InFace on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use Face Recognition

InFace is Xiaomi’s proprietary facial recognition technology that unlocks a smartphone, confirms payments and protects sensitive data. Despite its apparent simplicity, many users face challenges ranging from calibration errors to sudden crashes. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure InFace on Xiaomi devices (including Redmi models, POCO and Mi), avoid typical errors and restore the function if it stops working.

Technology uses technology 3D-face scanning with a front camera and infrared sensor (on supported models), making it more reliable than traditional 2D-But to work properly, you need to adjust the lighting, the angle of the phone, and even -- the cleanness of the camera lens. Then you have detailed instructions with nuances that you don't write about in the official manuals.

Which Xiaomi models support InFace?

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with InFace hardware support.The feature is available on flagships and some mid-segment models released after the launch. 2020 Below is a table of current data (based on the data) MIUI 14/15):

If your model is not listed, check for a feature in the Settings menu. → Passwords and security → Facial recognition: On budget devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or POCO M6) InFace is often missing due to lack of an IR sensor.

⚠️ Attention: On models with 2D-The function may not work in a stable way in bright sunlight or in complete darkness, in such cases it is recommended to use a fingerprint as a backup method.

Step-by-step setting up InFace on Xiaomi

To activate facial recognition, follow the following steps: Make sure the phone has the latest version installed. MIUI (Update through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Facial Recognition (or InFace on new firmware).
3. Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password (if not installed, the system will offer to create a).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: Keep your phone at eye level, and provide uniform lighting.
5. Repeat the scan 2-3 times to improve accuracy.

After successful configuration, the system will prompt you to choose where InFace will be used:

• 🔓 Screen unlocking
• 💳 Payment confirmation (in Mi Pay, Google Pay)
• 🔐 Access to secure folders (Private Safe)
• 📱 Autocomplete passwords in applications

Make sure the front camera is clean (wipe with a napkin)

Disable energy saving mode (can block sensors)

Remove the cover or film covering the camera

Make sure there are no glasses with tinted glasses or masks on your face-->

If the scanning error is "Too dark" or "Face unrecognized", try:

• 💡 Move to a more illuminated place (but not under direct sunlight).
• 🔄 Turn the phone so that the camera is at eye level.
• 🧴 Remove makeup or accessories covering part of the face (such as large earrings).

Why InFace doesn’t work: Typical problems and solutions

Even after a successful setup, InFace may not recognize a face, and here are the most common reasons and ways to address them:

Critical error: If InFace is missing from the menu after resetting, it can mean damage to the system files, in which case only flashing through Fastboot (instruction below) will help.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, POCO X5 Pro after updating to MIUI 15 InFace may temporarily shut down, due to algorithm optimization, wait 1-2 days or manually update the Google Play Security app.

Every day.

Only to unlock.

I rarely prefer a fingerprint.

There are problems, I don't use them.-->

How can I improve the accuracy of recognition?

If InFace works but sometimes gets it wrong, try these ways:

1. Add an alternate face. Go to Settings. → Facial recognition → Add facial data and scan again with a different angle or lighting.
2. Calibrate the sensors. Type ##6484## into the engineering menu, select Test Face. ID and follow the instructions.
3. Clear the security app data. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Security → Warehouse → Clear the data. Attention: this will reset all the saved faces!
4. Update the firmware of the camera. On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) InFace bugs are fixed through the camera module update. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Update packages.

If you wear glasses, add a separate face profile with glasses.

1. Go to Settings. → Facial recognition → Add personal data.
2. Put on your glasses and take a scan.
3. Repeat the procedure in other lighting (such as artificial and natural light).

💡

If you change your hairstyle or grow a beard frequently, update your facial data in InFace every 2-3 months. The algorithm adapts to changes, but radical changes in appearance can reduce the accuracy of recognition.

InFace vs. Fingerprint: Which is safer?

Many users are questioning which unlock method is more reliable, and compare InFace and the fingerprint scanner to the key criteria:

For maximum security, a combination of methods is recommended: for example, InFace to unlock during the day and fingerprint in the dark or in the cold (with hands in gloves). → Passwords and security → Unlocking methods.

How to Reset or Delete InFace Data?

If you want to remove a saved face (for example, when selling a phone) or reconfigure the feature, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-code.
3. Click Delete Face Data (or Reset on some firmware).
4. Confirm the action.

If the Delete Face Data item is missing, try:

• 🔄 Reset security settings: Settings → Passwords and security → Additionally. → Resetting security settings.
• 📱 Delete the cache of the "Security" application: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Security → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K60) After resetting InFace, you may need to restart your phone to reappear on the menu. If you don't, check if the developer mode is disabled (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).

InFace and privacy: What does Xiaomi know about your face?

Many users worry that these faces may be shared with third parties, and Xiaomi says that facial patterns are stored locally in a Trusted Execution Environment and not sent to the company’s servers.

• 🔒 In the models with 3D-Recognition (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) data is encrypted hardware and not available even for the most MIUI.
• 🌐 On budget devices with 2D-Image processing through the cloud to improve algorithms (but not storage).
• 📱 When using InFace for payments (e.g. Mi Pay), data may be temporarily transferred to the bank for verification.

To minimize the risks:

• 🛡️ Turn off Cloud Recognition Improvement in InFace settings (if there is one).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions improve protection of biometric data.
• 📵 Do not use InFace for mission-critical operations (e.g. accessing banking applications) if you have a model with a specific 2D-discernment.

💡

The data stored in InFace cannot be retrieved even when root access is stored encrypted in a separate security chip, but this does not protect against physical access to your phone if an attacker can forcefully unlock your face (for example, while sleeping).

FAQ: Frequent questions about InFace on Xiaomi