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

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones is a convenient feature for quick unlocking, but sometimes users face the need to turn it off. from technical failures (the sensor does not recognize fingerprints, gives an error Fingerprint hardware not available) to the desire to switch to the computer. PIN-code or pattern lock for security reasons, in some cases the scanner will not work properly after the update. MIUI or mechanical damage to the screen.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users. We will focus on solutions for cases where the scanner does not turn off via the menu or the system emits an error. If you encounter a problem after you have firmware or reset settings, here you will find workarounds.

Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your Fingerprint Scanner

Before we get to the instructions, it's important to understand in which situations it's justified to turn off the sensor.

• 🔧 Hardware malfunctions: the sensor stopped recognizing fingerprints after falling, getting moisture or wear (relevant for older models, for example, Redmi Note 4 or Mi). A1).
• 🔄 Software failures: after the update MIUI The scanner will issue a Fingerprint sensor error or repeatedly ask for a repeat scan.
• 🔒 Security: suspected biometric data leakage (e.g. after installing a suspicious application).
• ⚡ Savings in charge: on some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi 9T) sensor consumes excess energy in the background.
• 📱 Switch to another unlock method: the user prefers Face Unlock or PIN-code.

Separately, it is worth highlighting cases when the scanner does not turn off through the standard menu.

• 🛠️ Manufacturer restrictions (on some models, for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, the sensor is integrated into the screen and locked at the firmware level).
• 📲 Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where the biometrics settings are moved to another menu.
• 🔐 Security policies (on corporate devices, the administrator can prohibit disabling biometrics).

⚠️ Warning: If you disable the scanner due to suspected hacking of the device, first check the system for viruses using Mi Security Scan or third-party antiviruses (Malwarebytes, Dr.Web.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 10/11, POCO F3/F4, Xiaomi 12/13 and other devices based on MIUI 12-14.

Steps to shut down:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section (on some models – Screen Lock and Password).
3. Select the Fingerprint (or Fingerprint Sensor) option.
4. Enter the current one. PIN-code, pattern lock or password for confirmation.
5. Click on Delete fingerprints (or turn off sensor).
6. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After that, all the stored fingerprints will be removed and the sensor will no longer be used to unlock, but the module itself will remain active at the system level, and it can be reconfigured at any time.

Make sure in Settings → Passwords and security are not active fingerprints |

Try unlocking your phone, you should ask. PIN/password|

Restart the device and check again |

If the sensor is still working, move to method 2.

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⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, Redmi) K20 Pro) after the scanner is turned off, the option Add a fingerprint before restarting may disappear.

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

If the standard method does not work (for example, the Remove fingerprint button is inactive or absent), you can try to turn off the sensor through the developer mode.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times in a row on MIUI Version (you will be notified you are a developer!).

Settings

Additional → For Developers

Disable the fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint hardware disable

Activate the switch and confirm the action.

If you don’t have one, try the alternative method with the Android Debug Bridge (ADB):

adb shell settings put global fingerprint_disable 1

This command will temporarily deactivate the sensor until the next reboot, and you will need root permissions to permanently shut down.

Method 3: Reset security settings (if the scanner is frozen)

If the fingerprint sensor doesn't respond to the pressing, or if the system issues a Fingerprint sensor not responding error, resetting the security settings will help, a method that doesn't affect user data, but deletes all stored passwords, fingerprints, and unlock settings.

How to perform the reset:

1. Open Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset Security Settings (or Reset Security Settings).
3. Enter the current one. PIN-code.
4. Confirm the action.

Once the device is restarted, all biometric data will be erased and the sensor will return to factory status, and if the problem was caused by a software failure, the scanner will be available for adjustment again.

Redmi Note 10/11|POCO F3/F4/F5|Xiaomi 12/13|Redmi 9/10|Other model |I don't know

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Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work and root rights don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and installing Google’s Platform Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools on PC.
2. Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (activates developer mode). Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB debugging.

cmd

platform-tools

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.biometric

Reboot your smartphone.

To turn the scanner back on, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.android.biometric

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the com.android.biometric system application may cause other biometric functions (e.g. Face Unlock) to fail. If the phone starts to brake after you execute the command, return the settings back.

1. Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers manually.

2. switch USB connection mode to File Transfer (MTP).

3. Use the original cable (not all) USB-cables support debugging).

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Method 5: Physically disabling the sensor (for repairmen)

If software methods fail and the sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), it can be turned off hardware, which is only suitable for users with experience disassembling smartphones or service centers.

How it works:

• 🔧 On most Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 7/8) fingerprint sensor connected via flexible plume to motherboard.
• 🛠️ If you disconnect this plume, the system will stop detecting the sensor, and the corresponding options will disappear from the menu.
• ⚠️ Risks: Incorrect disassembly can damage other components (e.g. vibrator or speaker).

Step-by-step (for experienced users):

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Remove the back cover with a plastic shoulder blade (heating with a hair dryer is not recommended - you can damage the glue).
3. Find the fingerprint sensor plume (usually located near the battery or under the camera board).
4. Gently disconnect the plume with tweezers.
5. Get the phone back.

Once the sensor is physically disabled, all the functions associated with fingerprints will become unavailable, and they can only be returned by reconnecting the plume or replacing the sensor.

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Physically disabling the sensor is a last resort. Before disassembling the device, try all the software methods and contact the service center if you are not sure of your skills.

Problem Solving: What to do if the scanner does not turn off

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the fingerprint sensor does not turn off in any way.

If neither method works, there are two options:

1. Contact the service center Xiaomi – the master can turn off the sensor at the firmware level or replace it.
2. Reflash the device to official or custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu), where the biometric settings work correctly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling the fingerprint scanner