How to add a fingerprint to Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Why Xiaomi’s fingerprint scanner might not work the first time

Adding a fingerprint on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones seems like a simple procedure — until you encounter errors like “failed to add a fingerprint” or “sensor not responding.” The reasons can be both hardware features (contaminated sensor, damaged plume) and software nuances (obsolete firmware, conflict with the shell of MIUI). For example, models with an ultrasonic scanner (like the Mi 11 Ultra) require a tighter finger press than optical sensors (Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Another common problem is that users try to add a fingerprint immediately after a system update or reset before fully optimizing the background processes, in which case the scanner may be temporarily blocked by security, and it is worth considering that on devices with root rights or custom firmware, the biometrics function often turns off automatically due to the risk of data leakage.

In this article, we will discuss not only the basic instructions for adding a fingerprint, but also unique solutions for models with a side scanner (in the power button) and a subscreen sensor that require a special approach. And if you encounter an error "Fingerprint sensor does not respond", at the end of the article there is a separate section with diagnostics.

Preparing your smartphone before adding a fingerprint

Before you start scanning, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for the procedure.

• 📱 Update. MIUI to the latest version: go to Settings → The phone. → Update of the system. On older versions of the firmware (below) MIUI 12.5) may not be available drivers for new types of scanners.
• 🔋 The battery must be at least 20% charged, and at low charge, the system can interrupt the process of adding a fingerprint.
• 🧼 Clean the sensor: wipe the scanner with a dry microfiber wipe. On optical sensors (under the screen), traces of fat or moisture distort the scanning.
• 🔒 Set a pattern lock or PIN-Without them, you can't add a fingerprint, that's a security requirement for Android.

Pay special attention to the pattern lock item. If you only use a print to unlock, the system may request input. PIN-It's a standard security measure that you can't turn off after you've restarted or after 72 hours without activity.

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 for devices with a subscreen scanner (for example, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5).

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
3. Press Add Fingerprint and follow the prompts on the screen. The system will ask you to put your finger on the sensor several times, changing the angle and force of the press.
4. After a successful scan, assign a name to the fingerprint (such as “Indicative Right”) and select the actions for which it will be used: 🔓 Screen unlocking 💳 Payment via Mi Pay or Google Pay 🔐 Access to secure folders (Second Space or Private Mode)

On side-scanner models (in the power button), when you add a fingerprint, you need to hold your finger on the button until you vibrate, not just touch it. For under-screen sensors, it is important that the finger is dry and pressed with the entire plane, otherwise the system will give an error "Too little data to create a fingerprint."

Finger clean and dry |

The screen (for underscreen sensors) has no cracks over the scanning area |

It's on the phone. PIN-code|

The fingerprint sensor has not overheated (after prolonged use)-->

Features of setting up on different Xiaomi models

Not all fingerprint scanners on Xiaomi devices work the same way, and here are the key differences:

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, we have Smart Unlock, which allows you to combine fingerprint with facial recognition. To activate it, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Smart Unlock and select the options you want, but keep in mind that when you turn on this feature, the unlock speed can decrease by 10-15%.

What to do if Xiaomi does not recognize the fingerprint

If the scanner has stopped recognizing the previously added fingerprint, try the following steps:

1. Sometimes the background MIUI processes block access to the sensor.
2. Remove and add the fingerprint again. To do this, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint, select the problem fingerprint and click Delete.
3. Check the sensor for physical damage. If there are cracks on the screen above the scanning area, the optical sensor may not work properly.
4. Reset your security settings. To Settings → Passwords and Security → Alternatively select Reset fingerprint and face settings. Attention: this will delete all stored biometrics!

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The scanner stopped working at all, check if it's disabled in the developer settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then in Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, find the item "Disable the biometrics flag." It should be turned off.

If none of these things worked, there might be a hardware problem, because on side-scanner models, the power button plume often fails, and on sub-screen sensor devices, the sensor chip, which would require diagnostics at the service center.

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If the scanner is unstable, try adding the same finger twice at different angles, such as "Indicator right (top)" and "Indicator right (bottom)" and this will increase the chances of successful recognition.

How to remove or change your fingerprint on Xiaomi

The saved fingerprints are managed in the same menu where they are added, to remove the fingerprint:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter. PIN-code.
3. Select the fingerprint you want to remove and click Delete.