Xiaomi Redmi 8T is one of the most popular budget smartphones with support for fingerprint scanner. This feature not only speeds up unlocking, but also adds a level of security to protect personal data from outsiders. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the sensor does not recognize the finger, the system emits errors, or the scanner is unstable. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint, consider typical problems and give recommendations on how to avoid failures.
It's important to understand that the Redmi 8T scanner is on the back, and it's an optical capacitive sensor that reads the topography of your finger. Unlike the flagship ultrasonic scanners, it's sensitive to moisture, dirt and skin damage. So you need to consider a few things before you set up, from the right position of your finger to the cleanness of the sensor. If you haven't used biometric authorization before, our tips will help you avoid common mistakes.
Preparing the smartphone for setting up the fingerprint
Before you add a print, make sure your Redmi 8T is ready for the procedure.Here are key points that are often overlooked:
- 🔋 The battery must be at least 20% charged. If the battery is discharged, the system may interrupt the adjustment process.
- 🧼 Clean sensor and finger. Wash the scanner with a dry wipe, and wash your hands with soap - fat, sweat or cream interfere with reading.
- 🔒 Whether identified PIN-code or pattern lock. without them, you can't add a fingerprint (this is a security requirement). MIUI).
- 📱 Updated software. Old versions. MIUI I've had scanner bugs. Check firmware relevance in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
Pay special attention to the pattern lock or PIN-If you use a simple password (e.g., 1234), the system may block the addition of a fingerprint due to the low security level, in which case you will have to change the code to a more complex one (at least 6 characters). Also make sure that the finger you are scanning is free of cuts, calluses or severe scratches – they distort the print pattern.
Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint
Now, let's get to the process. Follow the instructions carefully, because every step is important for the scanner to work properly.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Passwords and Security section.
- Select the fingerprint item.
- Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
- Press Add Fingerprint.
- Follow the on-screen tips: Put your finger on the sensor until the scale is 100% full.
- After a successful scan, assign a name (e.g., “Indicative Right”) to the fingerprint and save it.
When you scan, don't press hard on the sensor -- just a little touch is enough -- and don't move your finger randomly, because the system asks you to apply it at different angles for accurate recognition, and if you have a "failed to recognize fingerprint" error at some point, wipe the sensor and finger, and then try again.
P.IN-code or pattern lock is installed and remembered|
Sensor and finger clean and dry |
No damage or severe calluses on the finger |
The phone is charged at least 20 times%-->
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even after a successful setup, the scanner may not work as well, and consider the most common problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The scanner doesn't recognize the fingerprint. | Dirt on the sensor or finger, skin damage | Wipe the sensor with an alcohol napkin, wash your hands. If your finger is damaged, add another. |
| A fingerprint is added but will not unlock the phone | Incomplete scan (scale not 100% full) | Remove the print and add again, watching the scale fill. |
| The scanner works once. | Sensor wear, outdated firmware | Update the software or calibrate the sensor (see the next section). |
| Error "Fine scanner not responding" | Hardware failure or system glitch | Reset your phone. If it doesn't work, reset your security settings. |
If the scanner stopped working after the phone fell or moisture got in, the problem is probably hardware, and if you change the sensor in the service center, then try resetting the security settings before you visit the workshop: go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Reset security settings, which will delete all fingerprints and passwords, but can bring the scanner back to life.
What if the scanner is not working after the MIUI update?
How to remove or change your fingerprint
If you want to remove an old print (for example, due to recognition errors) or add a new one, do the following:
- Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
- Enter. PIN-proof-code.
- Click on the print you want to remove and select Remove.
- To add a new fingerprint, click Add Fingerprint and repeat the scanning procedure.
Tip: If you use your phone with gloves or wet hands often, add a few fingerprints of one finger at different angles, which will increase the chances of successful unlocking, and you can also give your fingerprints clear names (e.g., Big Left in Winter, Pointing Right in Summer) to make it easier to navigate.
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If the scanner doesn't read the print well in winter, try adding it in a warm room, and the cold narrows the blood vessels, and the skin pattern may change slightly, leading to recognition errors.
Additional security settings
A fingerprint is a convenient, but not the most reliable way to protect yourself. To improve security, adjust additional settings:
- 🔐 Two-step authentication. Enable the requirement PIN-code after restarting the phone: Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint. → Required. PIN-launcher.
- 📱 Limit unlock. c Settings → The lock screen can be set to automatically lock after 5-30 seconds of inactivity.
- 🚫 No unlock in your pockets. Enable Settings option → Display. → Locking in your pocket to avoid accidental touch.
Important: If you use your fingerprint to log in to banking applications (like Sberbank or Tinkoff), make sure that the app settings allow biometrics. Otherwise, you have to enter your password every time. Also remember that Redmi 8T scanner does not support multiple finger recognition at once, only one at a time.
What to do if the scanner is completely broken
If the fingerprint sensor stopped responding to touches and resetting and resetting settings didn’t help, the following reasons are possible:
- 💥 Physical damage (fall, impact, moisture intrusion).
- 🔌 Disconnection of the sensor plume (often happens after disassembling the phone).
- 🖥️ Software failure (for example, after a failed update).
In the first two cases, you will need to replace the sensor in the service center, the cost of repair usually does not exceed 1,500-2,000 rubles (2026).
- Reset your phone to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).
- Swipe your device through Fastboot (instructions are available on the 4PDA or Xiaomi Community forums).
- Reverse to the old version of MIUI if the failure occurred after the update.
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Before visiting the service center, check if the warranty period for your Redmi 8T has expired. If the phone is warranty, repairs can be free (provided that the damage is not mechanical).