How to completely disable the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient feature for quick unlocking, but sometimes it starts to malfunction or simply interferes. For example, the sensor can falsely fire in your pocket, not recognize fingerprints after updating. MIUI, Or you just prefer to use it. PIN-In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can disable the sensor, from standard settings to hidden design commands.

It’s important to understand that the process differs depending on the model (for example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the settings interface may look different) and the firmware version. We took these nuances into account and collected universal solutions that work on most devices of the brand. If you encounter an error like “failed to turn off the sensor” or after the update the option disappeared from the menu, there is a section in the article to solve such problems.

Before you start, check if the Unlock When Handling function is activated (it can interfere with the correct shutdown of the sensor). Also note that on some models (for example, the POCO F5), the scanner is integrated into the power button - turning it off can affect the physical key.

1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14. If you have an older firmware version (for example, MIUI 11), the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same.

To disable the fingerprint scanner:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Lock Screen (or Lock and Protect on some models).
3. Select Fingerprint (may be called Fingerprint Sensor or Biometrics).
4. Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
5. Click on the option to Delete fingerprints (or turn off the sensor).
6. Confirm the action by following the prompts on the screen.

After that, the scanner will stop responding to touch, but the sensor will remain physically active — it can be turned on again at any time through the same menu. If the option to remove fingerprints is inactive (shadowed in gray), then the device has administrator restrictions — how to remove them, read the next section.

Make sure you know. PIN-device code

Check the battery (must be at least 20%)

Disable VPN or proxy (they can block access to settings)

Close all background applications (especially banking)

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T), after removing fingerprints, the system may suggest setting up an alternative unlock method. If you miss this step, the smartphone will require a password to be entered every time you turn on the screen – keep this in mind.

2. Disconnection through “Settings for Developers”

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, the fingerprint deletion button is inactive), try using hidden options for developers, which is also useful if you want to completely deactivate the scanner’s hardware module, rather than just remove the stored prints.

First, you need to activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
3. After the notification “You became a developer!” appears, return to the main settings menu.
4. Now, a new section for developers will appear (usually at the bottom of the list).

Then proceed as follows:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → For developers.
• 🔍 Scroll down to the Hardware Acceleration block.
• 🚫 Find the option to Disable fingerprint sensor (or Disable fingerprint sensor in English firmware).
• 🔄 Restart the device to make the changes effective.

If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:

1. In the same developer menu, find the Local Terminal command.
2. Enter the command: su setprop persist.sys.fingerprint.disable 1
3. Reboot your smartphone.

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If the su command is not working, then the device does not have root permissions. In this case, use the ADB method (described in the next section).

Please note: on some firmware (e.g. global version) MIUI Europe, the option to disable the sensor in the developer menu may not be available, because of Xiaomi's security policy, in which case you will have to use the device. ADB-physical or physical shutdown (we’ll talk about it later).

3. Disconnection via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but it works even on locked firmware.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
• 🔐 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes ADB).
2. On your smartphone, activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect the device to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
4. Open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your smartphone appears in the list.
5. Execute the command to disable the sensor: adb shell settings put global fingerprint_disable 1
6. Reset the device.

To turn the scanner back on, use the same command, but with a 0 instead of a 1 option.

If the scanner is still working after the command, the firmware will block the changes, in which case only the physical disabling of the sensor (section 5) or flashing the device to the custom version of MIUI (for example, Xiaomi.eu) will help.

4. Problem Solving: Why doesn't the sensor turn off?

Sometimes users find that the fingerprint scanner doesn't turn off despite all the manipulations, so let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, check if the device has a third-party biometrics management application (e.g. Fingerprint Quick Action) that can block system settings, delete them and try again.

Through the standard MIUI settings

Used a menu for developers

Apply ADB-team

Physically shutting down the sensor.

None of the above.

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5. Physical disabling of the sensor (for advanced users)

If the software fails, the scanner is left to be disabled hardware, which is only suitable for users with experience in disassembling smartphones, as it requires opening the case and working with microelectronics, and improper actions can lead to a loss of warranty or failure of the device.

Depending on the Xiaomi model, the fingerprint sensor can be:

• 📱 Built into the power button (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro).
• 🔍 Located under the screen (ultrasonic or optical scanner on Xiaomi 13, Mix 4).
• 🔘 Removed to the back panel (old models like Redmi 5 Plus).

The shutdown will require:

1. Remove the back cover (on models with a non-removable battery - gently tamper with its mediator).
2. Find the plume running from the sensor to the motherboard (usually signed as FPC or Fingerprint).
3. Disconnect the plume or cut the track (if you plan to return to work later, just turn off the connector).
4. Reassemble the device back, making sure all other plumes are connected correctly.

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On models with a built-in scanner (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), a physical shutdown can cause the display to fail, in which case it is better to use software methods or contact a service center.

If you are not sure about your skills, you should consult a specialist, the cost of such a disconnect in service centers usually does not exceed 500-1000 rubles (depending on the model).

• ⚠️ The warranty on the device will be cancelled.
• ⚠️ The fingerprint unlock function will become unavailable even after the plume is reconnected (you will need to reset your settings).
• ⚠️ On some models, the power button may stop working (if the sensor is integrated into it).

6. Alternative methods: what to do if nothing helps?

If none of the methods described have worked, consider the following options:

Resetting to factory settings. This is a radical method, but it's guaranteed to delete all biometrics. Before reset, back up important files, because all the data from the internal memory will be erased. To do the reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Flashing to custom version of MIUI. Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) offer advanced biometric settings. Note that flashing requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss. For detailed instructions for your model, look at the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

Third-party apps. Google Play has tools like Fingerprint Quick Settings that allow you to manage the scanner through the notification bar, but these apps require root rights and can pose a security risk, and we don't recommend using them unless absolutely necessary.

Contact the service center: If the sensor is out of order or it is critically disabled (for example, due to false positives), it is better to contact official Xiaomi partners, in some cases, a faulty scanner can be replaced under warranty.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you turn off the fingerprint sensor, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔐 Forget it. PIN-If you delete all the biometrics but don't configure an alternative method of unlocking, your smartphone may lock. Always check that you remember. PIN password!
• 🔧 They use unofficial firmware without backup. MIUI This can cause a device to "break"; always back up through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
• ⚡ Turn off the sensor on the battery if the battery runs out during the manipulation of the settings or ADB, Charge the device to at least 50%.
• 🛠️ They take apart a smartphone without tools, they take apart a smartphone without tools, they need special mediators and screwdrivers to open the case, and using a knife or other improvised tools almost always damages the plumes.

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If after turning off the sensor, the smartphone began to slow down or discharge quickly, check the active processes in Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Sometimes biometric services continue to work in the background – they need to be manually stopped.

Another common mistake is ignoring MIUI updates. Often, fingerprint sensor problems are solved with new firmware versions. Before you start drastic measures, check for updates in Settings → System Update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions