Fingerprint settings on Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro: from adding to fixing bugs

Why does the fingerprint scanner on the Mi 10 Pro work differently than on other smartphones?

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is integrated into the screen – it is not just a sensor under glass, but an ultrasonic system that creates a new sensor. 3D-Unlike optical scanners (like the Mi 9 or Redmi Note 11), it's less dependent on skin moisture and better at detecting fingerprints in bright sunshine, but it's the technology that requires fine-tuning. Incorrect addition of a print or contaminated glass can cause failures.

Many users find that the scanner doesn't see the finger the first time or requires several attempts. The reason is often that the sensor area is not sufficiently covered when recording a fingerprint — the ultrasound scanner captures not only the pattern of lines, but also the depth of the grooves, so you need to grab the edges of the finger, not just the center part. In this article, we will discuss how to add the fingerprint correctly, optimize its operation and what to do if the system refuses to recognize your finger.

Prepare the phone before adding a fingerprint

Before you start setting up your biometrics, make sure your Mi 10 Pro is ready for the procedure.

• 📱 On the screen there is a protective film or glass with defects (bubbles, chips in the sensor area).
• 💧 Finger wet, dirty or with residues of cream - ultrasound does not pass through fluids.
• 🔋 Battery level below 20% – the system can interrupt the recording process.
• 🔄 On the phone installed unofficial firmware (for example, customized). MIUI or Global ROM Chinese version).

The best conditions for recording a print:

• 🧼 Wash and dry your hands, remove greasy traces from the screen with a microfiber wipe.
• 🌡️ The temperature of the finger should be close to room temperature (cold hands can reduce accuracy).
• 📶 Turn off the energy saving mode in Settings → Battery.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → If this is your first fingerprint, the system will require you to set up a backup. PIN-code or pattern lock – without it, it will be impossible to unlock the phone when the scanner fails.

Follow the algorithm further:

1. Click Add Fingerprint and enter PIN-proof-code.
2. Place your finger on the scanner area (usually marked by a dot or icon on the screen). Don't press hard, the sensor is triggered by a light touch.
3. Raise and lower your finger until the fill scale reaches 100%. Important: change the angle of your finger so that the system fixes the edges.
4. After recording, the system will offer to configure the actions for the fingerprint (unblocking, confirmation of payments, etc.).

Sensor coverage at least 80% |Finger dry and clean |The screen is not overheated (temperature below 40°C) |Pocket mode is turned off in screen settings-->

If the process is interrupted during the recording phase, press Start Again. Don't leave an incomplete print, which will lead to frequent recognition errors.

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For better accuracy, add the same finger twice at different angles, for example, the right thumb, write down once "flat" (as you usually put on the scanner), and the second time slightly at a 30° angle, which will increase the chances of recognition on the first attempt.

Optimization of the scanner: 5 hidden settings

Even after adding a fingerprint correctly, the scanner can be slow, and MIUI has hidden parameters that speed up recognition.

It’s also worth disabling Smart Lock in Settings → Passwords and Security if it’s active.This feature will automatically unlock your phone in “safe” places (like your home), but may conflict with the fingerprint scanner.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

The error “failed to add a fingerprint” usually occurs for three reasons:

1. Sensor is damaged – check if there are cracks in the area of the scanner (on the Mi 10 Pro it is located at the bottom of the screen).
2. shell conflict – if you’re using a launcher (like Nova Launcher), go back to the standard MIUI Launcher.
3. Corporate policy restrictions – on Android Enterprise work phones, biometrics can be blocked.

If the scanner is "hang" and does not respond to touch:

1. Reboot the phone forcefully (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Clear the cache of the system: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Check if left-handed mode is activated in the screen settings – it can knock down the scan area.

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If you add a print, but the phone only unlocks with 2-3 attempts, the problem is that the sensor is not fully covered when you write, so remove the old print and add it again, paying attention to the edges of the finger.

Security: How to protect data if the scanner is compromised

Ultrasound scanners are considered more secure than optical scanners, but they can also be fooled with high-quality casts to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Use the print only to unlock, and for payments (Google Pay, banking applications) configure PIN-code.
• 📱 Enable Locking after rebooting in Settings → Passwords and security – this will force you to enter PIN every time you turn on the phone.
• 🔄 Regularly (every 3 months) update the prints – over time, the pattern on the finger may change.

If you suspect someone has copied your fingerprint:

1. Delete all biometric data in the settings immediately.
2. Change. PIN-code and passwords from critical services (bank, post, social networks).
3. Check your phone for spyware with Mi Security Scan.

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V MIUI 14+ The "Private Mode" function (Settings) → Passwords and security → Private Mode: It allows you to hide notifications and apps when you unlock your fingerprint, showing them only after you type in. PIN-code.

Comparison with other flagships Xiaomi: which is better?

The Mi 10 Pro’s scanner technology is inherited from the Mi 9 Pro 5G, but with an improved recognition algorithm.

While the Mi 12 Pro unlocks faster, its optical scanner performs less well in bright light and with wet fingers. The Mi 10 Pro ultrasonic sensor is more reliable for everyday use, especially if you wash your hands often or live in humid climates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions