How to remove a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways

The fingerprint on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a convenient way to unlock, but sometimes it starts to malfunction: it does not recognize the finger the first time, requires several attempts or completely stops responding. Other times, users want to temporarily turn off the scanner for security reasons — for example, if children use the phone or there is a risk of unauthorized access through forced finger-stroke. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove fingerprints, including standard MIUI settings, forced reset via Fastboot, as well as the nuances of working with different versions of the firmware.

It is important to understand that the process is different from removing a pattern lock or PIN-The fingerprint scanner on Redmi 8 is tied to the hardware module, and it doesn’t always go smoothly — especially if informal firmware has been installed or root rights experiments have been conducted before. We will also consider what to do if the system does not allow the fingerprint to be deleted due to errors such as “Failure to delete data” or “Scanner does not respond".

Why you might not be able to turn off your fingerprint

Before proceeding to the instructions, it is worth understanding the possible reasons that prevent standard removal:

• 🔄 Scanner malfunction: physical damage to the sensor (for example, after a phone crash) or software glitch, due to which the system does not see the module.
• 🔒 Active binding to MI-Account: on some versions MIUI Deletion of biometric data is blocked if the phone is linked to a Xiaomi account with the “Find Device” function enabled".
• 📱 Unofficial firmware: custom builds (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not work properly with Xiaomi hardware modules.
• 🔧 Root rights or system modifications: changes in files /system or /vendor Sometimes biometric sensors are broken.

If your Redmi 8 falls under at least one of these points, standard uninstallation through settings may not work, which will require alternative methods, which we will discuss below.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to sell or transfer your phone to another person, it is not enough to simply remove the fingerprint. → The phone. → Reset settings, otherwise the new owner will be able to recover your biometrics through the engineering menu.

Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings

This is the easiest and safest method, and it works 90 percent of the time if the scanner is good and the firmware is official. MIUI 10–14 (including global and Chinese versions).

Steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section (on some versions – Lock and Protect).
3. Select a fingerprint (may be called a fingerprint sensor).
4. Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
5. Click on the saved print (usually displayed as "Finger 1") and select Delete.
6. Confirm the action.

If the scanner continues to respond to touch after removal (e.g., vibrates when touched), reboot the phone.

Method 2: Remove through the Engineering Menu (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can try resetting the scanner through the Engineering Mode, which is suitable for devices with root rights or unlocked bootloader, but requires caution – incorrect actions can lead to a system failure.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##6484## (some firmware may run ##64663##).
2. You will be taken to the MTK Engineer Mode menu (if the combination doesn't work, try ##4636## and find the Hardware Testing tab).
3. Go to Fingerprint Test or Biometric Test.
4. Press Clear FP Data (or similar reset button).
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI If nothing happens after you enter the code, your firmware doesn't support this method. Don't try to log into Engineer Mode through third-party apps, this can lead to blocking. IMEI.

Method 3: Fastboot reset (if the scanner is not removed)

If the print is not removed through the settings and engineering menu, and the scanner gives an error "Can not delete data", you can try resetting the module through Fastboot. This method requires a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume Down to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via USB-cable.
3. Download and unpack the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery).
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom, select the Clean All option (this will delete all data, including fingerprints).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

If the scanner stopped working after the firmware was installed via Fastboot, it means that the module was damaged at the hardware level, in which case only replacing the sensor in the service center will help.

Method 4: Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

If no methods work, the last option is a complete reset, which will delete all data from the phone, including fingerprints, accounts and installed apps, and make sure to back up important files before the procedure.

How to perform Hard Reset:

1. Turn off Redmi 8.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. With the volume buttons, select Wipe Data (or Clear Data).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
5. After reset, select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware after a hard reset may require data input from the tied MI-If you don't remember your username/password, your phone will be locked! Before resetting, make sure you remember your credentials or untie your device from your account via the web version.

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If after resetting the phone requires data entry MI-If you have an account, but you don't remember them, try to restore access through a linked phone number or email. If this doesn't help, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check or box from the phone).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When removing fingerprints, users of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face typical problems, and let’s analyze the most common and ways to fix them.

• 🚫 Failed to delete: usually caused by a scanner malfunction. Try restarting your phone and trying again. If it doesn't work, use Fastboot.
• 🔄 The scanner doesn't respond to touch: check if there's any dirt or scratches on the sensor, wipe it with an alcohol wipe, and if the problem persists, there's a hardware defect.
• 🔒 Required. PIN-I don't remember the code, you can't delete the fingerprint without the code. You'll have to do a hard reset, but that will cause you to lose all the data.
• 📱 After removal, the print still works: reset the scanner settings through the engineering menu or perform flashing.

If none of these methods worked, and the scanner is still active, it's possible that the problem is a damaged biometric storage module. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).

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Before any manipulation of the fingerprint scanner, make sure you have a backup of the data.In 30% of cases, deletion attempts end up having to completely reset the phone.

Alternative methods of unlocking without a fingerprint

If you temporarily want to disable the scanner, but do not remove it altogether, you can use alternative ways to unlock:

• 🔐 PIN-Code or password: the most reliable option, but less convenient.
• 📐 pattern lock: Faster than PIN, It is less safe (you can see the path).
• 👁️ Facial recognition: works on Redmi 8, but only in good lighting.
• 📍 Smart Lock: unlock by location (e.g., home) or connected devices (earphones, smartwatches).

To set up an alternative method:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Select the desired method (for example, PIN or pattern lock).
3. Set a new code and confirm it.
4. In the Unlock Settings section, disable the "Fingerprint" option.

Note that if you turn off the scanner, but leave it in the system, anyone who knows your PIN can activate the fingerprint again. For complete security, delete all stored biometrics.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the print on Redmi 8