Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO offer advanced privacy protection systems, with biometric authorization taking the lead. Using a fingerprint not only allows you to instantly unlock your device, but also confirm payments, hide apps and log into banking services without entering a password. Despite its apparent simplicity, the correct initial calibration of the sensor plays a critical role in the speed and reliability of the entire security system.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of adding biometric keys, look at the subtleties of adjusting the scanner's sensitivity, and answer frequent questions from users. You will learn how to make a device recognize a finger even when there is minor skin damage or gloves. The accuracy of the scan depends on the quality of the data entered, so it is worth taking a few minutes of careful time to do this.
The interface of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS may vary slightly on different models, but the logic of the security system remains the same for the entire ecosystem of the brand. Below is a universal guide that will suit both budget models with a scanner in the on button and for flagships with subscreen sensors.
Preparation for biometrics setup
Before you go directly to the scan, you need to make sure that the device is ready to work with sensitive data. The first step is always to install a reliable digital key — PIN-This is a backup method of access that will be required if the sensor cannot read the fingerprint or after restarting the system.
It is also important to check the cleanness of the sensor surface. If you use a model with a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button, wipe it with a soft cloth. For devices with an Under-display fingerprint, it is recommended to remove the protective film if it is too thick or has damage in the reading area, as this can significantly reduce the quality of recognition.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to adjust the print if your hands are wet, sweaty or heavily polluted. moisture and fat can distort the pattern of papillary lines, which will lead to the creation of an incorrect digital cast.
Make sure the battery is strong enough to adjust, although the process does not require much power. The stable operation of the touchscreen is also important, especially for underscreen scanners, where you need to precisely press the specified area. If the screen is damaged or has "dead zones", the setting can fail.
Step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint
The activation process takes no more than two minutes. Open the main settings menu of your device and find the security section. Depending on the version of the operating system, the path may look like Settings → Passwords and Security or Settings → Additional settings → Advanced. Find “Fingerprint unlock” or “Fingerprint unlock”.
The system will ask you to enter a previously set password or PIN-After you have successfully logged in, click the Add fingerprint button, and animation will appear on the screen, instructing you to put your finger on the sensor. Do not press your finger too hard – light touches give a more accurate result, as they allow you to read the picture from different angles.
☑️ Setup checklist
You can swipe your finger across the surface of the sensor, slightly changing the angle of inclination so that the system counts the edges of the fingerprint, and when the progress bar reaches 100%, the system will suggest naming the profile, for example, "Right big" or "Left index," which is especially useful if you plan to use several fingers to unlock.
- 🖐️ Place your finger on the center, gradually moving to the edges.
- 🔄 Change the angle of your finger in the scanning process for better coverage.
- 📱 For underscreen scanners, press clearly into the center of the illuminated area.
- ✅ After completion, be sure to check the work by blocking the screen.
If the system reports an error or poor quality the first time, don't rush to delete the data. Try adding the same finger again as a second profile called "Duplicate" to make it more likely to be successfully unlocked in difficult conditions.
Features of subscreen and side scanners
The biometrics reading technologies in Xiaomi smartphones are divided into two main types: capacitive (located on the case) and optical/ultrasonic (built into the display). Understanding the differences helps to properly operate the device. Side scanners tend to work faster and do not depend on the brightness of the screen, but take up space on the end of the case.
Subscreen modules, often found in AMOLED-screens that require light glow of the scanning area to illuminate the finger. Such sensors are more sensitive to the quality of the glued protective glass. Hydrogel films usually do not create problems, whereas thick tempered glass may require increased sensitivity in the settings.
Technical differences between sensors
If the phone is on the table, you have to lift it or press it to activate the screen. In subscreen models, you just touch the screen, which is more visually spectacular and modern.
| Characteristics | Side scanner | Underscreen scanner | Rear scanner (outdated). |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location. | Activation button | Inside the display | Back of the hull |
| Speed of operation | Instant. | High (0.2-0.3 sec) | Tall. |
| Working with wet hands | Hard to do. | Impossible (optics) | Hard to do. |
| Impact on design | Integrated into a button | Invisible. | Requires holes |
The type of scanner you choose depends on your smartphone model, but the user experience can be greatly improved by setting it up correctly. If the scanner is slow to respond, try enabling the “Sensitize” option in your settings, if available in your version of MIUI.
Advanced settings and additional functions
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers not just unlocking, but a whole security system. The fingerprint menu often features the Unlock In-App feature, which allows you to hide selected programs (gallery, bank customers, instant messengers) in a second space or simply block their entry with a separate biometric key.
You should also pay attention to the possibility of using a fingerprint to log in to Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and Mi Pay. To do this, you need to select the fingerprint confirmation method in the relevant settings sections instead of the fingerprint confirmation method. PIN-It speeds up the payouts in the stores.
Some firmware versions have the option of "Enlarged fingerprint area," which allows the system to read data not only from the central point, but also from the surrounding areas, which is useful when using covers that cover part of the sensor, activating this feature can slightly increase battery consumption, but improve convenience.
- 🔒 Hide personal photos and files in the “Conductor” through the fingerprint settings.
- 💳 Link biometrics to the Play Market Store for quick purchases.
- 📂 Use the fingerprint to enter the "Guest" or "Second Space" mode».
- ⚙️ Set up vibrations on successful scan for tactile response.
Remember that you can delete old or poorly functioning prints and add new ones at any time.The limit is usually up to 5 finger profiles, allowing you to customize access for trusted individuals or just have backup options for left and right hands.
Resolving recognition problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the smartphone no longer recognizes the owner, a common cause is a software security failure, in which case it helps to clear the cache of the application "Security" or "Settings" through the application management menu. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the desired system process and select "Clear cache".
If the problem persists, the physical characteristics of the finger (brain, cut, severe dry skin) may have changed, in which case it is recommended to remove the old print and register it again. When registering, try to press the sensor slightly stronger than usual to count deeper grooves of the relief.
⚠️ Warning: If the scanner has stopped responding fully (no vibration or glow), this may indicate a hardware breakdown of the plume or module itself, especially if the phone has recently fallen.
Another solution is to reset the network and Bluetooth, as sometimes conflicts of communication modules affect the operation of the periphery. However, a full reset to factory settings should be considered as a last resort, saving all important data in the cloud beforehand.
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If your finger sweats a lot, add two identical fingerprints under different names to your settings, which will double the database for comparison and increase your chances of success.
Check if you have a dark or too bright protective double-glazed unit installed that is not certified to work with a specific type of scanner.Cheap glass can have distortions that make it impossible to read an optical sensor.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I unlock a Xiaomi phone with wet hands?
Is it safe to keep a fingerprint on your phone?
What if I forgot my password and my finger is not readable?
How many prints can you add to Xiaomi?
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Regularly reinstalling the fingerprint (once every six months) helps maintain a high unlock speed, since the skin relief of the fingers can change slightly over time.