How to set up a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: instructions with photos and tips

The fingerprint scanner on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is not just a convenient way to unlock, but also an additional level of protection for personal data. However, many users face problems when first setting up: the sensor does not recognize the finger, the system gives an error “failed to add a fingerprint”, or the scanner works every time. In this article, we will analyze all the steps of adding a fingerprint, from preparing the screen to solving typical crashes.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro uses an optical scanner under the screen, not an ultrasonic scanner (as in Samsung’s flagships), which means that the sensor needs to take into account nuances: finger moisture, screen protection and even the angle of application. We tested the process on MIUI 14 (Android 12) and identified key points that the manufacturer does not mention in the official documentation.

If you've just upgraded your firmware or reset your phone to factory settings, the scanner may need to be reset, and check if the power saving mode is on, which sometimes blocks the biometric sensors, and then we'll take a step-by-step look at how to avoid errors and set up the first time to unlock.

Prepare the phone before adding a fingerprint

Before you start setting up your scanner, make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro is ready for the procedure.

🔋 Battery charge at least 20%. With low charge, the system can interrupt the process.
📱 The screen is clean and dry, and fat spots or moisture interfere with the optical sensor.
🔒 It's on the phone. PIN-A code, a pattern lock, or a password. You can't add a fingerprint without it.
📲 Updated firmware. Old versions. MIUI There were scanner bugs (for example, in the MIUI 12.0.3).

The optical scanner on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is sensitive to the thickness of the protection: if the film is too thick or has bubbles in the sensor area (usually at the bottom of the screen), recognition will fail. The manufacturer recommends using only certified Xiaomi accessories marked "Compatible with In-Display Fingerprint".

Also check if features that interfere with the scanner are included:

🌙 Dark theme mode with maximum brightness can affect sensor accuracy.
👆 The function "Rise to wake up" (Settings) → Screen. → Raise to wake up sometimes conflicts with the scanner.

📊 How often do you use a print to unlock?

Always.

Only for payments

Rarely.

Never.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully, because skipping the steps can lead to the error "Can't add a fingerprint."

Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprints.
Enter yours. PIN-proof-code.
Click Add Fingerprint and select a finger (e.g., right index hand).
Place your finger on the scanner area (the bottom of the screen where the backlight flashes). Hold until vibrating.
Raise your finger and put it back on – the system requests multiple touches for a full scan.
When you get to 100%, click Ready.

The key is, don't push the screen. The optical scanner fires a light touch. If you press your finger too hard, the sensor may not recognize the pattern. Also, avoid moving your finger during the scan, which leads to a "Too fast" error.

Finger dry and clean |

Screen without scratches in the sensor area |

The phone does not overheat (temperature below 40).°C)|

Power saving mode is off.-->

If the message “Prince not recognized” appears at the addition step, try:

🧴 Rub your finger and screen with an alcohol napkin (without pile).
🔄 Reboot the phone and repeat the process.
📱 Use the other finger (sometimes the skin features interfere with the scans).

Configure additional parameters of the scanner

After adding a fingerprint, we recommend optimizing its work through additional settings:

Turn on the option “Unlock when the screen is off” (Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprints → Additional) This will speed up access to the phone.
Activate Use for Payments if you use Xiaomi Pay or Google Pay.
Turn off "Unlock Vibration" if it interferes with you (this does not affect the accuracy of the scanner).

MIUI also has a hidden speed recognition feature to activate it:

Go to Settings. → The phone.
5 times press "Version" MIUI", to enable the developer mode.
Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Find the item "Fineprint Optimization" and turn it on.

This option reduces the delay between touching and unlocking, but can slightly increase battery consumption.

💡

If the scanner is unstable, add the same finger twice at different angles.The system will use both patterns to improve accuracy.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after setting up correctly, Redmi Note 8 Pro users are facing problems, and here are the most common ones and fixes:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
"Failure to add a print"	Dirty sensor or finger, thick film	Clean your screen and finger, remove the protection.
The scanner doesn't respond to the touch.	Software failure or conflict with the application	Reboot your phone in Safe Mode
It only recognizes 3-5 attempts.	Low lighting or low charge	Charge your phone to 50%+ and increase the brightness of the screen
"Transport changed" after the update	Resetting MIUI security settings	Remove old prints and add them again.

The "fingerprint scanner is not responding" error is particularly noteworthy, and it often occurs after a phone falls or moisture is injected.

Check if the sensor plume is moving away (disassembly will be required).
Update your firmware through Fastboot if the usual update doesn’t help.
Reset the settings to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).

What if the scanner stopped working after the update?

If the prints are no longer recognized after the update MIUI, This is due to changing the sensor drivers. Try: 1. Delete all saved fingerprints. 2. Clear the cache of the com.android.settings app through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → 3. roll back to the previous firmware version (if the error is critical).

How to Improve Accuracy of Recognition

If the scanner works but often gets it wrong, use these tips:

🧴 Moisturize your skin before the scan (but not with wet hands!) Dry skin reduces pattern contrast.
🔦 Increase the brightness of the screen to 70%+ — Optical sensor depends on lighting.
📱 Add one finger at different angles (e.g., "right hand pointer" and "right hand pointer - side touch").
🔄 Regularly update templates (remove the old print and add again once in a while). 3-6 months).

For users with rough or damaged skin (for example, after burns or mechanical injuries), we recommend:

Use high sensitivity mode (includes through Settings → Special features → Physical features → Sensitivity of fingerprints).
Scan your finger wet (moisten slightly with water and wipe almost dry).

If you wear gloves or have medical limitations (like eczema), set up alternative unlocking methods: facial recognition or Smart Lock (automatic unlocking in trusted places).

Security: How to protect data when using fingerprints

A fingerprint is convenient, but it's not as safe as it looks. PIN-It can't be changed if the data is compromised. Here are the key precautions:

🔐 Always set up a backup. PIN-The code is more complex than 1234 or date of birth.
🚫 Do not add fingerprints of other people (even close ones).
📱 Turn off "Unlock when the screen is off" if the phone is often left unattended.
🔄 Check the list of saved fingerprints (Settings) regularly → Passwords and security → Fingerprints).

Important: MIUI has a vulnerability that allows you to bypass the lock screen through an emergency call (in older versions of the firmware) to close it:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Find the phone and turn off the permission to appear on top of other windows.

Also remember that a fingerprint is not as securely encrypted as a fingerprint. PIN-If you force your phone to unlock (for example, at the border), law enforcement may require you to provide biometrics.

Can I copy the print from the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Theoretically, yes, but it requires physical access to the phone and specialized equipment (e.g., a phone or a phone, 3D-permit-scanner >1000 DPI). In everyday life, this is almost impossible, but hackers can trick an optical sensor with high-quality photos of a finger on transparent film").

Alternative methods of unlocking

If the fingerprint scanner on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is unstable or you need additional security options, consider alternatives:

Method	Pluses	Cons
Facial recognition	Fast, works in the dark (with IR lighting)	Less security, doesn't work with a mask
PIN-code/password	Maximum protection, mandatory for encryption	Longer to inject
pattern lock	Comfortable for muscle memory	Easy to see, limited number of combinations
Smart Lock (Trusted Devices)	Automatic unlock near a smartwatch or at home	Risk of Accidental Unblocking in Public Places

To adjust facial recognition:

Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to turn your head in different directions).
Activate the option "Improved recognition in the dark" (uses an IR camera).

If you choose Smart Lock, add trusted devices via Settings → Google → Smart Lock. For example, you can set up automatic unlock when you connect to your home Wi-Fi network or when your Mi Band or Redmi Watch is nearby.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fingerprint scanner

Can I add a fingerprint without a fingerprint? PIN-code?

No, it's an Android security limitation. You need to install it first. PIN-code, password or pattern lock (Settings) → Passwords and security → Screen locking).

The scanner stopped working after the screen was replaced.

Most likely, damaged the sensor plume or installed a non-original screen without the support of an optical scanner. ~1500-2500₽).

How to remove someone else's fingerprints if the phone is bought from hands?

Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Fingerprints, enter your own. PIN-code and delete all the fingerprints that were saved, if the previous owner had installed his PIN, Make a reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).

Why does the scanner only work after restarting?

This is a sign of a sensor driver failure. Try: Clear the system cache (Settings → Memory → Clean → Cash); roll back the MIUI update (if the problem has occurred after the update); Set up custom recovery (such as TWRP) and flash Fingerprint Fix.

Can I use a scanner to log in to banking applications?

Yes, but only if the app supports biometric authentication via Android Biometric API. For example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff need to enable the “Figury Login” option in the application security settings. Please note that some banks (for example, VTB) require confirmation of the application. PIN-code at the first login after restarting the phone.

If your question isn’t covered in the article, check the official Xiaomi documentation for the Redmi Note 8 Pro or contact support via the Mi Community app. Remember that the scanner’s work depends on the state of the firmware – regularly update MIUI through Settings → About Phone → System Update.