How to put a fingerprint on Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Xiaomi’s smartphone fingerprint scanner is no longer a luxury — it’s a security standard that speeds up unlocking, confirms payments and protects sensitive data. However, not everyone knows how to add a fingerprint correctly, especially if it’s new models with underscreen sensors or devices after resetting. In this article, we’ll look at the process from A to Z: from checking your model’s compatibility to solving typical errors like “finger not recognized” or “scanner does not work after an update.”

It is important to understand that the algorithm for adding a fingerprint can vary depending on the version of the MIUI and the type of sensor (physical button, underscreen optical or ultrasonic scanner).We will take into account all the nuances, including the features of the flagship Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and budget models like the Poco X6. Also reveal little-known chips – for example, how to add up to 5 fingerprints per account or why sometimes the system requires you to re-scan your finger in a day.

Compatibility Check: Is there a scanner in your Xiaomi model?

Before you try to add a fingerprint, make sure your smartphone supports this feature at all. Some budget models (such as the Redmi A2 or Poco C50) do not have a scanner for the sake of economy.

• 🔍 Physical inspection: on the back or under the screen (at the bottom) should be a sensor – round/oval module or designated area.
• 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint. If there's no point, there's no scanner.
• 🛒 Official specifications: Xiaomi’s website indicates the presence of a sensor in the product card (look for “Fingerprint sensor»).

Pay special attention to the type of scanner - this depends on the speed and reliability:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro in the Russian version) sometimes missing the fingerprint option due to localization limitations, in which case will help flashing to the global or European version of the software.

Preparing your smartphone before adding a fingerprint

To avoid errors like “cannot add a fingerprint” or “sensor does not respond”, follow the following steps:

1. Update MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Outdated versions of the software may not support new scanning algorithms.
2. Make sure the sensor is clean: Wipe the scanner area with a dry wipe (for underscreen, use soft fabric without pile). Fat spots or scratches distort the reading.
3. Remove the protective glass/film: Even a thin coating can block the infrared rays of an optical scanner. This is not critical for side sensors.
4. Set a pattern lock or PIN: A fingerprint is an additional unlocking method. The system will require you to enter the primary password when you reboot or after 72 hours without using it.

If you’ve just bought a smartphone or made a setting reset, first set up the basic security settings:

Install PIN-code (minimum 6 digits)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Clean the sensor from contamination

Remove the case (if it closes the scanner)

Connect your smartphone to charging (battery > 20%)

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Advice for owners of models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Lite: Before scanning the fingerprint, increase the brightness of the display to 70-80%. Optical sensors work better in good lighting matrix.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

The algorithm for adding a fingerprint is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances depending on the location of the sensor.

1. Open the settings: Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter PIN/password: The system will require you to verify your identity.
3. Click Add a fingerprint: On some models (like the Redmi Note 11), this item is called Add a fingerprint.
4. Follow the hints on the screen: 👆 Put your finger on the sensor and wait for the vibrations. 🔄 Raise and put your finger back down again – the system scans different parts of the pad. ✅ Repeat until the scale is 100%.

Name the print:

Set up the functions:

• 🔓 Screen unlocking
• 💳 Payment Confirmation (for Mi Pay or Google Pay)
• 🔒 Access to secure folders (Private Mode)

For models with a subscreen scanner (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70 Pro), there is a caveat: when scanning, the screen must be on and the finger tightly pressed. Some users complain that the sensor does not work the first time — this is normal for optical scanners.

• 💡 Increase the force of the press.
• 🖐️ Use a different angle of the finger.
• 🔋 Reboot your smartphone if the sensor doesn’t respond at all.

Physical button

Subscreen optical

Ultrasonic.

Side (in the power button)

I don't know.

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Adding and managing multiple fingerprints

Xiaomi allows you to save up to 5 fingerprints on a single device, which is handy if you want to unlock your phone with different fingers or give access to a loved one, to add another fingerprint:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Click "Add fingerprint" and repeat the scanning procedure.
3. Assign a unique name (e.g., Middle Finger or Wife’s Fingerprint).

You can manage the saved prints in the same menu:

• 📝 Rename: Click on the print → «Rename».
• 🗑️ Delete: Click on the print → «Delete” (entry required PIN-code).
• 🔄 Update: If the print is not readable, delete it and add it again.

Family tip: If you give your child or spouse access to the phone, add their fingerprint, but turn off the payment option.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions Management.
2. Find Mi Pay or Google Pay and turn off access for a specific fingerprint.

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If you wear gloves often or have wet hands, add the same fingerprint twice at different angles, which will increase the chances of successful unlocking.

Problem Solving: The scanner is not working or does not recognize the fingerprint

Even new Xiaomi smartphones can have problems with the fingerprint sensor, and consider the typical errors and ways to fix them:

If the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update, try the following steps:

1. Clear the sensor cache: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System → Fingerprint → Storage → Clear the cache.
2. Reset security settings: In Settings → Passwords and security, find the item “Reset security settings” (entering is required). PIN-code).
3. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI: If the problem appeared after the update, use Fastboot for downgrade (instructions on XiaomiUI).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K50 Gaming) after resetting security settings, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your username and password!

For owners of ultrasonic scanner devices (such as the Black Shark 5 Pro): If the sensor is not working underwater or with wet fingers, check the integrity of the waterproofing membrane.

Security: How to protect data when using a fingerprint

A fingerprint is biometric data, and leaking it can be dangerous. Xiaomi stores fingerprint patterns in a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) chip, but there are nuances to be aware of:

• 🔐 Print. ≠ PIN-Code: In some situations (for example, when forced to unlock by law enforcement) the system may require input PIN. Do not use simple combinations like 1234.
• 🛡️ Data Encryption: Enable device encryption in Settings → Passwords and security → Encrypting the phone, it'll protect files from theft.
• 🚫 Limit access to payments: In Mi Pay or Google Pay, set a limit on print transactions (e.g. up to 5,000). ₽ without PIN).

If you sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, be sure to remove all fingerprints.

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Remove all saved prints (entry required) PIN-code).
3. Perform a reset to factory settings in Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.

For additional protection, enable two-step authentication for your Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Activate the “Two-step verification” option and link your phone number or email.

Hidden features and life hacks for fingerprints on Xiaomi

Few people know, but the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi can be used not only to unlock.

• 📁 Quick access to private folders: To the Gallery → Albums. → Private can be set to unlock with a fingerprint, the folder will be hidden from outsiders.
• 🔕 Hiding Notifications: C Settings → Notifications → Confidentiality enable the option “Hide the contents of notifications before unlocking the fingerprint».
• 🎮 Game mode: On Redmi K60 Gaming or Black Shark print can be linked to the launch of the game space (Settings) → Special facilities → Playing space).
• 🔄 Switching profiles: In Settings → System and device → Additionally. → User profiles can be created with your own fingerprints (useful for work).

For owners of Xiaomi Pad 6 or other tablets: if the fingerprint scanner is missing, but there is support for the Mi Smart Pen, you can configure the unlock with a stylus.

1. Connect the Mi Smart Pen to the tablet.
2. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Mi Smart Pen → Security settings.
3. Activate the option “Unlock the stylus”.

Another little-known trick: some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K70E) can adjust the vibration when successfully scanning the fingerprint.

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → System Vibration.
2. Enable the option “Vibration when unlocking fingerprint”.

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A fingerprint on Xiaomi is not only a convenience, but also an additional layer of security. But remember, biometrics can't be changed like a password. Regularly update the software and keep the sensor safe.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions