How to completely disable the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

Why users want to disable the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi

The fingerprint sensor in Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient feature for quick unlocking, but not everyone likes it. Some worry about privacy, some get in the way of random activation, and some devices simply stop recognizing fingerprints correctly after updates. In MIUI 12-14, the process of turning off the scanner is not always obvious: the manufacturer hides some settings in the depths of the menu.

The problem is especially relevant for owners of models with ultrasonic scanner (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro or POCO F3), where the sensor is built into the screen. Such sensors are more likely to crash due to display contamination or software errors. And in budget devices (for example, Redmi Note 10), the physical scanner on the back can wear out over time, requiring a complete shutdown.

It's important to understand that just removing all the stored prints is not enough, that the sensor will continue to run in the background, consuming battery power, and that to completely deactivate the scanner at the system level, you have to follow several steps -- some of which require developer rights.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via security settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It is suitable for most modern Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) based on MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Fingerprint (or Unlock Fingerprint in older versions).
3. Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password.
4. Click on the basket icon (or Delete fingerprints) and confirm the action.
5. Restart the device – this ensures that all sensor processes are stopped.

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) after the fingerprints are deleted, the scanner is still active for payments via Mi Pay:

• 🔹 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔹 Find Mi Pay and disable permission to use biometrics.
• 🔹 In Google Settings (Security section) delete all biometric data.

Method 2: Disconnect via Developer Modes (for power users)

If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with MIUI 14), you will have to use the hidden settings of the developer, which requires caution, since the wrong actions can disrupt the system.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times click on the MIUI version - a notification will appear about unlocking.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Next, do it:

1. Find the USB debugging option and turn it on.
2. Scroll down to the Hardware Acceleration Display block.
3. Turn off the setting Use fingerprint scanner (or Biometric hardware in English firmware).
4. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) may not have this option. In this case, try an alternative method through the ADB (Also remember that disabling hardware acceleration can affect animation performance.

Method 3: Complete disabling via ADB (for advanced)

If previous methods failed, the Android-level shutdown with the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) works on all Xiaomi models, but requires a computer connection.

Preparation:

• 🔹 Install. ADB Tools on PC.
• 🔹 Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone (see previous section).
• 🔹 Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Next, run in the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux):

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.biometrics.fingerprint




pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.biometrics

After the commands are executed:

• 🔹 The fingerprint scanner will be completely deactivated.
• 🔹 The fingerprint menu item in the security settings will disappear.
• 🔹 To restore the sensor will require resetting settings.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) these commands may cause an Operation not allowed error:

adb shell settings put global fingerprint_disable 1

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Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. In rare cases, incorrect commands can cause the system to crash.

Xiaomi models with features of disabling the scanner

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when working with biometrics, and in the table below are the most problematic models and solutions for them:

Models with an infrared scanner (such as the Xiaomi Mi 5s) may need to be completely reset to factory settings, as their biometric modules are integrated into a low-level security system.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

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

• 🔴 "Cannot delete fingerprints - button is inactive" Reason: Enterprise profile is installed on the device (for example, via Microsoft Intune). Solution: Delete profile in Settings → Accounts. → Delete the work profile.
• 🔴 "After restarting, the scanner is active again" Reason: Mi Biometrics system app automatically restarts.Solution: Freeze it through ADB: pm disable-user com.xiaomi.biometrics.
• 🔴 "Touch is not working. ID After the shutdown, the reason for POCO-In the devices, disabling biometrics resets gesture settings. Solution: Re-locate gesture settings to Settings → Display. → Lock screen.

If the scanner is still active after all the manipulations, check:

1. Whether custom firmware is installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) they can ignore MIUI settings.
2. Is the guest mode on, the biometrics work separately?
3. Google’s Find My Device feature is activated, so it can block security changes.

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If the fingerprint scanner stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting it first through Settings → Apps → Resetting app settings. 80% of the time, this solves the problem without drastic measures.

Alternative methods of unlocking after disabling the scanner

After deactivating the fingerprint sensor, you will need to choose another way to unlock. MIUI The following options are available:

• 🔐 PIN-code is the most reliable and fastest option: 6-8 figure.
• 📊 pattern lock – convenient, but less secure (you can see the traces on the screen).
• 🔑 Password – maximum protection, but inconvenient for frequent input.
• 👤 Facial recognition – works fast but not safe (you can fool a photo).

To set up an alternative method:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Screen Lock.
2. Choose the desired type of unlock and follow the instructions.
3. For additional security, activate Smart Lock (automatic unlocking in trusted networks).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8xx (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, when changing the unlock method, you may need to enter the old one. PIN-And even after you reset the code, write it down on paper!

If you are using a Smart Lock (Bluetooth device or location unlock), note that once the fingerprint scanner is turned off, this feature may not work properly. Check its settings in Google Settings → Security → Smart Lock.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions