Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users advanced methods of protecting personal data, among which biometric authentication occupies a leading position. Using a fingerprint to unlock the screen significantly speeds up access to the system and increases the level of privacy compared to a graphical key.
The process of recording biometric data in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS is standardized, but has its own nuances depending on the version of the android. Correct tuning requires care, because the quality of scanning depends on the speed and reliability of the sensor in the future. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to adjust the biometrics in a few minutes.
Preparation for biometrics setup
Before you start directly registering a fingerprint, you need to make sure that the device is ready to work with biometric data. The first step is always to install a reliable way to backup unlock, since the Android system requires an alternative method in case the scanner does not recognize the finger, this can be a PIN, a pattern lock or a complex password.
It is also worth checking the cleanliness of the sensor surface and your hands. Fat spots, moisture or contamination can significantly reduce the reading quality, which will lead to errors on the first run. If you use a protective glass, make sure that it does not overlap the scanning area and has no damage in the center.
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Rub the scanner and finger with a dry soft cloth before setting up – this will improve the accuracy of the reading by 20-30%.
It is important to understand that the function requires the appropriate hardware module in the design of the smartphone. On most Xiaomi models, the sensor is integrated into the on button or located on the back of the logo. In budget models with LCD screens, the scanner may be missing, and then only face unlock is available.
Activation of the function in the settings menu
To start the setup process, you'll need to go to the main configuration menu of the system, find the Settings icon on your desktop or in the notification curtain and open it. In the list of parameters, you need to find the section responsible for security and data protection of the device.
Depending on the firmware version, the path may vary slightly. Current versions of HyperOS and recent MIUI updates often have the menu in a separate item or inside the Passwords and Security tab, and that's where all the settings related to accessing the phone are stored.
Find the Unlock by fingerprint and click on it. The system will request proof of identity, so you will have to enter a previously set password or draw a pattern lock. Without this step, access to biometric data is blocked for security reasons.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the screen unlock password, it will be impossible to restore access to your fingerprint settings without resetting your device data.
Once you've successfully logged in, the biometrics control screen will open, and here you'll see the switch that you want to activate, and the system will prompt you to add your first fingerprint by running the appropriate setup wizard.
Fingerprint registration process
Once the function is activated, an animation will appear on the screen that suggests putting your finger on the sensor. Take your time, do the actions sequentially. Put your finger pad on the scanner, wait for a light vibration and remove your finger. Repeat this action, changing the angle of inclination slightly each time.
The system will fill in the progress indicator, showing the percentage of execution, and it's important to scan not only the center of the finger, but also the edges of the finger, so that the smartphone can recognize your fingerprint even when you hold the device in your hand in a non-standard way.
☑️ Rules of qualitative scanning
When you're 100 percent progress, the system will report that you've successfully added a fingerprint, and you can give it a name like "Right Big" to distinguish between the records if you're planning to add a few fingers, and then the phone will prompt you to test the work immediately by locking the screen.
To make unlocking more reliable, it is recommended to add a second fingerprint of the same finger or a thumbprint of the other hand, especially if you use your phone with one hand.
Additional features and settings
The biometrics functionality on Xiaomi devices goes beyond simply unlocking the screen, and there are a number of useful options available in the fingerprint management menu that extend usage scenarios, and you can allow the use of the fingerprint to be authenticated in applications and payment systems.
One of the most convenient features is the ability to take a picture of the camera by pressing the scanner when the screen is off, which allows you to instantly capture an important moment without wasting time unlocking and launching the camera application.
There's also an option called "Apply" available, and when you get an incoming call, just touching the sensor will turn off the sound and answer the call, which is very convenient when the phone is on the table or in your pocket.
Hidden functions of the scanner
The table below shows the main settings available in the print menu:
| Parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Add a print. | Registration of a new biometric key | Add 2 fingers. |
| Unlocking | Use for logging in | Included. |
| Annexes | Protecting access to selected programs | For banks and photos |
| Screenshot. | Creating a touch screenshot | If you wish, |
Using a fingerprint for applications and payments
Privacy is a priority for most users. Xiaomi smartphones allow you to use your fingerprint not only to log in, but also to protect individual applications. You can hide the contents of a gallery, notes or messengers from prying eyes.
To set up, go to Application Protection inside the security menu, select the programs that should be restricted, and when you try to open the application, the system will ask for confirmation with a fingerprint or password.
In addition, biometrics is widely used in payment systems: Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and banking applications support fingerprint authentication, which eliminates the need to enter a long card password every time you pay in a store.
⚠️ Note: To work with fingerprint payment in banking applications, you must also include this option in the settings of the banking application itself.
Payment settings require separate attention, make sure that the fingerprint verification method is selected in the NFC settings and in the bank application, sometimes after the system update, the settings are reset and re-assignment is required.
Deletion and management of stored data
You may need to remove the fingerprint you saved during operation, and that's true if you're selling the phone, transferring it to another user, or just want to update your biometrics, and you can do it in the same menu where you set it up.
Click on the name of the saved fingerprint in the list. The control window will open where the Delete button will be available. The system will require password-confirmed unlocking to prevent an attacker from accidentally deleting data.
You can selectively delete fingerprints, leaving others active, which is convenient if you temporarily give the phone to a family member and want to limit it to your profile by deleting your data, or vice versa.
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Removing the fingerprint does not affect other phone data, but makes it impossible to unlock biometrically before adding a new fingerprint.
Once removed, the biometrics are erased from the protected memory area of the processor, and the remote fingerprint cannot be recovered, and it will have to be re-recorded from scratch, going through the entire scanning cycle.
Solutions and malfunctions
Despite the reliability of the technology, users may experience problems with the scanner, the most common complaint is that the phone stops responding to the finger or unlocks with a delay, often due to software failure or contamination.
If the scanner is unstable, try restarting the device, which clears temporary files and restarts the system services that handle biometrics, and in most cases, this solves the buggy sensor problem.
If a simple reboot doesn't work, you can try to remove the old print and register it again. When you re-register, try to press the sensor with different forces and angles to create a more complete profile.
What to do if the scanner is not working?
If nothing works, it may be a hardware problem, and damage to the plume or the sensor itself requires a service center, and the software methods will be powerless.