How to completely disable the fingerprint on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

The fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient feature for quick unlocking, but sometimes it becomes a source of problems. Maybe the scanner stopped recognizing the finger after the MIUI update, or you want to temporarily disable biometrics for security reasons. Or maybe you are just tired of accidental unlocks in your pocket. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to deactivate a fingerprint, from standard deletion in settings to forced reset via ADB.

It's important to understand that disabling biometrics doesn't mean you're completely protecting the device, if you delete all the fingerprints, but you leave a weak pattern lock or PIN-We'll also tell you how to set up alternative unlock methods to keep your phone in check. A2) We give individual instructions - their firmware often behaves unpredictablely.

Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your Fingerprint

At first glance, biometric unlocking seems like the perfect solution: fast, convenient, safe, but in practice, Xiaomi users face a number of challenges:

• 🔄 The scanner stopped working after the update MIUI (This is especially true for transitions between versions 12.→13→14).
• 👤 False positives: phone unlocks in pocket from accidental touches.
• 🔒 Conflict with other security methods (e.g., when a Smart Lock is enabled).
• 🛠️ Physical damage to the sensor (cracks, moisture intrusion).
• 📱 Selling or transferring your phone – new owners should not have access to your biometrics.

Another common situation is that you added a friend's or relative's fingerprint for temporary access, but forgot to delete it, in which case it's best to clear the fingerprint list completely to avoid unauthorized access, and if the scanner started to glittle after the phone fell, turning it off can be a temporary solution before repair.

Method 1: Standard fingerprint removal in MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to remove fingerprints through the settings menu, which is suitable for all modern models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and later) on MIUI 12/13/14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Lock screen and password (or Security on some firmware).
2. Enter the current one. PIN-code/pattern lock for confirmation.
3. Select Fingerprints → Enter the password again.
4. Click on the saved print. → Delete.
5. Confirm the action.

If you have multiple fingerprints added, repeat the steps for each, and after the last scanner is deleted, the scanner automatically deactivates and its icon disappears from the lock screen.

Check what you remember. PIN-code

Battery charge above 20%

Turn off the Smart Lock (if enabled)

Make a backup copy of important data-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) After removing all fingerprints, you may need to restart your phone to make the changes take effect.

Method 2: Disconnect the sensor through the developer mode

If standard deletion fails (e.g., the fingerprint stays in the system but is not deleted), you can try deactivating the scanner through developer mode.

• 🔄 MIUI not allow to delete the fingerprint due to the error "Failed to delete the data".
• 📱 The scanner is physically damaged and causes constant failures.
• 🔒 You want to temporarily disable biometrics without deleting data.

Algorithm of action:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Disable the fingerprint sensor

Hardware-accelerated fingerprint

Reboot the phone.

After that, the scanner will stop responding to the touch, but the fingerprint data will remain in the system. To completely remove it, use Method 1 after the restart.

Method 3: Reset the lock screen settings

If the fingerprints are not deleted or the scanner is not working properly, resetting the lock settings will help, PIN-- I'm not using the codes, I'm using the graphic keys!

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset Lock Settings (or Delete all lock data).
3. Confirm the action by entering the current password.
4. After the reboot, set up a new unlock method (PIN or pattern lock).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on USB debugging on your phone (Settings → Developer).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and execute the commands: adb shell pm disable-user com.android.biometrics.fingerprint
4. Reset the device.

To return the scanner, use the command:

pm enable com.android.biometrics.fingerprint

1. Update drivers through Mi Phone Manager.

2. Use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).

3. Switch the connection mode from "Charging" to "File Transfer".-->

Method 5: Hardware shutdown (for repair cases)

If the fingerprint sensor is physically damaged and causes constant reboots or overheating, it can be turned off at the iron level, a method that requires disassembling the phone and is only suitable for power users or service centers.

What you need:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers for Xiaomi (usually) T3, T4).
• 🧲 Screen removal suction cup (for models with AMOLED-display).
• 🔌 Multimeter (to check contacts).
• 📱 Replacement of the sensor (if you are planning a replacement).

Sequence of action:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Remove the back cover (heating it with a hair dryer 60-70°C for adhesive models).
3. Disconnect the fingerprint sensor plume from the motherboard.
4. Isolate contacts (such as tape) to avoid short circuits.
5. Get the phone back.

⚠️ Note: On models with an ultrasonic scanner (Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra, Black Shark 4), the sensor is built into the screen!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you're working with fingerprints on Xiaomi, users are faced with typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Firmware integrity (possibly persist file corrupted).
• 🔧 Root rights – sometimes they block the scanner.
• 🔄 Firmware region: on Chinese versions MIUI limitations may be.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions