How to set up screen unlocking by fingerprint on Xiaomi: detailed instructions

Why You Need to Unlock Your Fingerprint and How It Works on Xiaomi

The fingerprint scanner has become a standard security feature in modern smartphones, and Xiaomi is no exception. This technology not only speeds up access to the device, but also increases its protection compared to traditional ones. PIN-codes or graphic keys. On devices with MIUI (from version 12 and above), the scanner is integrated either into the power button or under the screen - depending on the model.

The main advantage of biometric authentication is speed and convenience, you don't have to memorize complex passwords or enter them manually: just one touch is enough, and Xiaomi uses hardware encryption of fingerprints, which makes the method reliable even when data is leaked from the device. But it's important to understand that a fingerprint is not a panacea. It's not a substitute. PIN-the code in full (for example, after restarting the phone will still need to enter a digital password).

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to add a fingerprint to different Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and flagship series)
• ⚙️ Security settings that should be changed after the scanner is activated
• ❌ Typical errors and how to avoid them (for example, why the scanner does not recognize the finger after the update) MIUI)
• 🔄 What to do if the print stops working or the phone forgets"

If you just bought a Xiaomi smartphone or want to optimize your security settings, this guide will help you get it right the first time.

Preparing the smartphone before setting up the fingerprint

Before you add a fingerprint, make sure your device is ready for it.

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 20% (at low charge, the system can block the addition of a fingerprint).
• 🔐 The phone is already installed. PIN-A code, a password or a pattern lock. Without that, you can't add a print.
• 📱 Screen clean and dry – greasy spots or moisture interfere with the scanner.
• 👆 The finger you will be scanning should also be dry (sweat, cream, or skin damage impair recognition).

If you've just updated MIUI or reset your settings, the system may need to reboot before adding a fingerprint. That's fine - just follow the request.

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If the fingerprint scanner is under the screen, make sure it doesn't have a protective film or a low-sensitivity glass on it, and some of the films block the infrared sensor, and the print is not readable.

Also check if your Xiaomi model supports this feature, for example, budget devices like the Redmi A2 or POCO C50 may not have a scanner at all, and a full list of supported models can be found on Xiaomi’s official website in the specs section.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

The process of adding a fingerprint is the same for most Xiaomi devices on MIUI 14/15, but may vary slightly depending on the model.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section (on some models – Lock and Protect).
3. Select Fingerprint Addition (or Fingerprint → Add Fingerprint).
4. Enter the current one. PIN-code, password or pattern lock for confirmation.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen: put your finger on the scanner and raise/lower it until the scale is 100% full. Important: don't press too hard - the sensor must "learn" to recognize the fingerprint from different angles.
6. After successful addition, name the fingerprint (for example, "Indicative right") and save.

Make sure your finger is clean and dry.

- Remove the case if it closes the scanner.

Check that there are no cracks in the sensor area on the screen.

- Remember. PIN-code (required for fingerprint resetting)-->

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or the POCO F5 Pro), the system will offer to add multiple fingerprints of one finger at different angles, which improves recognition if you pick up the phone in a non-standard way (for example, when lying on your side).

If the scanner is not responding:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🧴 Wipe the sensor and finger with an alcohol napkin (without pile!).
• 📱 Check if the power saving mode is on – it can turn off the scanner.

Security settings: What to change after adding a fingerprint

Just adding a fingerprint is not enough. To make the system work reliably, we recommend setting up additional parameters:

Pay special attention to the item "Unlock when you turn it on." If you turn it off, after each restart, you have to enter the phone. PIN-This can be inconvenient but improves security (for example, if the phone is stolen and trying to reboot to bypass the lock).

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Fingerprint is convenient, but does not replace PIN-Always set a backup unlock method (digital or graphical password).

Also check if the scanner is in conflict with other features, for example, on some POCO models when Game Turbo mode is on, the print may not work, in which case add the scanner launch to the exceptions for games.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting up properly, the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. The scanner doesn't recognize the fingerprint.

If the phone has stopped recognizing the previously stored fingerprint:

• 🧼 Wipe the sensor and finger with a lilac-free wipe.
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 Remove the old print and add it again (sometimes changing the angle of the finger's application helps).
• 🔧 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – new firmware often corrects scanner errors.

2.The print only works after several attempts

This is typical for subscreen scanners on budget models (e.g. Redmi Note 11).

• 👆 Add multiple options for a single fingerprint (from different sides of your finger).
• 📵 Turn off energy saving modes – they can slow down the sensor.
• 🛠️ Reset the scanner settings in Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint. → Remove all fingerprints and reconfigure them.

3.The scanner stopped working after the MIUI update

After major upgrades (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the scanner may require recalibration. This is not a bug, this is how unauthorized access protection works.

1. Delete all the fingerprints you saved.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Add the prints again.

If none of these things worked, check to see if your device is running Developer Mode with biometrics resolutions disabled, and sometimes experimenting with the developer settings breaks the scanner.

Security: How to protect your data if your fingerprint is stolen

Many users fear that if an attacker gains access to their fingerprint (such as via a cast), they will be able to unlock the phone. In fact, Xiaomi uses hardware encryption, and simply copying the fingerprint will not help to bypass the lock.

⚠️ Note: If you add a fingerprint to your phone and then someone forcibly puts your finger on the scanner (for example, while sleeping), the device unlocks. To avoid this, set Safe Mode in Settings → Passwords and security → Safe Mode. In this mode, unlocking will always be required. PIN.

Additional security measures:

• 🔐 Use the complex PIN-code (not date of birth or simple combination like 1234).
• 🚫 Do not add fingerprints of other people (even close ones).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions close biometric authentication vulnerabilities.
• 📱 Enable Remote Management in Settings → Mi Account. → Remote control to block the phone remotely in case of theft.

If you are selling or transferring a phone to another person, be sure to delete all fingerprints from the Settings menu → Passwords & Security → Fingerprint → Delete all fingerprints. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to unlock the device with your finger!

Comparison of scanners on different Xiaomi models

Xiaomi’s fingerprint recognition technology varies by model and price segment, and here are the key differences:

If you're choosing between models, look at the type of scanner. For example, subscreen sensors look futuristic, but often lose to physical buttons in speed and reliability. Optical scanners (like the Redmi K60) are cheaper than ultrasonic scanners, but they work worse in bright sunlight.

On budget devices (such as the Redmi A2+), the scanner may not be available at all, in which case the alternative would be face unlock, but it is less reliable from a security point of view.

Frequently asked questions