Xiaomi’s current smartphones offer a wide range of privacy protection tools, with fingerprint scanning taking the lead.This biometric technology provides fast access to the device and payment confirmation, but not all users are comfortable with it or require it all the time. Sometimes it becomes necessary to deactivate the feature due to technical failures, the desire to use only a pattern lock or security requirements when transferring the gadget to another person.
The process of disabling biometrics in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS has its own nuances that are important to consider, so as not to lose access to the device. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for different versions of the operating system, consider possible errors when deleting data and answer frequently asked questions. Careful follow the instructions will allow you to quickly adjust the security settings to your current needs without the risk of locking the phone.
Why you might need to shut down biometrics
The main reason users tend to remove the fingertips is the unstable operation of the sensor. Scanners built into the power button or screen can become contaminated, react to moisture or simply have a factory defect, which leads to constant false denials of access, in which cases forced use of the password becomes the only way to comfortably use the gadget.
Another scenario involves handing over the device: If you give the phone to a child, a relative, or a repair, having your biometrics poses a potential privacy risk, and even if you have confidence in the person, accidentally unlocking the screen can lead to the removal of important messages or changes in settings.
⚠️ Note: Before removing your fingerprint, make sure you remember your digital password, PIN-Android requires an alternative unlock method, and without it, logging into the menu may become impossible.
Some banking applications or corporate profiles may conflict with certain biometric authorization methods, requiring them to be completely disabled to ensure that secure features function properly. In rare cases, users simply prefer classical input methods, considering them more reliable in the long run.
Preparing for changes in security settings
Before you make changes to system settings, you need to do a number of preparatory steps, which ensures that the process goes smoothly and the data remains safe. The first step should always be to back up important data, although deleting a fingerprint does not erase files by itself, accidental resetting of settings during manipulation can be dangerous.
Make sure your Redmi or POCO smartphone has a battery charge of at least 30-40%.Suddenly turning off your device when you overwrite your system security files can lead to software errors.It is also recommended to turn off the Internet to avoid background synchronization of your Google or Mi Account account during the setup process.
☑️ Preparation for biometrics shutdown
It’s important to know where the menu item you want is, because settings may vary depending on the firmware version. In the new HyperOS updates, the security interface has been partially redesigned for more intuitiveness, but the basic logic has remained the same. If you have a third-party antivirus with application blocking, it should also be temporarily suspended.
Removing fingerprints in MIUI and HyperOS
The standard procedure for removing biometric data in the shells from Xiaomi is quite simple and takes no more than a minute. First, you need to unlock the device using the current method (fingerprint, if it still works, or password), then go to the main settings menu, which is usually indicated by a gear.
In the settings menu, find the security section, depending on the version of the interface, it can be called Passwords and Security or simply Security. Inside this section, select Unlock by fingerprint. The system will request proof of identity, so enter your digital code or pattern lock.
Settings -> Passwords and Security -> Unlock by fingerprint -> DeleteOnce you log into the fingerprint management menu, you'll see a list of saved fingers (e.g., "Finger 1", "Finger 2"). Click on the name of the fingerprint you want. A detailed window will open where you'll see the Remove button or the basket icon. Confirm action in the pop-up window. If you want to delete all data, you can use the "Delete all fingerprints" feature.
What to do if the removal button is inactive?
Configuring alternative protection methods
Once the finger scanner is disabled, the phone will not be left without protection, because the system will forcibly require the use of another method. PIN-It is recommended to choose the exact option that you used when you originally set up the device.
If you want to change your current password to a more complex one or simplify it, you can do it in the same password and security menu. Select Screen Lock or Screen Password. There are options for changing the type of protection available. For maximum security, experts advise using a mixed password of numbers and letters.
| Type of protection | Level of security | Usability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| pattern lock | Medium. | High. | For basic protection against accidental access |
| PIN-code (4-6 figure) | Medium/High | High. | The optimal balance of speed and protection |
| Password (mixed) | Maximum | Low. | To store critical data |
| Print (if included) | High-pitched | Maximum. | For daily use |
Password complexity is not to be neglected, especially if biometrics are disabled. Simple combinations like 1234 or 0000 are easily picked up by attackers. Android allows you to create passwords up to 16 or more characters in length, making them virtually immune to brute-force attacks.
Solving problems with fingerprint removal
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the system does not allow to delete the fingerprint or constantly gives an error when trying to log in to the security menu, this can be caused by corrupting system files or conflicting access rights. First of all, try to reboot your smartphone. Often this simple action eliminates temporary software failures.
If the reboot didn’t work, the problem may be the superuser rights (Root) that if you have extended permissions on your device, some system applications may block the change in security settings, in which case you need to check the settings of the SuperSU or Magisk application and temporarily disable them.
⚠️ Note: If the security settings menu is constantly crashed or closed immediately after opening, this may indicate a deep system failure.
Also worth checking for system updates. Xiaomi developers regularly release patches that fix bugs in the security modules. Go to About Phone and click on the shell version to check for a new version of the software. Installing current firmware often solves problems with the incorrect operation of sensors and menus.
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If standard methods fail to remove the fingerprint, try to boot into Safe Mode, which will disable third-party applications that may block system functions.
Features of the scanner in different models
Different Xiaomi smartphone models come with different types of scanners, and this affects the process of setting them up. Devices with subscreen scanners (for example, the Xiaomi 13, 14 series) use optical or ultrasonic technologies that require calibration. In such models, fingerprint removal can take a little longer due to the recalculation of biometric patterns.
Smartphones with a side scanner built into the power button (Budget Redmi Note series, POCO M) work in a simple way: they are less prone to software errors, but more sensitive to physical damage to the button. When removing a fingerprint on such models, it is important not to push the button too hard when navigating the menu.
Flagship line owners may encounter advanced biometrics, which uses face and fingerprint data simultaneously to access banking applications. If one component is disabled, the system may require the other to be reconfigured to maintain compatibility with secure services.
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If you change cases on your phone often, make sure they don't overshadow the fingerprint sensor.The thick security glass can also reduce the scanner's sensitivity, causing you to enter a password more often.