Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9T offer many ways to protect personal data, and one of the most popular is the fingerprint scanner, which provides quick access to the device and authorization in applications, but not for all users it is suitable. Sometimes situations arise when you need to completely deactivate biometric identification, leaving only a digital code or a pattern lock.
The reasons for this can range from a banal desire to improve security to technical problems with the sensor itself. Redmi 9T owners often face the need to reset the scanner if it starts to work incorrectly or if the device is transferred to another user. It is important to understand that the process of disconnecting is simple, but requires care to not lose access to your gadget.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of removing fingerprint data, setting up alternative unlock methods and answer questions that often arise for users of the MIUI shell.
Why you might need to shut down biometrics
Sometimes users wonder if they should use a fingerprint scanner at all. Despite its convenience, the technology has its limitations, for example, if your hands sweat a lot or your skin is damaged, the biometric system may not recognize the owner the first time. In such cases, constant attempts to unlock begin to annoy, and it is easier to switch to input. PIN-code.
Another common reason is to transfer the device to another person: If you give the phone to a child or relative for temporary use, it is not safe to leave your fingerprints in the memory of the Xiaomi Redmi 9T. Anyone with physical access to the device can theoretically unlock it by attaching your finger while you are asleep or unconscious.
⚠️ Note: Before you delete all fingerprints, make sure you remember your backup password, PIN-without it, you could lose access to data permanently on a locked device.
There are also scenarios where the scanning module itself fails or starts to glitches after updating the firmware, in which case deleting old data and reconfiguring (or completely abandoning the function) can solve the problem of false positives. MIUI Requires that at least one unlock method always remain active.
Preparing for changes in security settings
Before you make changes to the Redmi 9T configuration, you need to do a few preparatory steps to avoid locking the device and losing important data, first remember or write down your primary password, which will be the only way to log in after you delete the biometric data.
It is also recommended to check which apps use fingerprint for authorization. Banking programs, messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, as well as note storage may require biometrics to log in. Once you turn off the feature, you will have to manually enter a password or reconfigure these applications to use digital code.
☑️ Preparation for scanner shutdown
If you're planning to not just turn off the feature, but completely remove the phone from your ecosystem, you should log out of your Mi Account beforehand, but you don't need to just delete the fingerprint, and you need to have physical access to the screen and be able to type commands.
Step-by-step: Delete the fingerprint in MIUI
The process of deactivating the scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 9T takes no more than a minute, if you know where to look for the right switches. The interface of the MIUI shell may vary slightly depending on the version of Android, but the logic remains the same for all devices of the brand. First you need to get to the main settings menu.
Find the Settings icon (cog) on your desktop or notification curtain. In the list that opens, scroll down to the Passwords and Security section. That's where all the access control tools are concentrated. Click on "Unlock by fingerprint" to go to biometrics management.
Settings → Passwords and security → Unlock by fingerprintIn the menu that opens, you will see a list of added fingerprints (e.g., "Picture 1", "Picture 2"). To delete them, click on the name of the particular finger. The system will require you to confirm the action by entering your password or pattern lock. After confirmation, the "Delete" button will appear.
What to do if the menu does not open?
Repeat the procedure for all saved fingers, once the last fingerprint is removed, the biometric unlock function on Redmi 9T will stop working, and from now on, login will only be possible through an alternative method.
Configuring alternative protection methods
After turning off the scanner, it is critical to make sure your primary method of protection is reliable. PIN-The code is now the only barrier between your data and outsiders. MIUI It allows you to combine different options, but only one main one can be active.
To set a new password, go to the Passwords and Security menu and select Screen Lock. Here you can choose the type of protection. A digital code of 6 or more characters is considered more reliable than a simple graphical pattern that is easy to peek from the side. A complex alphanumeric password (letters and numbers) provides the maximum level of data encryption on the device.
| Type of lockdown | Level of security | Usability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint. | High-pitched | Very high. | The basic method (if it works) |
| PIN-code (6+ figure) | High-pitched | Average. | Best alternative |
| pattern lock | Medium. | High. | For quick unlocking |
| Password (textual) | Maximum | Low. | For maximum protection |
Remember to change passwords regularly, especially if you suspect someone may have recognized them. The security menu also includes the option “Show password when you type” to help avoid errors when typing long combinations on Xiaomi.
💡
Lack of fingerprint makes the choice difficult PIN-A code or password is critical to the security of your data.
Using Face ID as a replacement for the scanner
Owners of the Redmi 9T may not know that the device has a built-in facial unlock feature.Although less secure than flagship ultrasonic scanners, for everyday use in conjunction with a password, this is a great option.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Face Unlock, and you need to add your face data by turning your head in front of the camera in different directions, which will improve the accuracy of recognition at different angles of the smartphone.
It is worth noting that Face ID Xiaomi’s budget models are based on 2D-This means that it is theoretically possible to unlock the phone with a high-quality photo of the owner, although modern algorithms are used to create a new image. MIUI They're trying to prevent it, so you shouldn't rely on your face if you have critical data.
⚠️ Attention: Face unlocking may work worse in bright sunlight or in complete darkness if the screen brightening option for face lighting is not enabled.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the fingerprint seems to be deleted, but the system continues to require it when downloading or in safe mode, this can occur due to software failures in the TEE module (Trusted Execution Environment), in which case cleaning the security cache helps.
To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find Security or Security (may need to enable system processes in a three-point menu). Click Clear → Clear Cache. This won’t delete your data, but will update configuration files.
- 📱 Restart the device after cleaning the cache so that the changes take effect.
- 🔒 Make sure that in the section "Advanced settings» → «Special features" not included services requiring biometrics.
- 🔄 If the problem persists, check for system updates in the About Phone menu».
In rare cases, if the scanner on the Redmi 9T is physically defective (for example, after a fall or moisture), it can block the operation of the security system, then the only way out is a complete reset to the factory settings, but this is a last resort.
💡
If the scanner is unstable, try re-create the fingerprint by adding the same finger twice at different angles, which will increase the likelihood of successful recognition.