The fingerprint scanner on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a handy feature for quick unlocking, but sometimes it becomes a source of problems. Users face false positives, slow sensor operation or just want to switch to alternative authorization methods (PIN-In some cases, the scanner will not recognize fingerprints after the update. MIUI or mechanical damage to the screen.
You can turn off the sensor in a number of ways, from standard settings to radical measures like resetting to factory settings. It's important to understand that completely removing fingerprints does not mean physically shutting down the module: the sensor will remain active at the hardware level, but will no longer be used to unlock. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, their pros and cons, and answer frequent questions about security.
If you decide to abandon biometrics, first check if there are problems with sensor contamination or outdated firmware. Often, it is enough to clean the glass above the scanner or update the MIUI to the latest version.
Method 1: Disconnection through security settings
The easiest and safest method is to remove all the stored fingerprints from the settings menu, so it doesn't deactivate the sensor itself, but it makes it useless to unlock the phone.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Passwords and Security section.
- Select a fingerprint.
- Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
- Click on each saved print and select Remove.
- Confirm the action.
After removing all the fingerprints, the system will suggest setting up an alternative unlock method (if not).If you only use biometrics, the phone will require you to set a PIN or pattern lock.
☑️ Preparation for scanner shutdown
⚠️ Note: If you delete all prints but don’t set up an alternative unlock method, the phone may lock after the restart. MIUI It requires at least one method of authorization.
This is reversible: you can add the fingerprints again at any time, but if the sensor is physically damaged, the system may give an error when you try to re-tube.
Method 2: Deactivation through Developer Mode
For power users, there's a way to turn off the scanner through the developer mode, which doesn't remove fingerprints, but temporarily blocks the sensor from working at the system level, and it's useful if you want to test alternative unlocking methods.
How to turn on the developer mode:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Press 7 times in a row on the MIUI version.
- Enter. PIN-code-on-demand.
- Return to the main settings menu and a new section for developers will appear.
Next:
- 🔧 Open to the developers → Quick setups.
- 🔍 Find the option to Disable the fingerprint sensor (could be called Fingerprint Hardware Disabled).
- 🔄 Activate the switch and restart the phone.
Important: This option is not available in all versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 8 Pro. If it is not available, try updating the firmware or using a third method.
What to do if there is no option in the developer mode?
Method 3: Reset to factory settings
The last measure is a complete phone reset, which will delete all the data, including fingerprints, settings and installed apps, and only use it if the first two methods fail or the sensor fails completely.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 🔄 Choose to erase all data.
- 🔐 Enter. PIN-code and confirm the action.
- ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
Once reset, the phone will turn on in a boxy state, you will need to reconfigure all settings, including unlock methods, and the fingerprint scanner will be deactivated, but physically remain functional (if not damaged).
⚠️ Warning: Reset will not fix the sensor's hardware problems. If the scanner is not working due to mechanical damage, the situation will not change after the reset.
| Method | Difficulty | Reversibility | Deletes the data. | Demands a PIN. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through security settings | ⭐ | Yes. | No. | Yes. |
| Developer mode | ⭐⭐ | Yes. | No. | No. |
| Reset to factory | ⭐⭐⭐ | No. | Yes. | Yes. |
What to do if the scanner does not turn off?
If none of these methods worked, the problem may be:
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings → Updating the system.
- 🛠️ Damaged sensor: In case of physical defects (cracks, dents), the scanner can block the system.
- 🔒 User Firmware: Unofficial Versions MIUI (For example, Xiaomi.eu, sometimes conflict with biometrics. Try to reflash your phone to the official version.
If the phone freezes when you try to remove fingerprints, do a forced reboot: press the power button for 10-15 seconds.
💡
Before visiting the service center, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save contacts, photos and app settings.
Alternative methods of unlocking
After disabling the fingerprint scanner, you will need to choose another way to log in. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you will have to choose:
- 🔢 PIN-Code: Minimum length is 4 characters, and it is recommended to use at least 6 characters for security.
- 🔄 pattern lock: Convenient, but less reliable (you can see the traces on the screen).
- 👤 Facial recognition: Works through the front camera, less secure than a print, but faster PIN-code.
To set up an alternative method:
- Go to Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Select the desired type of unlock (for example, PIN-lock-screen).
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
For maximum safety, combine methods. PIN-code + Face recognition or set up Smart Lock to automatically unlock in trusted locations (home, work).
💡
Facial recognition on the Redmi Note 8 Pro only works in good light.In the dark, the phone will automatically request PIN-code.
Security issues: What you need to know
Disabling the fingerprint scanner affects data protection, and here are the key points:
- 🔐 Biometry ≠ encryption: A fingerprint is a key to unlock, but not to decrypt data. If a phone is stolen, an attacker can access files through resetting settings.
- 📱 MIUI And Google: Even after fingerprints are deleted, their templates can be stored in a Trusted Execution Environment, and only resets can be completely deleted.
- 🔄 Security Updates: Check for patches regularly MIUI. Vulnerabilities in biometric systems could bypass lockdown.
If you sell or transfer a phone, make sure to reset to factory settings. This will delete all biometrics and associated accounts. For additional protection, include device encryption in Settings → Additional → Encryption and credentials.