonClean the sensor with alcohol. Avoid abrasive materials!
A fingerprint is added but will not unlock the phoneMistake at MIUIReboot the phone. If it doesn't work, delete it and add the print again.
The scanning process is interruptedWeak contact of the finger with the sensorApply your finger tightly, do not move it during the scan.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your security settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Passwords and security.
  2. Select Removal of all fingerprints.
  3. Reboot your phone and add the print again.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The scanner stopped working completely, this may be due to damage to system files, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see the instructions in the section "Updates and firmware" of our site).

Fingerprint vs Face Unlock in Redmi Note 10 Pro

Many users are hesitant about whether to choose a fingerprint scanner or face unlock, so let's compare the two methods in key terms:

  • πŸ” Security: More reliable print – Face Unlock in Redmi Note 10 Pro uses a front-facing camera without a camera 3D-scanner, so it can be fooled by a photo.
  • ⚑ Speed: Face Unlock is faster (0.3–0.5 seconds vs. 0.8–1 seconds for the print), but only in good lighting.
  • πŸŒ™ Convenience at night: The fingerprint scanner is light-independent, whereas Face Unlock may not work in the dark.
  • 🧀 Gloves: Printing is useless if you're wearing gloves; Face Unlock will do (but only without a mask).

Optimal solution? Use both methods in parallel.

  • 🏠 Homes with good lighting – Face Unlock.
  • πŸš‡ On the subway or on the street at night – fingerprint.
  • πŸ’³ For payments (Xiaomi Pay, Google Pay) – only a fingerprint, since Face Unlock is not supported by banking applications.

πŸ’‘

If you wear a ring on your finger, register a fingerprint without it.The metal can distort the scan and the phone won't recognize you with the ring.

How to Remove or Rename Your Fingerprints

Managing fingerprints in the Redmi Note 10 Pro is intuitive, but there are nuances to remove unnecessary templates:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Passwords and Security β†’ Fingerprints.
  2. Enter. PIN-proof-code.
  3. Click on the print you want to remove and select Remove.

To rename:

  1. Select a print from the same menu.
  2. Click Rename and enter a new name (e.g., Big Left for Payments).

Tip: If you add fingerprints for different purposes (e.g., one for unlocking, one for payments), use clear names to help you quickly navigate which finger to put in the right situation.

⚠️ Note: Deleting all fingerprints will reset their settings in banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online or Tinkoff), and you will have to re-attach your biometrics to confirm payments.

Additional chips: automation with fingerprints

The fingerprint scanner in the Redmi Note 10 Pro can be used for more than just unlocking.

  • πŸ”’ Application lock: B MIUI There is an application protection function (in the Passwords and Security section) You can assign a fingerprint to access the gallery, instant messengers or banking applications.
  • πŸ’Ό Quick launch of Safe Folder: If you use a secure Xiaomi folder, you can open it with a fingerprint instead of entering a password.
  • 🎡 Music control: In some firmware, the fingerprint sensor can be configured as a pause/play button (activation is required in Settings). β†’ Additional functions).

For advanced users: If you have root access, you can use Tasker to set a fingerprint to start any action, from turning on a flashlight to sending an SMS. However, this requires technical knowledge and can compromise system security.

How to enable the hidden function "Double press on the scanner"
Some versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 10 Pro have an undocumented option to double-press the power button (with a scanner) to quickly start the camera or other application.To activate: 1. Enable Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About Phone). 2. Return to Additional Settings β†’ Buttons. 3. Find Double-press the power button and select action. Attention: on some firmware, this feature may conflict with the fingerprint scanner!

Frequent Questions About the Fingerprint Scanner in the Redmi Note 10 Pro

Can I add a child's fingerprint?
Technically, but there are limitations: The sensor may not recognize the fingerprints of children under 5-6 years of age due to insufficiently formed papillary lines. MIUI does not impose age restrictions, but remember: a child can accidentally delete all prints through settings. We recommend using the child's fingerprint only for unlocking, but not for payments.
Why does the scanner work worse in winter?
Low temperatures dry the skin, making the print less clear. Solutions: Use a hand moisturizer (but apply it 10-15 minutes before the scan). Add the same finger as a new print - in winter and summer, its "image" may differ.
Can I transfer my prints to another Xiaomi?
No. The fingerprints are tied to the hardware identifier of a particular phone and stored in a secure memory area (TrustZone), and even when you transfer data through Mi Account or backup, the scanner will have to be reconfigured.
How to Reset Your Scanner If You Forgot PIN-code?
No PIN-If you forget the backup code, you can't add/delete fingerprints, it's a security measure. If you forget the backup code, you'll have to do a full reset via Recovery Mode. + Volume up when the phone is turned off. After reset, all fingerprints and data will be deleted. If you had a Mi Account tied, you can recover the data after reset (except for fingerprints).
Does the scanner really deteriorate over time?
The fingerprint sensor in the Redmi Note 10 Pro is designed to handle about 10,000-15,000 taps without loss of accuracy. However, its life is dependent on: Frequency of use (daily unlock vs rare use). Care: moisture, dust or mechanical damage (scratches) accelerate wear. Firmware quality: in older versions of MIUI, the sensor could β€œforget” fingerprints due to software errors. If the scanner became worse after 1-2 years, try to remove and add prints again. If this does not help, you probably need to change the power button (in the service center).

πŸ’‘

The fingerprint in the Redmi Note 10 Pro is not only a convenience, but also an additional layer of security. PIN-Code: Always set up a backup method to unlock!