Xiaomi’s current smartphones offer convenient and secure authorization options, with fingerprint unlocking taking the lead, not only speeding up access to the device, but also protecting individual applications from instant messengers to banking services. However, many users have difficulty configuring or using the scanner: the system doesn’t recognize the fingerprint, the apps don’t offer biometric authorization, or the scanner suddenly stops working after an upgrade.
In this article, we will look at all the steps of setting up fingerprint login on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), explain why some apps do not support this feature, and give practical tips for eliminating typical errors.
Which Xiaomi models support fingerprint unlocking?
Fingerprint scanning has become standard for most Xiaomi smartphones since 2016, but the type of scanner and its location vary by model and price segment.
- 📱 Flagship models (Xiaomi) 13/14 Pro, Mix Fold 2/3): use ultrasonic or optical scanners under the screen (technology) 3D Sonic Sensor or Goodix. They're more accurate and faster than traditional ones.
- 💰 The middle segment (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO F5): more often equipped with optical scanners under the display or capacitive on the back panel / power button.
- 🔳 Budget models (Redmi) 12C, POCO M6): can have only a capacitive scanner on the back cover or do without it (in this case, only unlocking on the face or PIN-code).
To check if your smartphone supports a fingerprint scanner, go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Fingerprint. If you don’t have one, you don’t have hardware support. Also, some apps (e.g. banking) require FIDO2-level certified scanners, which aren’t available in all models.
Step-by-step setting up your fingerprint to unlock your phone
Before you use the fingerprint to log into applications, you need to register it in the system, the process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, but requires compliance with several rules:
- Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
- If you are setting up the scanner for the first time, the system will offer to install a spare PIN-You can't add a fingerprint without this step, remember it or write it down, and you'll need it to unlock it after you restart.
- Press Add Fingerprint and follow the instructions on the screen. The scanner will require you to touch the sensor at least 10-15 times, changing the angle of your finger to capture the picture completely.
- After successful registration, name the fingerprint (for example, “Indicative Right”) and save the settings.
Fingers dry and clean (humidity interferes with scanning) |
The screen (if the scanner is under the display) has no scratches or protective film.|
The phone has the latest version of MIUI installed (update to Settings → About Phone)|
Spare. PIN-code is recorded in a safe place
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Important: If you use a security glass with a scanner hole (relevant to models with a built-in sensor under the screen), make sure it doesn’t block the reading area. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the scanner is located at the bottom of the display – some windows overlap it, which leads to malfunctions.
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If the scanner doesn’t recognize the fingerprint the first time, try registering the same finger again under a different name (e.g., “Indicator Right – Option 2”). The system will retain both patterns, which will increase the chances of successful authorization.
How to turn on the fingerprint input in applications?
Not all applications support biometric authorization by default. To activate fingerprint input, follow the following steps:
- Open the application you want to set up the unlock for (for example, Telegram, SberBank Online or Google Play Store).
- Go to its settings (usually it is an icon). ⚙️ or three dots in the top corner).
- Find the Security, Privacy or Login/Authorization section.
- Select the fingerprint (or biometrics) option, and if you don't have one, the app doesn't support this feature.
- Confirm the action by touching the scanner. Some applications (e.g. banking) will require additional input. PIN-code.
Examples of applications with fingerprint support on Xiaomi:
| Category | Annex | Features of settings |
|---|---|---|
| Messengers | Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber | On Telegram: Settings → Privacy → Unlocking with a fingerprint. On WhatsApp: Settings → Account → Privacy → Unlocking with a fingerprint. |
| Banks. | SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online | Pre-configuration is required PIN-Tinkoff: Profile → Security settings → Biometry. |
| Social media | VKontakte, Instagram | On Instagram: Settings → Security → Two-factor authentication → Biometrics. |
| File managers | Mi File Manager, Google Files | In Mi File Manager: Settings → Protection → Fingerprint for hidden folders. |
If the desired application is not in the list, check:
- 🔄 Update it to the latest version on Google Play or AppGallery.
- 📱 Make sure that the phone has the current version installed. MIUI (Some biometric features are added in updates).
- 🔒 In phone security settings (Settings) → Passwords and security) enabled with the option to Allow applications to use fingerprints.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after setting up correctly, Xiaomi users may encounter errors when using a fingerprint. Let’s look at the most common cases and how to fix them.
1. The scanner doesn't recognize the fingerprint.
If the phone does not respond to touching the sensor:
- 🧼 Wipe your finger and scanner with a dry wipe (fat, sweat, or cream interfere with reading).
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the failure occurs due to a temporary system glitch.
- 👆 Try to register the fingerprint again, holding the finger at different angles.
- 🛠️ For scanners under the screen, check if the protective glass or film interferes with it. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi). 12T Pro) special glass with a cutout is required.
2.The print is missing after the MIUI update
Once you install a new firmware version, the scanner can forget the stored prints, and that's because of a change in the encryption algorithms.
- Remove old prints in Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
- Add them again.
- If the problem recurs, reset your security settings in the same menu (does not affect user data).
3.The application does not see the fingerprint.
If biometrics works to unlock the phone but is not offered in apps:
- 🔧 Check the permissions: Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Fingerprint.
- 📥 Remove and reinstall the application.
- 🔒 Some banking applications (e.g. Alpha Click) require you to configure first. PIN-code and then activate the fingerprint.
What if the scanner stopped working after the phone fell?
Security: Can I cheat the fingerprint scanner?
Many users worry about how secure the fingerprint is, and modern Xiaomi scanners use hardware encryption (Trusted Execution Environment or TEE), making them resistant to software attacks.
- 🔍 Physical access: If an attacker gets your phone and finger (e.g. while sleeping), they can unlock the device.In some countries, law enforcement agencies have the power to force a fingerprint to unlock your phone.
- 🖼️ Fingerprint copying: It is theoretically possible to create a cast of a finger from a high-quality photo (like a fingerprint on a glass), but it requires expensive equipment and skills.
- 💻 Vulnerabilities of the software: 2022 The vulnerability was discovered in the year CVE-2022-20227 In some Qualcomm scanners, allowing you to bypass biometrics. Xiaomi has released patches in security updates.
How to increase protection:
- 🔐 Use a combination of prints + PIN-code for critical applications (banks, wallets).
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, scanner vulnerabilities are fixed.
- 🚫 Disable unlocking with fingerprint in the lock screen settings → Additional settings → Unlock when the screen is off if you are afraid of accidental access.
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The fingerprint is convenient, but it's not 100% secure. For maximum security, combine it with a fingerprint. PIN-code at least 6 characters long and two-factor authentication in important services.
What if the print does not work after resetting the settings?
When you completely reset, all biometric data is removed from the phone's secure storage, a security measure that prevents you from accessing the device after you flash it or sell it, to restore the scanner.
- After resetting, set your phone as new (select language, connect to Wi-Fi).
- Install. PIN-code or pattern lock (mandatory step!).
- Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint and add fingerprints again.
If the scanner does not respond even after re-registration:
- 🔧 Check if the option to use fingerprint to unlock is enabled in the lock screen settings.
- 📱 Make sure the phone doesn’t have guest mode or parental controls installed – they can block biometrics.
- 🔄 Perform a reset of security settings: Settings → Passwords and security → Resetting security settings.
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If you are selling or transferring a phone, be sure to manually remove all prints before resetting, which will prevent possible errors when set up by the new owner.
Hidden Features of Xiaomi Fingerprints: What You Didn't Know?
In addition to the standard unlock, the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi can perform additional functions that many do not know:
- 📁 Hidden folders: Mi File Manager allows you to hide files and open them only by fingerprint. → Categories → Hidden folders → Settings → Fingerprint protection.
- 🔒 Application locking: in MIUI There is a built-in function Application Protection (Settings) → Annexes → Application protection where you can block access to any fingerprint programs.
- 💳 Payment by fingerprint: in Google Pay and Mi Pay, you can confirm payments with biometrics (configure in the wallet application itself).
- 🎮 Game mode: on some models (Black Shark, POCO F) the print can be used to quickly start games or activate Game Turbo mode.
On models with an ultrasonic scanner (for example, Xiaomi Mix 4) wet finger recognition is supported – the sensor works even if the hands are wet or wearing gloves (provided that the material of the gloves is thin and conductive).