A fingerprint is one of the most convenient ways to unlock Xiaomi, but sometimes it has to be removed. Maybe you're selling a phone, the fingerprint is no longer recognized, or just want to update your biometrics list. In this article, we'll look at all the working ways to remove fingerprints on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi devices, from standard settings to forced reset via Mi Account.
It’s important to understand that the process differs depending on the MIUI version and the smartphone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 12T Pro with MIUI 14, the path to the biometrics settings may be slightly different from the Redmi Note 10 on MIUI 13. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most of the brand’s devices.
Why can't I have my fingerprint removed?
Before we proceed to the instructions, we will analyze the common causes of failures when deleting biometric data:
- 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-Without the main unlock password, you cannot make changes to your security settings.
- 📱 An outdated version MIUI. On firmware older MIUI 12 The biometrics menu interface may look different.
- 🚫 Active "Find Device" function: If the device is tied to Mi Account and protection is enabled, the system can block changes.
- 🔄 Sensor malfunction: Physical damage or software errors in the fingerprint sensor cause the menu to freeze.
If you encounter one of these issues, don’t rush to reset your phone to factory settings. Most of the time, it helps to reboot your device or update MIUI to the current version. To check the firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
Method 1: Remove fingerprints through standard settings
This is the easiest and safest way to work on all modern Xiaomi smartphones. PIN-code or pattern lock, as the system will require it to confirm changes.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Passwords and Security section (on some models – Lock and Protect).
- Select your fingerprint (or biometrics in newer versions of MIUI).
- Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
- Click on the print you want to remove and select Remove (basket icon).
- Confirm the action by re-entering the password.
If there are multiple fingerprints on the list, you can delete them selectively or all at once. Please note that after the last fingerprint is deleted, the system may require you to install a new unlock method (PIN or pattern lock).
☑️ Preparation for fingerprint removal
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) after the fingerprint is removed, the sensor may temporarily lock (up to 30 seconds.
Method 2: Delete with Mi Account (if the PIN is forgotten)
If you do not remember the pattern lock or PIN-code, but the phone is linked to a Mi Account, you can use remote control, and this only works under the following conditions:
- 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).
- 🔄 Find Device is activated in the settings.
- 🔑 Remember the username and password from Mi Account.
Instructions for removing the fingerprint through the web interface:
- Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
- Select Find Device (or Device Management)
- Find your smartphone in the list and click Delete Data (or Reset Password).
- Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on your account security settings).
- After the reset, all biometric data, including fingerprints, will be deleted.
This method will completely reset the security settings, so use it only as a last resort. After the procedure, you will have to reconfigure the screen unlock.
What to do if Find Device is disabled?
Method 3: Forced Resetting through Recovery Mode
If the standard methods fail, you have to reset hard through the recovery mode, which removes all fingerprints, passwords and user data, so use it only if there are no alternatives.
Instructions for most Xiaomi models:
- Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button.
- Press the Power + Volume combination up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
- Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear All Data).
- Confirm the action, wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
- Restart your phone via Reboot.
Once reset, the device will return to factory settings, you will need to reconfigure Mi Account, Wi-Fi and other settings, and your fingerprints will be deleted without recovery.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT) After a hard reset, you may need to enter the old Mi Account password to activate your phone. If you don't remember your account details, the device will remain locked!
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Before resetting via Recovery, remove SIM-card and memory card, if installed, will speed up the process and reduce the risk of data corruption on external media.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When removing fingerprints, users often face typical problems, and we have compiled a list of errors and solutions in a table:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Failure to remove the print" | Failure of the sensor or firmware | Reboot your phone and try again. If it doesn't work, upgrade your MIUI. |
| The print menu won't open. | Outdated version of MIUI or corrupted system files | Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update |
| Demands. PIN-code, but it doesn't fit | Changed unlock password or system failure | Restore access via Mi Account (see Method 2) or reset |
| After removal, the print remains active. | The biometric cache is not cleared | Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Biometrics and Clean Cache |
If none of the methods worked, the problem may lie in the hardware damage of the sensor, in which case we recommend contacting the Xiaomi service center for diagnosis. The cost of replacing the fingerprint sensor on most models is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
How to add a new print after removal?
Once you successfully remove old prints, you can register new ones, and the process of adding them is not much different from deleting them:
- Open Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
- Enter the current one. PIN-code.
- Press Add Fingerprint.
- Follow the instructions on the screen: Place your finger on the sensor at different angles until the scale is 100% full.
- Name the print (e.g., "Indicator Right") for convenience.
For reliability, we recommend adding 2-3 different fingerprints, which can be useful if one of your fingers is damaged or wet, and remember to update your biometrics periodically, as the recognition quality can deteriorate over time.
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Xiaomi’s fingerprint sensor is best at recognizing dry and clean fingers. Before registering a new fingerprint, wipe your finger and sensor with a dry wipe.