How to completely disable the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Redmi 6: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 6 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, which is still actively used due to its reliability and functionality. However, the fingerprint sensor on this model sometimes starts to malfunction: it does not recognize fingerprints, gives errors or simply interferes with the use of alternative methods of unlocking. If you encounter a similar problem or just want to completely deactivate the scanner, this article will help you do it correctly.

Unlike Xiaomi’s newer models, where disabling the sensor is reduced to removing all stored fingerprints, Redmi 6 (released in 2018) has its own nuances: there is no separate option “Disable the scanner” – its work is tied to system security settings. We will look at three proven methods: through the standard menu, using resetting settings and an advanced way to via ADB (We also discuss what to do if the scanner has stopped responding to touch after the update. MIUI physical injury.

Before you start, consider that disabling biometric authentication can affect the ease of unlocking your device.If your goal is simply to add a new fingerprint or fix temporary glitches, try resetting the scanner data first (Section 4).

1. Method: Disabling the scanner through security settings

The easiest and safest method is to remove all stored fingerprints, which automatically deactivates the sensor, as the MIUI system blocks it from working in the absence of registered templates, and the instructions are suitable for Redmi 6 on any firmware version (including MIUI 9/10/11).

How to do this:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Lock and Protect (or Lock Screen and Password in new MIUI versions).
3. Select the fingerprint item.
4. Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password (if requested).
5. Click on any saved print and select Remove.
6. Repeat the action for all other prints.

Once the last fingerprint is removed, the system will show a notification saying, "Fingerprints are off." Now the sensor will not respond to touch, and the lock menu will remove the fingerprint unlock option. Note: this method does not physically disable the sensor - it just makes it inactive at the software level.

⚠️ Warning: If the scanner still blinks or consumes a charge after the fingerprints are removed, it may indicate a hardware malfunction. ADB (section 3) or repairs at a service centre.

2. Method: Reset security settings (without data loss)

If standard fingerprint removal doesn’t work (for example, the sensor still activates when you press the Home button), you can partially reset your security settings.This method doesn’t affect user data (photos, apps, contacts), but resets all lock parameters, including:

• 🔑 Fingerprints saved
• 🔐 pattern lock or PIN-code (to be requested at the next inclusion)
• 📱 Smart Lock settings (unlock by location, devices, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find Resetting (or Restore and Reset)
3. Select Reset Security Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
4. Confirm the action by entering the current password.
5. After restarting the device, set up a new unlock method (PIN or pattern lock).

This is effective if the scanner is stuck after a firmware update or system failure, but it won’t help if the problem is physical damage to the sensor (for example, after a phone crash), in which case move on to the next method.

Method 3: Completely disabling the sensor via ADB (for experienced)

If the first two methods fail and the scanner continues to interfere (for example, accidentally unlocks the phone in your pocket or consumes a charge), you can programmatically deactivate its driver via the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 6: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB Debugging Switch.

cmd

Terminal

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

adb shell

su

(Allow root access on your phone if requested)

pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.biometrics.fingerprint

Once you've done the last command, the fingerprint sensor will be completely turned off at the system level.

pm enable com.android.biometrics.fingerprint

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI after disabling the scanner through ADB You may not be able to add new fingerprints even after you turn on the driver, in which case you will need a complete reset of the settings.

4.Reset scanner data (if the sensor is buggy)

Sometimes the problem isn't with the sensor itself, but with the damaged fingerprint data.

• 🔴 The scanner doesn't even recognize the fingerprints.
• 🔄 When adding a new print, it gives an error: "It was not possible to save".
• ⚡ The sensor is very warm or discharges the battery.

In such cases, the reset of the cache and data of the biometric module will help:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Find the Biometrics Services (or Fingerprint Service) in the list.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
4. Reboot the phone.

If the scanner doesn't work after that, check it on a clean lock screen (no wallpaper or widgets). Sometimes third-party MIUI themes conflict with sensor drivers.

5. Hardware malfunctions: when disconnection will not help

If the fingerprint scanner on Redmi 6 stopped working after falling, getting moisture or disassembling itself, the problem is likely hardware. In this model, the sensor is integrated into the Home button and connected to the motherboard with a thin plume.

• 💥 The sensor doesn't glow when you touch it.
• 🔌 The phone does not respond to the pressing of the home button.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (even when switched off).

In such cases, software shutdown will not solve the problem – you will need to:

1. Replacement of the plume (cost) ~500–1000 ₽ service).
2. Replacement of the button with the sensor (original) ~1500 ₽, analogue ~800 ₽).
3. Rate contacts (if the plume has moved away from the fee).

💡

Before you visit the service, check the sensor in Safe Mode. If the scanner is running, the problem is with third-party software, not hardware.

On Redmi 6, the Home with Sensor button is a single module, so replacing only the glass panel (as on the new models) is not possible. If you decide to disable the scanner software due to its malfunction, note that the Home button will also stop working (it is part of the same module).

6.Alternative methods of unlocking after disabling the scanner

Once you deactivate the fingerprint sensor, you'll have to use other unlocking methods. Redmi 6 has:

• 🔢 PIN-code (the most reliable option).
• 🔄 pattern lock (convenient but less secure).
• 👤 Facial recognition (works only on the MIUI 10+, less).
• 📍 Smart Lock (automatic unlocking in trusted locations).

To set up an alternative method:

1. Go to Settings. → Lockdown and protection.
2. Select Add the Unlocking Method.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to set up PIN-code, pattern lock or person.

If you use a Smart Lock, note that it only works when you have an active internet connection (to locate) and can reduce the device’s autonomy.

💡

Redmi 6 cannot use fingerprint and facial recognition at the same time, but it requires you to choose one.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you turn off the scanner, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, check if the phone has third-party sensor control apps (like Fingerprint Quick Action) that can block standard MIUI settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions