Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9 offer many ways to protect personal data, and one of the most popular is the fingerprint scanner, but users often face situations where this feature needs to be deactivated: Whether it's recognition problems, wanting to speed up the screen unlocking, or transferring the device to another person. MIUI It is implemented logically, but requires careful navigation on the menu.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the steps needed to disable your fingerprint on your device, not only the standard path through settings, but also the nuances associated with data security, as well as alternative authorization methods that you should activate after deleting biometrics, and understanding these processes will help you effectively manage access to your gadget.
It's worth noting that deleting a fingerprint is an irreversible procedure for current stored data, although you can always write new fingerprints back. Deleting all fingerprints automatically disables the device's unlocking biometrics feature even if you haven't changed the master switch. This is an important aspect of Android security that prevents accidental access to the device without the owner's knowledge.
Preparation for changing biometric settings
Before you make changes to your security configuration, make sure you have full access to your device. To make changes to your passwords and security section, you’ll need to know your current pattern lock, PIN-The code or digital password that was set when the scanner was first activated, without which the system will not allow the addition or deletion of biometric data.
It is recommended to check the battery power of your Redmi. 9. Although the process of removing a fingerprint takes a few seconds, a sudden power outage while working with the system security settings can lead to software failures or the need to re-authenticate through a Google account. 20-30%.
If you plan to transfer your phone to another user, consider completely cleaning up your data, not just removing your fingerprint. Single deletion of biometrics doesn't affect your photos, messages, and app logins. Full protection of your information requires a deeper approach to resetting your settings.
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Before removing your fingerprint, take a picture of the screen with the current security settings on another phone, which will help you remember which settings were active if you have to restore the configuration.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the fingerprint
The process of deactivating the biometric scanner in the MIUI shell is based on sequential transitions through the settings menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall logic remains the same for the entire Xiaomi line. First, you need to unlock the device and find the Settings icon on the home screen or in the notification curtain.
Then you scroll down to the data protection section, which can be called Passwords and Security or just Security, depending on the location of the system, and within this section, we're interested in the Fingerprints section, where all registered biometric profiles are stored.
☑️ The algorithm for removing fingerprints
Once you log in to the fingerprint menu, the system will request proof of identity. Enter your password or use the saved fingerprint (if it still works) to log in. You will see a list of all the added fingers (for example, "Finger 1", "Finger 2"). To delete a specific fingerprint, click on the corresponding entry, and then select the option to Delete or Delete fingerprint.
⚠️ Note: Once a particular fingerprint is confirmed, it will not be possible to restore it to its original form. You will have to undergo the scanning procedure again if you decide to activate this feature again.
Complete disabling of scanner function
Deleting specific fingerprints is only half the battle, and if your goal is to completely stop using the scanner on the back or on the power button, you need to deactivate the module itself in the settings, which ensures that the device doesn't try to read biometrics every time you touch it.
In the same Fingerprint menu where you deleted the data, there's a master switch, which is usually located at the top of the screen or at the bottom, depending on the version of MIUI. Put the slider to the off position (gray). The system can warn you that unlocking from the fingerprint will become impossible.
Disabling the module also affects the operation of some applications. Many banking programs and password managers use biometrics to quickly log in. Once the scanner is turned off, login to applications such as Sberbank Online or Google Pay will only be possible through password entry.
It is important to understand the difference between deleting data and disabling a function: Deleting data clears the sensor memory, and turning off the function stops supplying power to the scanning module to save battery power, albeit minimal.
Alternative methods of unlocking the device
Once you’ve decided to disable your fingerprint, you’ll be asked how to access the system quickly and safely. Xiaomi Redmi 9 offers some reliable alternatives that may be even more convenient than biometrics in certain situations.
The most common method is the pattern lock, which allows you to unlock your phone by swiping your finger at a particular pattern on the screen, which is faster than typing numbers, and safer than just swiping unprotected, but the pattern lock can be seen by the fatty tracks on the screen.
Another option is facial recognition. The Redmi 9 front camera is able to scan the wearer's face. Although this method is less secure than a print (the camera can be fooled by a photo), it provides high access speeds. You can activate it from the Settings menu → Passwords and security → Face unlock.
- 🔒 PIN: A classic four- or six-digit code that is difficult to peek at but long to type.
- 🎨 Password: A combination of letters and numbers that provides maximum protection but takes time to enter.
- 👤 Face ID: Quickly unlocking the face, comfortable when hands are busy or wearing gloves.
- ⌚ Smartwatch: Unlock your phone with a connected Xiaomi Wear or Mi Band watch (requires settings).
The choice of alternative depends on your priorities: speed or maximum protection. For most users, the optimal balance is a combination of facial recognition for daily use and a complex password for accessing banking applications.
Impact on application performance and security
Disabling biometrics directly affects the ecosystem of apps installed on your smartphone. Many programs rely on the system biometrics API to log in. When you remove a fingerprint, those apps automatically switch to password input, which can be inconvenient at first.
Payment systems should be given special attention. Google Pay and various banking applications require reconfiguration of the method of confirming payments. SMS-Internet bank code or data, as the old finger key is no longer valid.
| Type of application | Shutdown response | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| Banks (Sber, Tinkoff) | Requesting a password at the entrance | Enter a login/password or code from SMS |
| Password managers | Blocking access | Entering a master password |
| Gallery (Hidden Album) | Requesting an alternative password | Entering a privacy password |
| Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) | Transition to password | Entering a digital code (if configured) |
From a security perspective, giving up your fingerprint can even be useful in some scenarios. Biometrics can’t be changed if it’s compromised (you can’t change your finger like a password), and switching to complex passwords increases your data’s resilience to being hacked if a device falls into the hands of professional attackers.
Why do apps require a password after fingerprint removal?
Frequent problems in biometrics management
Xiaomi Redmi 9 users sometimes have difficulty trying to delete or change their fingerprint settings. One common problem is that the delete button is inactive (gray).This almost always means that the system does not have a primary security password. MIUI requires a backup login method.
Another problem is that the scanner continues to react even after the fingerprint is deleted, which can be a software cache failure, in which case a simple reboot of the device or clearing the cache of the Security application through the application management menu helps.
There are also situations where the system requires a password that you have forgotten, in which case you can not remove the fingerprint through the standard menu, the only way out is to completely reset the device to factory settings, which will lead to the loss of all data if you did not make a backup.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the unlock password and can’t delete the fingerprint, don’t try to guess the code repeatedly. After a few errors, the device will lock for a long time or require you to log in to your Google account to reset.
Tips for improving security after a shutdown
Once you have successfully disabled your fingerprint, it is recommended to review the overall strategy of protecting the device. PIN-A code like "1234" or "0000" negates all the benefits of not using biometrics.
Activate Device Search in your Google account, which will allow you to remotely lock your phone or erase data from it in the event of a theft. Redmi 9 also includes Xiaomi Cloud, which allows you to track the location of your gadget through a web interface.
Update your operating system regularly. Xiaomi periodically releases security patches that close vulnerabilities in the work of scanners and encryption modules. You can check for updates in the About Phone → MIUI menu.
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Giving up biometrics requires a more disciplined attitude to passwords. Make sure your new unlock method isn't a commonly known combination that's easy to pick up.
If you don't use a fingerprint, the risk of your phone unlocking while you're away (like while you're sleeping) is reduced, but the risk of theft remains, and using screen-protected covers and regularly monitoring installed apps will help keep the data intact.