How to completely disable the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment with a reliable fingerprint scanner, but there are situations when the user needs to disable or remove saved prints: sale of the phone, sensor failure, switch to the device. PIN-Unlike flagship models, where the process is intuitive, Redmi 8 Pro MIUI 11/12 There are some nuances to it, especially if you have forgotten your primary password or have encountered an error called “Fingerprint Sensor is not responding».

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can disable a scanner, from standard uninstallation through settings to bypassing locking when you lose your password. You'll also learn why the sensor might not work after you update your firmware, and how to reset your security settings without losing data. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the superuser's rights, and we'll show you where it's needed.

1. Standard Fingerprint Removal through Settings

If you remember PIN-You can remove your fingerprints in 30 seconds, a code, a password, or a pattern lock, and this method works on the Redmi 8 Pro with any version. MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware. Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section → Fingerprint.
3. Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
4. Click on the saved print (usually displayed as Fingerprint 1, Fingerprint 2, etc.).
5. Choose Delete and confirm the action.

After that, the scanner will stop recognizing the deleted fingerprint. If you want to turn off the function completely, move the fingerprint slider to the off position in the same menu.

☑️ What to check before removing the fingerprint

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⚠️ Note: If after removing the fingerprint, the phone requires you to enter a password every time you turn on, this is normal behavior. MIUI. To return unlock without password, set the Security settings → Screen lock option No (not recommended for data protection).

2. How to delete the fingerprint if you forgot the password

It gets complicated if you don't remember the primary password attached to your fingerprints, and in this case, the standard path through the settings is blocked, and there are a few solutions, but they all involve resetting data or using Recovery.

The most reliable way is hard reset, which will delete all the data, including fingerprints, passwords and settings.

1. Turn off the Redmi 8 Pro.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After resetting, the phone will restart in factory condition.

If you don’t want to lose data, try bypassing the lock via Mi Account (requires a tied Xiaomi account):

• 🔄 On the lock screen, press Forgot the password?.
• 📧 Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
• 🔑 Follow the instructions for resetting your password (confirmation code will come to the mail or SMS).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 12.5+ After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the phone can be locked for 24 hours, in which case you can only wait or reset via Fastboot (see section 4).

3. disable the fingerprint scanner via ADB (without data loss)

If you're familiar with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can remove fingerprints without resetting.

• 🔓 You've got debugging on. USB (In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
• 🖥️ You have access to a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 8 Pro to PC via USB-cable.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter commands in order: adb shell pm clear com.android.biometrics.fingerprint
4. Reboot the phone. The fingerprints will be deleted.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/users/0/fpdata/*.db

(requires root rights).

💡

Before using ADB, check that the developer settings have enabled the option to Allow USB Debugging in Charging Mode, otherwise the computer will not see the device.

4.Reset security settings via Fastboot

If Recovery doesn't work (e.g., the phone doesn't load or asks for a password even in recovery mode), Fastboot remains. This method will delete all data, including fingerprints, but will keep the ability to reflash the phone.

• 💻 Computer with Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers installed.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Charging the phone at least 50%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Redmi 8 Pro.
2. Press Power + Volume down before the screen with the rabbit in the hat (Fastboot) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line and type: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the phone will be in factory condition, and this method also helps if the fingerprint scanner is stuck in a reboot cycle after a failed update.

1. Check the cable and USB port (try another PC connector).

2. Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager (download from the official website).

3. disable the antivirus – it can block the connection.

4. Try another computer.

5.Changes with the fingerprint sensor on the Redmi 8 Pro: causes and solutions

Sometimes the scanner doesn't work because of the settings, but because of the technical issues, and the common problems and the ways to fix them:

If the sensor stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, it is likely that the module will need to be replaced, the average cost of repairs in service centers is 1,200-2,500 rubles (2026).

💡

Before visiting the service center, back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP (if installed). Once the sensor is replaced, all fingerprints will be deleted automatically.

6. Alternative methods of unlocking without fingerprints

If the fingerprint scanner is out of order or you decide to abandon it, configure alternative ways to unlock:

• 🔢 PIN-Code: Fast and reliable option. Set in Settings → Passwords and security → Screen locking.
• 🔄 pattern lock: Convenient but less secure (you can peek at your fingertip on the screen).
• 👤 Facial recognition: Works on the Redmi 8 Pro, but only in good lighting.Tune in Passwords and security → Facial recognition.
• 📍 Smart Lock: Auto-Unlock in Trusted Places (Home, Work) Included in Google Settings → Security → Smart Lock.

For maximum safety, combine methods. PIN-code + face recognition or graphical key + Smart Lock.

If you are selling a phone, you must:

1. Delete all fingerprints and passwords.
2. Log out of Mi Account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).
3. Reset to factory settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fingerprints on Redmi 8 Pro