Xiaomi’s current smartphones have become the security standard, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro is no exception, offering users strong privacy protection. However, when they first get acquainted with the device or switch from another brand, owners often face the question of the exact location of the biometric sensor, which is quite natural, given the variety of design solutions in the mobile industry in recent years.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where exactly the fingerprint scanner on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is, how to activate it correctly and what to do if it stops responding to touch. Understanding the physical characteristics of your gadget is the first step to its comfortable use.
We will also touch on the technical details of the capacitive sensor used in this model, and compare it with more modern optical analogues, which will help you better understand the way the device works and avoid common errors in use.
Physical location of the biometric sensor
On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, the fingerprint scanner is integrated directly into the device’s body, rather than the screen, as is the case in flagship models. It sits on the side of the device, combined with the power button, a solution Xiaomi engineers chose to optimize production costs and improve the response speed of the system.
Specifically, the sensor is on the right side of the smartphone, if you look at it from the front (screen to yourself), it is an oblong button that is mechanically embedded in the frame of the case, pressing this button, you turn on or unlock the screen, and with a light touch, you read the papillary pattern.
And the important thing to note is that the readout area doesn't occupy the entire surface of the button, but rather the top of the button, which is closer to the top end of the device, and that's where you have to put your finger to successfully log in, and the mechanical button has a tactile stroke, so you can easily touch the edge of the button.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try (strongly) to push the scanner button when unlocking.To read a touch that is light enough and short enough, excessive pressure can damage the button mechanism.
Differences from Screen Scanner and Other Models
Many users who are moving from more expensive models or other brands are mistakenly looking for a scanner under the screen. The Redmi Note 9 Pro uses capacitive scanning technology that requires a finger to physically contact the sensor on the body. This is different from optical scanners built into the display that illuminate the finger with light.
The main advantage of this arrangement is speed and reliability. The side scanner on Xiaomi is almost independent of the state of the screen, the presence of protective film or the brightness of the ambient light. You do not need to look for the unlock zone on the black screen with your eyes - the hand finds the button on the edge by inertia.
In addition, the combination with the power button frees up useful space on the back of the device. Unlike the older models, where the scanner took place under the camera, here the design of the back cover remains clean and symmetrical, which is especially appreciated by fans of minimalism.
Instructions for setting up the fingerprint
To start using biometric protection, you need to set up the system first, the process takes only a couple of minutes and requires careful scanning, and before you start, make sure your hands are clean and dry, as moisture can make reading difficult.
Go to your device's settings menu, and you need to find the password and security section, and here the system will suggest you create a digital password, which will be a backup login method if the scanner doesn't work.
Once you have the password, the system will suggest adding a fingerprint, follow the instructions on the screen, putting your finger on the side button with different faces, and this is necessary to create a full-fledged fingerprint. 3D-model of your finger.
☑️ Setup of biometrics
Characteristics table of the scanner Redmi Note 9 Pro
To better understand the technical capabilities of your device, consider the main parameters of the sensor used, which will help to assess the speed and reliability of data protection on your smartphone.
| Parameter | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type of scanner | Capacitive | Reads the electric charge of the finger |
| Location. | Side-face | Integrated into the power button |
| Unlock speed | 0.3 sec | Instant reaction when touching |
| Number of profiles | Up to 5. | You can add fingers of different hands. |
As you can see from the table, response speed is one of the strengths of this model: Capacity technology delivers high accuracy, minimizing false positives, and is critical to protecting payment data and personal correspondence.
Additional functions of the side button
The button that the scanner is built into is a multifunctional control, and in addition to unlocking, it is responsible for turning the device on and off, and also puts the smartphone into sleep mode with a short press. Long-term clamping calls the emergency call menu or voice assistant.
The MIUI shell also features a quick application launch feature, so you can double-press the lock button to start the camera or voice recorder even when the screen is off, which greatly speeds up access to frequently used features.
How do you set up a double tap?
However, be careful with sensitivity settings, if you often carry your phone in a narrow pocket, random double taps can cause unwanted applications to launch, in which case it is better to turn off the function.
Possible problems and methods of solving them
Despite its reliability, users may experience a situation where the scanner is no longer recognizing the finger, most often due to contamination of the sensor surface or the skin of the finger, fat, sweat or dust create a barrier between the finger and the sensor, disrupting electrical contact.
If you can't wipe it, try removing the old print and writing it back, and if you do that again, try to put your finger at different angles and use the parts of the pad you normally use to unlock it, which will improve the accuracy of the recognition.
In rare cases, the problem may be a software failure: Rebooting the device often solves the problem of temporary driver malfunction, and if the scanner does not work even after resetting, there may be a hardware failure of the plume.
⚠️ Warning: If the scanner stopped working after the phone fell or moisture hit, don't try to dry it with a hair dryer.Take the device to a service center, as moisture could damage the internal contacts.
Alternative methods of unlocking
If fingerprinting is not possible for some reason, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro offers other protection options, the most common being face unlock, and the camera reads the user's face settings and compares them to the saved benchmark.
Although less safe than biometrics, it's convenient in situations where hands are busy or dirty, and it works fast enough in good light, and you can always type a pattern lock or a digital key. PIN-code.
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To improve the security of financial transactions in banking applications, it is recommended to use a fingerprint, and not unlocking the face, since it is less protected from forgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I unlock my phone with gloves?
Does the security glass affect the scanner?
What if the scanner is triggered once?
Is it safe to keep a fingerprint on your phone?
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The side scanner in the Redmi Note 9 Pro is a balance between speed, reliability and ergonomics that, when set up correctly, provides instant access to the device.