How to add a fingerprint on a Xiaomi smartphone: from Redmi to POCO

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi smartphones has long ceased to be a luxury — today it is a standard feature even in budget models Redmi and POCO. However, many users face problems when first setting: the sensor does not recognize the finger, the system gives an error “Too fast” or the fingerprint is saved but does not work when unlocked. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic instructions for adding a fingerprint, but also hidden MIUI settings that will help improve the accuracy of the scan, as well as alternative ways to unlock if the sensor suddenly stops working.

It's important to understand that the scanning technologies on different Xiaomi models are different. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 14 and POCO F6 Pro are equipped with ultrasonic sensors under the screen, while the Redmi Note 12 uses an optical scanner. This affects recognition speed, moisture resistance and even how to apply a finger. We collected relevant data for all types of sensors, including the rare cases when the fingerprint is not saved due to a conflict with the shell of MIUI Global/China.

Preparing your smartphone before adding a fingerprint

Before you start scanning, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for the procedure. Many errors are due to trivial omissions:

• 🔋 The battery level should be at least 20% - with a low charge, the system can interrupt the process.
• 🧼 The finger and sensor should be clean and dry.Sweat, cream or dirt distort the scanning.
• 📱 Update. MIUI until the latest version - in old firmware there are bugs with a sensor.
• 🔒 Install. PIN-code or pattern lock – without them, you can not add a fingerprint.

Pay special attention to the state of the sensor. On models with a physical scanner (for example, Redmi 9A), check if it is scratched or contaminated. On devices with a subscreen sensor (Xiaomi 13T, POCO X5 Pro), the problem can be hidden in the protective film - sometimes it blocks infrared rays. If you recently glued new glass, try temporarily removing it.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with root rights or custom firmware, the fingerprint scanner may not work properly. ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.biometrics then restart the device.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint to Xiaomi

The process of adding a fingerprint is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
3. Click Add Fingerprint and follow the prompts on the screen.
4. Place your finger on the sensor until the scale is 100% full.
5. Name the print (for example, "Indicative right") and save.

The key is how to apply your finger. Some users pull or press the sensor too quickly, which causes the system to make an error. Optimal pace: apply your finger for 1-2 seconds, then shift it slightly so that the scanner will capture different parts of the fingerprint. On models with a subscreen sensor (Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT), you do not need to press hard — light touch is enough.

Make sure your finger is dry and clean |

Try the other finger (sometimes the first fingerprint knocks the sensor down)|

Reboot your smartphone and repeat the procedure |

Check if the power saving mode is on (it can block the sensor)-->

If after a successful addition, the fingerprint does not work when unlocking, try the following:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the sensor “hangs” after setting up.
• 📱 Remove the fingerprint and add it again, but this time, put your finger more slowly.
• 🔧 In Developer Settings, disable the option to Disable Biometrics when restarting (if any).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and we’ve collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:

The “failed to complete the setup” error that often appears on the Redmi Note 11 and POCO X3 Pro models is particularly noteworthy, and is usually due to a conflict with Google services to fix this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Play Services and clear the cache.
3. Reboot your smartphone and repeat the addition of the fingerprint.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI China's fingerprint function may be blocked for foreign users SIM-If you use this firmware, install it. MIUI Global or EEA via Fastboot.

Hidden Features of the Fingerprint Scanner on Xiaomi

Few people know, but the fingerprint sensor on Xiaomi can be used for more than just unlocking.

• 🔒 Quickly Hiding Notifications: Put your finger on the sensor on the locked screen - notifications will disappear without unlocking.
• 📁 Folder protection: In the Gallery or Files, you can block access to folders with a fingerprint.
• 💳 Payment via Mi Pay: Set up your payment confirmation with a fingerprint in the Mi Pay app.
• 🎮 Game mode: On some models (Black Shark, POCO F) the print can be linked to the start of the games.

On devices with MIUI 14+, we have the "Double Touch Sensor" feature for quick access to the selected application, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures.
2. Select the fingerprint sensor.
3. Activate the Double-Tap option and assign an app (such as a camera or flashlight).

Another little-known possibility is that you can use a fingerprint to log in to apps. Many banking programs (SberBank, Tinkoff) and instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) support biometric login, and to make it work, select the fingerprint login option in the app's security settings and confirm access.

Physical button (Home)|

Subscreen optical |

Underscreen ultrasound |

No fingerprint scanner.-->

Alternative methods of unlocking if the sensor breaks

If the fingerprint scanner stopped working completely, don't rush to bring the phone to the service.

• 🔑 Use the backup. PIN-code – it always works even if the sensor is broken.
• 📷 Facial recognition is less reliable, but how a temporary solution will work.
• 🔧 Resetting biometrics settings: in Settings → Passwords and security remove all fingerprints and reboot the device.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction check: if the sensor does not respond at all, the plume may have moved away (relevant to Redmi) 8/9 fall-out).

In the models with MIUI 12+ There is a hidden emergency unlock feature through your Mi Account. PIN-If you have a code attached to your account, you can unlock your phone through i.mi.com (Find Device section), but this method only works when you have an active Internet connection.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the fingerprint scanner may not work due to the lack of drivers. MIUI, Or use alternative methods of unlocking.

How to Improve Fingerprint Scanning Accuracy

If the sensor works but is often wrong, try these methods:

• 🧴 Moisturize your finger (lick a little or wipe with a wet wipe) – this improves conductivity for optical sensors.
• 🔄 Add the same finger 2-3 times at different angles (for example, "Indicative right - side", "Indicative right - center").
• 📱 Turn off energy saving for Biometrics app in battery settings.
• 🔧 Reset the sensor settings through Settings → All parameters. → Resetting settings → Resetting fingerprint settings.

On devices with a subscreen sensor (Xiaomi 12S Ultra, POCO F5), the scanning accuracy depends on the brightness of the screen. If you have an adaptive brightness mode on, the sensor may work worse in bright sunlight.

1. Record the brightness of 70-80% manually.
2. Turn off Adaptive Brightness in the display settings.
3. Try using a print in the shade – infrared sensors are sensitive to direct sunlight.

💡

If you exercise or work outdoors a lot, add a fingerprint of not only a dry finger, but also a slightly wet finger, which will help the sensor recognize you even after a workout or in the rain.

For Xiaomi owners with MIUI 13/14, there is another life hack: in the Developer Settings, enable the option of Debug biometrics, which will add sensor failure information to the system log, which will help diagnose the problem.

Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging biometrics

What to do if the print stops working after the update

One of the most common problems is that the fingerprint scanner breaks down after the MIUI update, which is because newer versions of the firmware sometimes reset the biometrics settings or conflict with the sensor drivers.

1. Restart the device – sometimes it solves the problem.
2. Remove all the prints and add them again.
3. Clear the cache of the Biometrics app (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Biometrics).
4. Update rollback: If the issue appears after the update, try rolling back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot.

If nothing works, check if the sensor is locked at the system level.

1. Connect your phone to your PC and start the ADB.
2. Enter the command: adb shell dumpsy fingerprint
3. Check the mHalDeviceStatus line - if there is one STATUS_ERROR, sensor is defective at the hardware level.

On some firmware (MIUI China for Xiaomi 12/13) The fingerprint scanner is locked because of regional restrictions. MIUI Global or EEA It's using the Mi Flash Tool:

FAQ: Frequent questions about prints on Xiaomi