Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 8 offer many ways to protect personal data, but the most convenient and quick is biometric fingerprint unlock. Owners often wonder how to properly activate this feature so that the gadget reacts instantly, not with a delay. The correct initial calibration of the sensor directly affects the speed of the security system in the future.
The process of adding biometric data to MIUI is quite simple, but it requires careful scanning of the edges of the finger pad. Ignoring this step can lead to the fact that the phone will recognize the owner only when the application is perfect, which in real life is rare. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step so that you can configure the device as efficiently as possible.
It’s worth noting that the power button scanner in the Redmi 8 is capacitive, not optical, as in the more expensive flagships. This means that it reads electrical signals from the skin, so the cleanness of the finger and the sensor itself is critical. Dry or wet hands can significantly reduce the percentage of successful unlocking, so it’s better to wipe your palms before setting up.
Preparation for biometrics setup
Before you go directly to the settings menu, you need to make sure that the device has a strong password or pattern lock. Android requires a backup authorization method in case the scanner can not read the fingerprint or after rebooting the device. Without this step, activation of biometrics is impossible.
It is also recommended to wipe the back cover of the smartphone in the area of the power button with a soft cloth. Fat spots or dust can interfere with the reading of the skin pattern. If you use a protective film on the back, make sure that it does not overlap the touch module or has too thick adhesive layer in this area.
Make sure that the battery is at least 20-30%, although the setup process is not energy intensive, suddenly turning off the phone while recording data can cause a software failure in the security module.
☑️ Ready for scanning
Step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint
To start, unlock your Xiaomi Redmi 8 and find the Settings icon on your desktop. You're interested in the section that's usually at the top of the list or called Passwords and Security. Depending on the MIUI shell version, the name may vary slightly, but the essence remains the same.
Inside the menu, select "Unlock by fingerprint" and the system will prompt you to add a new fingerprint by clicking "Add fingerprint", and then the screen will display a schematic image of your finger that you will need to fill in by putting your finger on the scanner.
And then the most important step is that you have to repeatedly put your finger on the sensor, change the angle of inclination. Don't press your finger too hard, with a light enough touch. The system will vibrate or make a sound when you successfully read a new area of skin. Continue the process until the scale reaches 100%.
- 👉 Apply your finger to the central part of the pillow to read the main picture.
- 👉 Tilt your finger left and right to scan the side faces.
- 👉 Be sure to walk along the top and bottom of the print.
- 👉 Change the force of pressing: touch lightly and slightly tighter for calibration.
Once the process is complete, the system will suggest giving a name to a new fingerprint, such as Right thumb, which is especially useful if you plan to add multiple fingerprints or family members, and at the end, it will prompt you to enable the unlock function, which will eliminate the need to swipe or press the button.
Advanced scanner settings
Once the main print is added, the biometrics management menu offers additional features: Redmi 8 owners can use the scanner not only to unlock, but also to log in to applications, allowing you to quickly log in to bank clients or instant messengers without entering passwords.
In the "Using your fingerprint" section, you'll see a list of compatible apps. Just activate a switch in front of a service you want, like Google Pay or SberBank Online, and some apps may require re-assignment within their own security settings.
⚠️ Note: Using a fingerprint for payments may be less secure than entering a PIN if your finger was captured on a high-resolution surveillance camera, although the likelihood of such a hack is extremely low.
Also available on this menu is the Unlock by Fingerprint feature, which can be turned off by leaving the scanner for purchases only. However, in practice it is more convenient to keep this option on. Another useful feature is the ability to manage notifications: a swipe down the scanner can open the notification curtain if this option is supported by the current version of the firmware.
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Screen unlocking | Instant access to the desktop | Included. |
| Payment in annexes | Authorization in banks and shops | Included. |
| Launching applications | Entry to selected programmes | If you wish, |
| Photography | Release of the camera shutter | Off. |
Can I add another person's fingerprint?
Addition of an alternative print
To improve the usability of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 in various situations, it is recommended to add a second, alternative fingerprint of the same finger. This may seem redundant, but this method significantly improves the speed and reliability of unlocking.
The idea is to make a copy of the print, but with a slight change in the angle of application, for example, if you scanned the first print with your phone in your right hand, you could record the second one by simulating the device's grip with your left hand or lying on the couch.
To do this, just press the Add Fingerprint button again in the same menu, call it, for example, "Finger Copy" or "Angle 2." When scanning, try to shift your finger slightly relative to the position you used for the first sample.
- 📱 Write down the print for the position "phone on the table».
- 📱 Write down the print for the position "phone in your pocket».
- 📱 Create a copy in case of skin damage on the finger (scratches, calluses).
This approach allows the system to have more options for comparison, which is especially true for budget sensors, which can be less sensitive than flagship counterparts. Two single-finger profiles often work wonders with the responsiveness of the device.
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If you wear glasses, the face unlock setting (if available) can work worse, so fingerprinting remains the most reliable biometric method for the Redmi 8.
Solving recognition problems
Despite the correct setup, users sometimes face a situation where the Redmi 8 no longer recognizes the owner. Often the reason lies in the banal pollution.Sweat, hand cream or winter dry skin can distort the electrical signal read by the sensor.
If your phone is not responding, try washing and drying your hands thoroughly, and rubbing your scanner. In the cold season, warm your palms because cold skin conducts less current. It's also worth checking if you've put a new protective film on the back that might have shifted.
⚠️ Note: If the scanner started to work with errors after the phone fell or moisture got inside the case, the problem may be hardware.
Software-based, it helps to remove old prints and write them back, sometimes the system accumulates errors in the biometric cache, go to the settings, delete all the saved prints, and repeat the calibration procedure, paying special attention to the edges of the finger.
Another cause of failures may be conflicts with installed themes or third-party launchers that intercept button control. Try to temporarily return a standard MIUI theme and check the sensor's performance in this mode.
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Regularly cleaning the sensor and re-recording the fingerprint every few months helps to maintain a high unlock speed.
Impact of protective accessories
The use of covers and glass is an important aspect of the Xiaomi Redmi 8. Since the scanner is built into the power button on the end or back (depending on the body modification, but in the Redmi 8 it is at the back), thick cases can interfere with the tight fit of the finger.
Some users prefer to cut a hole in the case under the scanner, so as not to remove the protection every time. However, this degrades the appearance and collects dust.
If you use armoured glass on the back, make sure it is not more than 0.3-0.5 mm thick. The thicker glass can shield the signal, making the scanner almost non-working. In such cases, you have to apply your finger with great effort, which is uncomfortable.
| Accessory type | Impact on the scanner | Council |
|---|---|---|
| Thin silicone | Minimum | Use it without fear. |
| Armored glass 0.3mm | Average. | A precise sticker is required. |
| Armored glass >0.5mm | Critical | Better to remove or replace |
| Side-covered | High. | Could be interfering with the press. |
When selecting accessories, always test the biometrics in the store before you buy. If the seller does not allow you to unpack the product, look for reviews about the compatibility of a particular model of the case with the Redmi 8 on the Internet.