How to completely disable the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways

The fingerprint scanner on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a handy feature for quick unlocking, but sometimes it starts to malfunction or just gets in the way. MIUI, Or you want to temporarily deactivate it for security reasons, or maybe you just prefer to unlock it. PIN-code-key.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to turn off the sensor, from basic fingerprint removal in settings to full deactivation of the hardware module (if at all possible on your firmware), and how to turn off the scanner selectively for individual applications, what to do if the sensor is glitching after turning off, and why sometimes the sensor continues to glow even after all the fingerprints are deleted.

Before you start, make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro has an up-to-date MIUI installed (especially if you use custom firmware).Some methods may not work on older versions of the software or on root-righted devices.

1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way is to remove all the fingerprints you have saved from the settings menu, so it doesn't physically turn off the sensor itself, but it does not physically turn it off until you add new fingerprints.

To do this:

1. Open Settings on your Redmi Note 8 Pro.
2. Go to Passwords and Security (or Security depending on the MIUI version).
3. Select a fingerprint.
4. Enter yours. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
5. Click on each saved print and select Remove.

Once all fingerprints are removed, the scanner will no longer be used to unlock the screen, but the sensor will still consume energy (albeit minimal) and may accidentally activate in your pocket if you press it.

Deleted all fingerprints in the settings|Try to unlock your phone with a fingerprint (should not work)|Make sure there are no active fingerprints in passwords and security|Reboot the device to apply the changes-->

If the scanner still works after this action, you may have third-party software installed on your device that uses biometrics. Check the permissions for applications in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Biometrics.

2. disabling the scanner for individual applications

MIUI allows you to use your fingerprint not only to unlock the screen, but also to log in to applications (e.g., bank clients or instant messengers). If you want to leave the scanner on for unlocking, but disable it for specific programs, do the following:

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (for example, Sberbank Online or VK).
• 🔒 Go to Permits.
• 🚫 Turn off the switch next to Biometrics or Fingerprint.

Some applications (especially banking) can request a fingerprint through their own settings, in which case turn off the biometrics directly from the app menu. For example, at Tinkoff Bank, it is done as follows: Profile → Security settings → Biometrics → Disable fingerprint.

💡

If after disabling the biometrics in the application it continues to request a fingerprint, clear its cache in the MIUI settings or reinstall the program.

3. completely disable the fingerprint sensor (for advanced users)

On standard firmware Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is not possible to fully deactivate the hardware module scanner without root rights.

Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

adb shell pm disable-user com.android.biometrics.fingerprint

This command disables the system application that runs the scanner. To get it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.biometrics.fingerprint

Method 2: Manually remove fingerprint files (requires root)

If you have root access, you can manually delete the fingerprint files located along the route: /data/system/users/0/fpdata/

Delete all the files in this folder and restart the device, and then the scanner will be "empty", but physically remain active.

Method 3: Flashing with the sensor turned off

Some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) allows you to disable unnecessary modules through kernel settings. However, for the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a Mediatek Helio G90T processor, firmware choices are limited, and this method is only suitable for advanced users.

4.Why does the scanner continue to glow or vibrate after shutting down

Many users complain that even after removing all the fingerprints, the sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🔦 Lighted up when touched.
• 📳 Vibrates in his pocket.
• 🔄 Repeatedly activated without cause.

This is because the hardware module of the scanner remains on at the system level, and it can respond to:

• 🔋 Optimization of energy consumption (MIUI Sometimes activates the sensor for "quick start").
• 📲 Accidental taps (for example, when the phone is lying down screen).
• 🔄 Background processes (some system applications may poll the sensor).

Decisions:

1. Turn off MIUI Optimization in the battery settings for system applications.
2. Set Power Saving Mode – this will limit the background activity of the sensor.
3. If the scanner is lit at night, check the button lighting settings in Settings → Display.

💡

The lighting of the fingerprint sensor on the Redmi Note 8 Pro doesn’t always mean it’s active, often it’s just a touch indication that doesn’t affect unlocking.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you turn off the scanner, you're faced with typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these things worked, it may be a hardware glitch, in which case it will only help to replace the module at the service center. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button, so it will cost 1,500-2,500 rubles (depending on the region).

💡

Before visiting the service center, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset, as after replacing the sensor, you may need to reset to factory settings.

6.Alternative ways to unlock after disabling the scanner

If you have disabled your fingerprint, you will need to configure an alternative unlock method. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has the following options available:

• 🔢 PIN-code is the most reliable and fastest method (it is recommended to use at least 6 digits).
• 🔄 pattern lock – convenient, but less secure (you can see the traces on the screen).
• 👤 Facial recognition – works fast but not safe (you can fool a photo).
• 📍 Smart Lock – Automatic unlocking in trusted places (such as at home or work).

To set up an alternative method:

1. Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select the lock screen.
3. Enter your current password (if requested).
4. Choose the desired method and follow the instructions on the screen.

For maximum safety, we recommend using a combination. PIN-For example, you can set up automatic unlock when connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, but require PIN-code.

💡

Setting up Smart Lock reduces the number of password inputs, but does not change the basic method of unlocking. In the case of a reset or battery discharge, you will still need to enter a PIN.

7. How to get the fingerprint scanner back

If you have temporarily disabled the sensor and want to use it again, follow the following steps:

To return via settings:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter yours. PIN-code.
3. Click Add Fingerprint and follow the instructions on the screen.

For returns after disconnection via ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.biometrics.fingerprint
2. Reset the device.
3. Add the prints again in the settings.

If the scanner does not recognize your fingers after re-energizing:

• 🧼 Wipe the sensor and finger with a dry wipe (fat or moisture interferes with reading).
• 🔄 Remove old prints and add them again.
• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in the new firmware improved the work of biometrics).

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the scanner on the Redmi Note 8 Pro