The Xiaomi Redmi fingerprint scanner is not only a convenient way to unlock, but also an additional layer of personal data protection. However, many users face problems when first setting up: the system does not recognize a finger, gives an error “I couldn’t add a fingerprint” or the scanner does not respond to touch at all. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions for all modern Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 11 Prime and others), as well as tell you how to fix typical failures and what to do if the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update.
It is important to understand that the process of adding a fingerprint may vary depending on the version. MIUI We've taken these into account and developed a universal guide that will be suitable even for low-end models like the Redmi. 10A. If you have not previously used biometric authorization or have switched from iPhone/Samsung, Our advice will help you avoid common mistakes.
Preparing your smartphone before adding a fingerprint
Before you start scanning your finger, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi is ready for the procedure.Missing this stage often leads to crashes, especially on new devices or after resetting settings.
- 🔋 Battery charge at least 20%. At low charge, the system can interrupt the setup process.
- 📱 Update MIUI. Outdated firmware may contain bugs in the scanner. Check the relevance of the version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🧴 Clean fingers and scanners. Fat marks, moisture or dirt interfere with reading correctly.
- 🔒 Whether identified PIN/Password, without the primary method of locking (PIN, pattern lock or password: no fingerprint can be added.
Pay special attention to the type of locking, and if you only use Swipe, the system will ask you to set a PIN before adding a fingerprint, which is a MIUI security requirement that you can't bypass, and check if the charge saving mode is on, which can limit the sensors.
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If the fingerprint scanner is located under the screen (as in the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), try adding a finger in bright light. Optical sensors work better when the screen is well illuminated.
Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi
The setup process is the same for most models, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. We will describe a universal algorithm that works on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and other devices with MIUI 12-14.
- Open Settings and go to Password and Security (or Lock and Protect in older versions).
- If this option is missing, your model does not support the scanner (e.g. Redmi 9A).
- Enter the current PIN/password to verify your identity.
- Press Add Fingerprint and follow the prompts on the screen. The system will ask you to put your finger on the scanner from different angles.
- After a successful Assign scan, you can select a fingerprint to unlock, pay for, or access protected folders.
When you scan, don't press too hard on the scanner, it can cause an error. Optimal pressure is a light touch, like when you unlock it, and if you stop, start over, the system doesn't store partially scanned data.
No PIN/password installed |Dirty scanner or finger |Smartphone not updated |Low battery charge (<20%) |Energy saving mode-->
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right setup, Xiaomi Redmi users will encounter errors like “Failure to add a fingerprint” or “Scanner is not responding.”
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Failure to add a print" | Too wet/dirty finger or scanner | Rub your finger and sensor with an alcohol wipe, try again |
| The scanner doesn't respond to touch. | Hardware failure or sensor disabled in settings | Restart your phone, check the developer’s settings (USB debugging should be turned off) |
| The print is added, but it's not working. | Conflict with the shell or damaged scanner data | Remove the fingerprint and add again, reset the security settings if necessary |
| "The fingerprint sensor is not responding." | Software failure after MIUI update | Clear the system cache in Settings → Memory → Clean or reset settings |
If none of the methods worked, the problem may be hardware. In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center. On models with optical scanners under the screen (for example, Redmi K50) a common cause of malfunction is damage to the display or its replacement. Before visiting the service, check if the scanner is working in Safe Mode.
Optical under the screen | Side (in the power button) | Back (physical button) | No scanner-->
Features of customization on different models of Redmi
While the general principle of adding a fingerprint is the same, some Xiaomi Redmi models have unique nuances. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14, the scanner supports up to 5 fingerprints, and on the Redmi 10C only 3.
- 📱 Redmi Note 11/12 Optical scanner under the screen, requires bright lighting to work accurately, supports unlock animations.
- 🔘 Redmi 10/9 Physical scanner on the back, less sensitive to moisture, but slower to fire.
- ⚡ Redmi K50/K60: Ultrasonic side scanner (in the power button) works even with wet fingers, but can conflict with covers.
- 🚫 Redmi 9A/10A: No fingerprint scanner. Use only PIN/password.
On devices with MIUI for POCO (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro in some regions), the path to scanner settings may be called Biometrics and Password. Also note that Chinese versions of firmware (China ROM) may not support Russian in the scanner menu - in this case, use a translator or install a Global ROM.
How to check the type of scanner on your Redmi?
Additional functions of the fingerprint scanner
The Xiaomi Redmi fingerprint can be used for more than just unlocking, depending on the model and version of the MIUI, the following features are available:
- 💳 Payment via Mi Pay. Link your fingerprint to your bank card for quick payments in stores (requires support) NFC).
- 🔐 Access to hidden folders, you can hide personal data in the Gallery or Files under biometric protection.
- 📱 Some banking programs (Sberbank, Tinkoff) allow you to use a fingerprint instead of a password.
- 🔄 Fast profile switching: On multi-user devices (like the Redmi Pad), the scanner speeds up account change.
To activate these features, go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprints → Fingerprint settings. Here you can choose what actions the biometrics will be used for. Note: some options (such as payment) require pre-setting in the respective applications.
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On models with MIUI 13+, the print can be used to confirm the installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings → Privacy → Special Permits).
What to do if the scanner stops working after the update
One of the most common problems is that the scanner disappears after the MIUI update, because of a sensor driver failure or a conflict with the new firmware version.
- Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Restart in Safe Mode). If the scanner is running, it's third-party software.
- Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Cash.
- Reset security settings: Settings → Password and security → Additional → Reset security settings.
- If nothing helps, roll back the firmware through Fastboot or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.
Forums often advise you to roll back on the old version of MIUI, but it is risky: you can lose data or block the bootloader; it is safer to wait for an official fix or contact the service; in extreme cases, use alternative methods of unlocking (face recognition or PIN).
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Before resetting your security settings, back up your fingerprints to Settings → Google Accounts → Backup. This will allow you to quickly restore them after resetting.
Alternative ways to unlock if the scanner breaks
If your Xiaomi Redmi fingerprint scanner is out of order, don’t worry: there are several reliable alternatives, but you need to set them up in advance to keep your phone open.
- 🔢 PIN/The basic method that always works, we recommend using a complex password (at least one of the most important ones). 8 symbolism).
- 👤 Facial recognition: Fast and convenient, but less safe (you can fool a photo on some models).
- 📍 Automatically unlock in trusted locations (home, work) or when connected to a trusted device (e.g. Mi Band).
- 🔑 Emergency access: Set up a backup email or phone number to restore access.
To enable Smart Lock, go to Settings → Password & Security → Smart Lock. You can add Trusted Devices (e.g. Xiaomi Buds headphones) or Trusted Places (geolocation). Note: this feature only works when you are online (to locate).
⚠️ Note: If you only use your fingerprint to unlock and the scanner suddenly stops working, you will need to enter PIN, It was set the first time you added a fingerprint, and if you forgot it, you'd have to reset your phone to the factory settings (with loss of data).