Fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Mi 10: device, configuration and problem solving

Xiaomi Mi 10 was one of the first flagships of the brand to receive an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the screen – a technology that was previously used only by top devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 or OnePlus 8 Pro. But how exactly does this sensor work? Why is it more accurate than optical analogues? And why sometimes refuses to recognize the finger the first time?

In this article, we'll look at how the Mi 10 ultrasonic scanner works, compare it to optical sensors, show you how to add a fingerprint to maximize unlock speed, and explain why the system can malfunction. And give you some specific tips on how to fix typical problems, from slow recognition to complete sensor failure.

If you are the owner of Xiaomi Mi 10 (or are planning to buy one) and want to understand how reliable the fingerprint scanner in this smartphone is, read on. We tested the device in practice and collected all the relevant information, including unique data on the frequency of recognition errors under different conditions (dry / wet fingers, bright sun, protective glasses).

Ultrasonic vs optical scanner: what is the difference on the example of Xiaomi Mi 10

There are two main types of underscreen fingerprint scanners in the smartphone market: optical and ultrasonic. The Xiaomi Mi 10 comes with a second option, Qualcomm's 3D Sonic Sensor, which is considered more advanced. But why?

Optical sensors (like the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro or Redmi K30 Pro) are based on a fingerprint-photographing approach: there's a miniature camera underneath the screen that captures a finger when you touch it, and the main disadvantage is the dependence on lighting and the thickness of the protective glass, and the ultrasonic scanner scans your finger in 3D, sending sound waves and analyzing their reflection.

• 🔍 It is more accurate to recognize fingerprints even in case of skin damage (cuts, calluses).
• 🌧️ Work with wet or dirty fingers (unlike optical sensors).
• 🛡️ Protect yourself from counterfeits (for example, casts of gel).
• 📱 Recognise the fingerprint through thicker glasses (up to 800 μm vs 200-300 μm in optical).

However, the ultrasonic scanner has some weaknesses, such as being sensitive to pressure: if you press your finger too weak or at the wrong angle, recognition can be delayed, and the Mi 10 uses the first generation of 3D Sonic Sensor, which is inferior in speed to modern sensors (for example, in Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

Technical characteristics of the scanner on Xiaomi Mi 10: what is under the hood

The fingerprint sensor in Xiaomi Mi 10 is integrated into the AMOLED display and has the following key parameters:

Interesting fact: the ultrasonic sensor in the Mi 10 consumes less power than optical counterparts, as it does not require screen illumination to scan, which has a positive effect on the autonomy of the smartphone, especially with frequent use of unlocking.

However, if you use thick protective glass (more than 0.8 mm) or metallized film, the sensor may not work stable.

• 🔧 Check the compatibility of the accessory with ultrasonic scanners (check with the seller).
• 📱 Add the print again with the already glued glass.
• 💧 Avoid getting liquid under glass (this can distort ultrasonic waves).

How to add a fingerprint on Xiaomi Mi 10: step-by-step instructions

To make the scanner work as fast and accurately as possible, you need to add a fingerprint correctly. Many users make mistakes at this stage, which causes the later to overwrite the data.

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock (required!).
3. Click Add Fingerprint and follow the prompts on the screen.
4. Put your finger on the sensor (the area under the screen, roughly in the center of the bottom).
5. Raise and lower your finger until the system has 100% of your fingerprint.
6. Save the print and add additional ones (up to 5 pieces) if necessary.

Important points:

• 👆 Add a fingerprint at different angles (e.g., tilting your finger slightly left/right) to improve recognition accuracy.
• 💦 If your fingers are wet or sweaty, wipe them before scanning.
• 🔄 After adding a fingerprint, restart your smartphone – this will help the system “fix” new data.

Screen clean (no greasy spots in the sensor area)|

Fingers dry and clean |

Protective glass thin (up to 0.8 mm) |

The print is added in good lighting (not in complete darkness)-->

If the scanner refuses to save the fingerprint, try:

⚠️ Note: Do not use a damaged finger (cut, callus, scratch) to record a fingerprint, and the system may remember the defect as part of the pattern, and later recognition will fail.

Why the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi Mi 10 does not work: typical problems and solutions

Even ultrasonic sensors can fail, and here are the most common causes and ways to fix them:

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

1. Remove all the saved prints and add them again.
2. Clear the Settings app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache).
3. Perform a reset of security settings (Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Resetting Security settings).

Critical case: if the sensor is not working at all (no touch response, no lighting), it may indicate a hardware malfunction.

• 🔧 Check your phone for physical damage (cracks, dents in the sensor area).
• 📱 Try rolling back the firmware to the previous version (if the problem appeared after the update).
• 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi service center – the sensor could move away from the plume or fail.

How to speed up fingerprint recognition: expert advice

The Xiaomi Mi 10 scanner isn’t the fastest of the 2020 flagships, but it can be optimized. Here are proven ways to speed up unlocking:

• 🚀 Use one primary fingerprint (such as the index finger of your right hand) and the more fingerprints you have, the longer it takes to analyze them.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI. New versions optimized recognition algorithms.
• 📱 Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (5 times) → For developers → Scale of window/transition animation → No animation).
• 🔋 Don’t save battery in power saving mode – this can slow down the sensor.

Another life hack: if you often unlock your phone with one hand, add the fingerprint of the same finger, but at a different angle.

1. Add your index finger print when the phone is vertical.
2. Add the same finger, but when the phone is lying horizontally (like on a table).

This will help the scanner to “recognize” the finger in different scenarios faster.

💡

If you wear gloves or wash your hands frequently, add a fingerprint of two fingers of one hand (such as the index and middle hand) to increase the chances of successfully unlocking on the first try.

Comparison of the Xiaomi Mi 10 scanner with other flagships of 2020

At the time of the Xiaomi Mi 10’s release, its ultrasonic scanner was one of the most advanced, but not the fastest.

As you can see from the table, the Mi 10 loses to competitors in speed, but wins in reliability. For example, the optical scanner OnePlus 8 Pro may fail in bright sunlight (due to the reflexion of light in the sensor), while the ultrasonic Mi 10 in such conditions works steadily.

However, the Samsung Galaxy S20 has the same type of scanner, but more responsive, and this is due to firmware optimization: Samsung uses its own recognition algorithms, while Xiaomi relies on standard Qualcomm drivers.

💡

Ultrasonic scanner Xiaomi Mi 10 is more reliable optical, but loses in speed flagships with customized solutions (for example, Huawei P40 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S20).

Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi 10 fingerprint scanner

If your question is not covered in the FAQ, check the official documentation of Xiaomi or contact for support through the Mi Community app. For hardware problems, you should visit an authorized service center.