How to put a fingerprint on Xiaomi Mi 5: instructions with nuances

Xiaomi Mi 5 was one of the first smartphones of the brand with a built-in fingerprint scanner — a revolutionary solution for the budget flagship at the time of release. However, even years later, owners of the device are faced with questions: how to add a fingerprint correctly, why the scanner does not recognize the finger after the update, and whether it is possible to record more than 5 fingerprints through the engineering menu. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from basic settings to solving rare bugs related to the hardware and software limitations of MIUI.

It's important to understand that the procedure depends on the firmware version: on stock MIUI 8/9, the algorithm is different from custom builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. We'll focus on the official software, but also mention the nuances for alternative firmware. If your Mi 5 stopped recognizing fingerprints after resetting, here's the solution.

Preparing your smartphone before adding a fingerprint

Before you start scanning your finger, make sure the device is ready for the procedure, and skipping this step often leads to errors such as "Can't add a fingerprint" or "Scanner is not responding."

First, check the scanner's cleanliness: even microscopic particles of dust or fat can distort reading. Use a soft lilaless wipe (for example, for glasses) and alcohol wipes (no more than 70% alcohol!).

Second, update your firmware to the latest stable version of MIUI for your model. Fingerprint saving bugs are possible on versions below MIUI 8.5. You can check the software's relevance in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

• 📱 Clean the screen and scanner of fat and dirt (use special wipes).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 30% – with a low charge, the system can interrupt the process.
• 🔒 Make sure that the screen lock is enabled (PIN, A pattern lock or password. You can't add a fingerprint without it.
• 📲 Reboot your smartphone if you have previously had a malfunction in the scanner.

⚠️ Note: If you use unofficial firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), check first for the scanner compatibility with your build.

Step-by-step: Adding a fingerprint

The process of writing a fingerprint on the Xiaomi Mi 5 takes no more than 2 minutes, but requires an accurate algorithm. MIUI 8–12:

1. Open Settings → Lock and Protection → Fingerprints.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-screen lock code or password (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create it).
3. Press "Add fingerprint" and follow the prompts on the screen. The smartphone will ask you to touch the scanner several times, changing the angle and force of the press.
4. After a successful scan, assign a name (e.g., "Indicative Right") to the fingerprint and save it.

Critical: on the Mi 5, the scanner is located on the back of the camera. Many users intuitively try to put their finger on the screen (as on the new Xiaomi models), which leads to errors. Always focus on the scanner's backlight - it lights up white when ready to read.

Check the cleanliness of the scanner and finger.

Reboot your smartphone

Update the firmware to the latest version

Reset your fingerprint settings in the security menu

Try another finger (possibly damaged skin)

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If the process is interrupted during the scanning phase, try:

• 🧴 Apply a thin layer of cream on your finger (improves conductivity).
• 🔄 Change the angle of touch – the scanner reads the fingerprint better when tilting your finger 15-20°.
• 📵 Remove the cover or sticker if they cover the scanner area.

Limitations and features of the scanner on the Mi 5

The fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Mi 5 has a number of hardware and software limitations that you should know about in advance:

One of the frequent complaints users have is self-deleting fingerprints after the MIUI update, which is due to the fact that some firmware versions reset the data of the security module (TrustZone).

• 📥 Always back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔄 Update only through official Recovery, not via Fastboot.
• 🔐 Duplicate prints on the other finger (for example, index and middle finger).

Permanently (the main way to unlock)

Sometimes (in addition to the PIN-code)

Approximately (for payments only)

Never (unplugged)

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

If a fingerprint is added but the Mi 5 doesn't recognize it, the problem can be in both software and hardware malfunctions.

1.The scanner doesn't respond to touch

Symptom: the scanner lights up, there is no vibration when touched.

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 The scanner plume has disconnected (a typical problem after disassembling the phone), so you can disassemble the device and reconnect the plume.
• 📱 TrustZone malfunction Solution: Reset through Settings → All settings → Recovery and discharge → Resetting fingerprint settings.
• 🔄 Custom core conflict. Solution: Swipe the stock core through TWRP.

2. The fingerprint is recognized once in a while.

Symptom: The scanner only works with 3-5 attempts.

Possible causes:

• 👆 Damaged finger skin (cuts, calluses) Solution: Record the fingerprint of the other finger.
• 🧴 Fat or dirty scanner. Solution: clean with an alcohol napkin.
• 📉 Sensor wear (typical for devices older than 5 years) Solution: Replace the scanner module (cost) ~1500–2000 ₽).

⚠️ Note: If the scanner stopped working after the phone fell, there is a high probability of mechanical damage to the flexible plume. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the service center.

Additional functions of the fingerprint scanner

On Xiaomi Mi 5, the fingerprint scanner can be used not only to unlock the screen, but also to:

• 💳 Payment via Mi Pay (requires a bank card link).
• 📱 Quick camera start double-click on scanner (configured in Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Additional settings).

To activate these functions:

1. Go to Settings → Lock and Protection → Fingerprints.
2. Select the added print and click "Print settings".
3. Activate the options you need (for example, “Unlock Apps” or “Mi Pay”).

Important: for Mi Pay to work, you will need to link the bank card of the supported bank (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.) and confirm it via SMS.

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If the scanner refuses to work in a particular application (e.g., a banking client), try temporarily disabling battery optimization for that application in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Battery Optimization.

Fingerprint reset and complete module reinstallation

If you are selling a phone or want to completely clear the scanner data, follow the following steps:

1. Click on the Recycle Bin icon (or Delete all fingerprints depending on the MIUI version).

For a complete reset of the scanner module (for example, after firmware custom software):

1. Enter the code #3646633##.
2. Go to Hardware Testing" → "Fingerprint".
3. Select "Clear Data" and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: After the module is completely reset, all fingerprints will be deleted without recovery, and this can also lead to loss of Mi Wallet data if they were tied to the scanner.

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If you plan to flash custom software, pre-delete all prints through standard settings, this will prevent conflicts with the TrustZone module in the new firmware.

Alternative methods of unlocking if the scanner breaks

If the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Mi 5 is out of order, you can use alternative ways to unlock:

• 🔢 PIN-code or password (necessarily configured when you add a fingerprint).
• 📊 pattern lock (less secure but convenient).
• 👤 Facial recognition (available on the MIUI 9+, but it's slower than the scanner).
• 🔑 Smart Lock (unlocking by trusted device or location).

To enable facial recognition:

1. Go to Settings → Lock and Protection → Face Recognition.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to scan the face.
3. Set up the unlock conditions (for example, only in good lighting).

To set up the Smart Lock:

1. Open Settings → Google → Security → Smart Lock
2. Add trusted devices (such as Mi Band) or places (home, work).
3. Activate the option "Unlock when connected to a trusted device".

Important: Face recognition and Smart Lock are less secure than a fingerprint, and do not use them to protect sensitive data (banking applications, work correspondence).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Mi 5