Why should you delete your fingerprint on the Xiaomi Mi 9C?
The fingerprint sensor on the Xiaomi Mi 9C is a convenient way to unlock, but sometimes you need to remove it. The reasons can range from a trivial desire to add a new fingerprint to serious problems with the scanner, for example, if the phone stopped recognizing your finger after updating the MIUI or mechanically damaging the sensor, in some cases, the system begins to give an error "failed to add a fingerprint", although previously everything worked correctly.
Another common situation is selling or transferring the phone to another person, and even after resetting, fingerprints can remain in the device's memory if they were not deleted correctly, which creates a risk of unauthorized access, and in this article we will examine all the ways to delete fingerprints, including hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions.
Method 1: Remove via standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in tools of the system, and it's good if the phone is unlocked, and you remember. PIN-A code or a pattern lock. Here's a step-by-step instruction:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Passwords and Security section.
- Select the fingerprint item.
- Enter the current one. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
- Click on the saved fingerprint, then select Delete.
- Confirm the action by pressing OK.
If you have multiple fingerprints, repeat steps 5-6 for each. Note that after the last fingerprint is deleted, the system may require you to install a new unlock method (PIN or pattern lock) if it was not specified earlier.
Check that your phone is at least 30% charged.
Make sure you remember. PIN-code
Close all background applications for stable system operation
Backup important data (in case of failure)
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Method 2: Delete via Mi Account (if PIN is forgotten)
If you forgot. PIN-The code, but the phone-linked Mi Account is active, you can reset the lock remotely, and this only works when you're connected to the Internet and you have Find the device enabled:
- Go to account.xiaomi.com from a computer or other phone.
- Sign in with the same account as the Xiaomi Mi 9C.
- Select the Find Device tab.
- On the map, find your Mi 9C and click Unlock Device.
- Confirm the action via SMS or email.
Once unlocked, the phone will restart and you can remove fingerprints through standard settings (see Method 1). Importantly, this method only works if the phone has data and geolocation enabled, and if the device has not been reset to factory settings.
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If the βFind Deviceβ function is disabled, try logging in to your Mi Account directly on the locked phone via Emergency Call mode if the system allows you to enter a login / password.
Method 3: Hard reset (if other methods don't work)
If you delete your fingerprint through your settings or you don't get your Mi Account, you have to take the last step, which is to reset to factory settings, and this is a way to erase all the data, including your fingerprints, but it takes care.
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power and Volume buttons up for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.
Once reset, the phone will be like new β all fingerprints, passwords and data will be deleted. Attention: this method should only be used if other methods have not worked, as it irreversibly erases all user information.
What if your phone requires an old Mi Account?
Frequent Mistakes When Deleting Fingerprints and How to Avoid Them
Many users have problems trying to remove their fingerprints, and consider common mistakes and their solutions:
- π΄ The system does not respond to the press "Delete": Check that you entered the correct PIN-Sometimes it helps to reboot your phone.
- π΄ "Failure to remove fingerprint" error: This may be due to sensor damage. Try adding a new fingerprint - if it fails, the sensor is faulty.
- π΄ After you delete the print still works: Most likely, the print was added twice under different names.
- π΄ The phone asks for an old password after reset: This is Mi Cloud Lock.The solution is described in the spoiler above.
If the fingerprint sensor is physically damaged (for example, after a phone falls), deleting through the settings will not help - you will need repair or replacement of the module. Xiaomi service center can check the performance of the sensor using diagnostic equipment.
Table: Comparison of fingerprint removal methods on Xiaomi Mi 9C
| Method | PIN required | Erase data | It works with a locked phone. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings | Yes. | No. | No. | β (simple) |
| Through the Mi Account. | No. | No. | Yes (when connected to the Internet) | ββ (middle-of-the-road) |
| Hard discharge | No. | Yes (all data) | Yes. | βββ (difficult) |
| Calling the service | No. | Maybe. | Yes. | ββββ (long-term) |
As you can see from the table, the safest way is to delete through settings, and reset to factory settings should only be used as a last resort, as it results in the loss of all data.
What if the fingerprint sensor doesnβt work after removal?
Sometimes, after the fingerprints are removed, the sensor can't recognize new ones, and this can be due to:
- π οΈ Software glitch: Try restarting your phone or updating MIUI last-minute.
- π§ Sensor contamination: Wipe it with a soft napkin dipped in alcohol (do not use abrasive materials!).
- π Train damage: If the sensor does not respond at all, the connector on the motherboard may have moved away.
- π± Firmware incompatibility: On some custom firmware, the sensor may not work correctly.
If the sensor doesnβt work even after flashing, itβs likely a hardware problem, in which case only replacing the module at the service center will help. The cost of repairs for the Xiaomi Mi 9C is usually 1,500-3,000 rubles, depending on the region and service.
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Before contacting the service, check if the warranty period for your Xiaomi Mi 9C has expired. If the phone is warranty, repair of the fingerprint sensor can be free (provided that the damage is not mechanical).
FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions
Can I remove my fingerprint without PIN-code?
Why does the phone unlock after the fingerprint is removed?
How to get fingerprints if the phone is not turned on?
Can I recover the deleted prints?
Is it safe to use third-party software to remove fingerprints?
If none of these methods worked, we recommend contacting an authorized Xiaomi service center, and perhaps the problem lies deeper, for example, in the damage to the security chip or system files.