Where to set up a fingerprint on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco offer users reliable methods of personal data protection, among which biometrics occupies a leading position. Using a fingerprint scanner allows not only to protect the device from unauthorized access, but also significantly accelerates the unlocking of the screen in everyday use. Many gadget owners are faced with the question of where exactly the menu of the settings of this feature is, as the location of options can vary depending on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm for activating biometric protection, look at the nuances of working with different types of scanners and help solve common problems with recognition. Biometric data is stored in a secure processor module, which makes it almost impossible for attackers to steal it. Understanding the principles of this system will allow you to configure it as efficiently and conveniently as possible.

Location of the settings menu in MIUI and HyperOS

The MIUI shell interface and the new HyperOS have a clear structure, but finding the right option the first time is difficult because of the abundance of items. To get to the desired menu, you need to open the standard Settings app and scroll down to the Password and Security section. This is where all the tools associated with accessing the device are concentrated. In some versions of the firmware, this item can be called simply “Security” or be combined with the Mi Account settings.

After moving to the Password and Security section, the system will offer several protection options: a pattern lock, a digital key. PIN-A fingerprint scanner is one of the most popular methods, because it combines speed and convenience. If you haven't previously set a password to unlock your screen, the system will require you to create one before activating the biometrics. This is a safety requirement that cannot be avoided.

⚠️ Note: Do not use too simple passwords (such as 1234 or 0000) as a backup method, as this reduces the overall level of protection of your device.

For those who prefer search, there is a search bar at the top of the settings menu. When you type in a "fingerprint" or "fingerprint," you'll instantly get a direct link to the desired section. This method is especially useful if you've upgraded to a new version of the software and the usual menu layout has changed. You can only set up the fingerprint after you set the main unlock password.

Step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint

The process of registering your finger in Xiaomi is standardized and takes no more than a minute. After logging into the Fingerprint menu (path: Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprints), you will be asked to attach your finger to the scanner. The screen will respond to every successful read with vibration and visual progress. It is important not to tear your finger off abruptly, but to slightly change the angle of inclination so that the system remembers the different facets of your fingerprint.

The system will ask you to remove your finger several times and re-size it for calibration. The reading algorithm creates a digital map of papillary patterns, so the more diverse the touches are, the higher the success rate of unlocking in the future. If you have dirty or wet hands, it's best to wipe them first, because moisture can distort the scan data.

Once the procedure is completed successfully, you can add a second finger or rename existing fingerprints for convenience (e.g., "Big Right Finger"). This is especially true if you use covers that can overlap part of the scanner, or if one of the fingers is often busy.

Features of scanners in the screen and on the button

Modern flagship Xiaomi and Redmi Note models often feature optical or ultrasonic scanners built directly into the display. Unlike capacitive scanners on the on-button, which respond to touch instantly, on-screen versions require a tighter press, and you can recognize such a scanner by a special icon at the bottom of the screen that lights up when touched.

Optical scanning technology uses a backlight to read a finger pattern, so in the dark, the screen can flash brightly for a short time. The ultrasound sensors found in top-end models work quieter and faster, and also cope better with wet fingers. However, the cost of such modules is higher, which affects the price of the device.

Owners of screen-scanner devices should consider that poor quality protective glass can make it difficult for the sensor to function. If you notice that unlocking has become worse after glass replacement, it may be the thickness or material of the protective film that is the problem, and in such cases, it is recommended to use certified accessories.

Configure additional security functions

The biometrics functionality on Xiaomi smartphones goes beyond simply unlocking the screen. In the fingerprint settings menu, you can activate the use of biometrics to authorize applications, confirm payments through Google Pay (or its analogues), and log into secure folders, creating a single secure loop where your data is protected by a unique biological key.

One useful feature is Advanced Unlock, which allows you to open certain apps immediately after unlocking your phone, for example, you can set up automatic login to a banking app or messenger without having to re-enter your password, while the security system continues to monitor access attempts, locking the device after a certain time of inactivity.

⚠️ Note: When you enable the fingerprint unlock function for apps, make sure the apps themselves support Android biometrics.

Also available in the settings is the option “Vibration on successful recognition”, which gives a tactile response, confirming that the device recognized the owner. For many users, this is an important element of interaction with the gadget, allowing you to avoid distraction by visually checking the status of unlocking, you can turn this feature off in the same menu if it seems unnecessary to you.

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Add the same finger twice under different names (e.g., "Finger 1" and "Finger 1 copy"). This will increase the likelihood of successful unlocking, as the system will have two benchmarks for comparison.

The solution: why the scanner is not working

Despite the reliability of the technology, users may face a situation where the scanner stops responding or is working with errors. Most often the cause lies in contamination of the surface of the sensor or screen. Fat spots, dust or water drops interfere with reading. Wipe the scanner area with soft microfiber cloth and check again.

If the physical cleaning didn't work, there may have been a software failure of the biometrics service, in which case it's recommended to restart the device, sometimes it helps to delete old fingerprints and re-register the finger from scratch, the operating system can accumulate errors in the biometrics cache, and full re-registration solves this problem.

In rare cases, the problem may be caused by damage to the scanner plume, especially if the phone has recently fallen or been exposed to moisture.If the scanner on the on button does not respond at all (no vibration or backlighting), and the on-screen version does not light up, you should contact the service center for diagnosis.

Alternative methods of unlocking

If the fingerprint scanner doesn't work for you for some reason, Xiaomi offers an alternative in the form of face unlock, which uses a front-facing camera and artificial intelligence algorithms to recognize the owner, and you can activate it from the same Password and Security menu by selecting "Face unlock."

While this method is less secure than a fingerprint (since the owner's photo can theoretically bypass protection), it is very convenient in situations where hands are busy.Face ID on modern Snapdragon and MediaTek processors is fast enough to avoid delays when the screen is turned on.

Combining security techniques allows you to choose the best scenario for different situations, for example, a fingerprint can be used for payments, and a face unlock for quick access to the desktop. The flexibility of Android settings allows the user to determine their own security priorities.

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The perfect security setting is a combination of complex PIN-Fingerprint for everyday use and face unlocking as a backup method.