The Xiaomi Redmi fingerprint scanner is not only a convenient way to unlock, but also an additional layer of personal data protection. However, many users face problems: the sensor does not recognize a finger, works with delays or refuses to save a fingerprint. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of settings from the basic addition to the finer security settings, and also explain how to fix typical errors, for example, when the system writes “Failure to add a fingerprint”.
It’s important to understand that scanning algorithms on different Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with ultrasonic sensor or Redmi 10A with optical scanner) may differ, and we’ve taken these nuances into account and prepared universal solutions that will work for most devices on MIUI 12/13/14. If your smartphone does not recognize fingerprints after the software update, there is a separate section in the article with instructions for resetting the sensor settings.
Before you start, check two key points: 1) Your Xiaomi Redmi has a password, a graphical key, or a key installed on it. PIN-code (without it, you can not add a fingerprint). 2 The sensor is clean - fat, moisture or scratches on the sensor can block the scan.
If at least one of the conditions is not met, follow our recommendations below.
1. Prepare the smartphone before adding a fingerprint
Before you set up your fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi, make sure the device is ready for the procedure.
- 🔒 Set your primary password: Go to Settings → Password and security → Lock the screen and select PIN, graphical key or alphanumeric password. MIUI This step is required to activate biometrics.
- 🧼 Clean the sensor: wipe the sensor with a soft napkin without pile. K50 Pro) use an alcohol wipe - it removes fat deposits without damaging the coating.
- 🔋 Charge the battery: If the charge level is below 20%, the system may interrupt the process of adding a fingerprint%.
- 📱 Update: Go to Settings → The phone. → System update. Sometimes scanner errors are fixed in new versions. MIUI.
Pay special attention to the choice of finger to scan. The best option is the index finger of the right hand (for right-handed people) or the thumb if you often hold the phone with one hand. Avoid fingers with scars, calluses or deep lines - they can make it difficult to recognize. If you wear rings, remove them before the procedure.
⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with a side scanner (built into the power button), don't press the button while adding a fingerprint - this can interrupt the process.
Install PIN/password|Clean the sensor from contamination|Charge the phone before 30%+|Update MIUI last-minute|Remove rings/gloves from your finger-->
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to add a fingerprint
Now, let's get to the main process. The instructions are suitable for all modern Xiaomi Redmi models, including models with an under-screen sensor (Redmi Note 11 Pro+) and a side scanner (Redmi 9T).
- Open security settings: Go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprints.
- Enter your current password: The system will request a PIN, pattern lock, or password to verify your identity.
- Click on “Add fingerprint” and select your finger from the list (e.g., “Index finger of your right hand”).
- Put your finger on the sensor: For optical scanners (under the screen): press your finger tightly against the marked area until you feel a slight vibration. For ultrasonics (for example, on the Redmi K60): just touch the sensor without pressing. For side scanners: swipe your finger down the power button from top to bottom.
Raise and put your finger back on.
Keep the print.
If you have a “failed to add a fingerprint” error during the scanning phase, try the following:
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
- 🧴 Moisturize your finger (lick it slightly) – sometimes dry skin interferes with scans.
- 🔍 Check the sensor for damage: if there are cracks or deep scratches on the sensor, contact the service center.
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If you can’t add a fingerprint the first time, try registering the same finger with a different name (e.g., Right Hand Indicator Finger 2), which can help you bypass software failures.
3. Optimization of the scanner: how to speed up unlocking
Even after successfully adding a fingerprint, Xiaomi Redmi users may experience delays when unlocking. Here's how to improve recognition speed and accuracy:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sensor responds only with 3-5 attempts. | Weak contact of the finger with the sensor | Add the same finger again under a different name, slightly changing the angle of the application |
| Unlocking works in a time | Contaminated sensor or finger | Clean the sensor with an alcohol napkin, wash your hands |
| After the MIUI update, the fingerprint is not recognized. | Resetting security settings | Remove the old print and add it again. |
| The scanner does not work in cold weather. | Low temperature affects sensor sensitivity | Warm your finger and phone (for example, in your pocket) before unlocking. |
For models with an ultrasonic sensor (for example, Redmi K50 Ultra), the recognition speed can be increased by disabling the unlock animation.
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the parameters Windows animation, transition animation and Animator Duration – set the value off. or 0.5x.
On models with an optical scanner under the screen (for example, Redmi Note 11) never use protective glasses with a thick adhesive layer – they block the infrared radiation of the sensor, which leads to failures.
4. Fingerprint removal and management
If you want to remove an old print or reconfigure your biometrics, do the following:
- Go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprints.
- Enter the current password for confirmation.
- Click on the print you want to remove and select “Delete”.
- Confirm the action.
Some Redmi models (like the Redmi 10) have a "clean all fingerprints" option that deletes all stored data at once, and use it if you plan to sell or transfer your phone to another person.
If you need to rename a fingerprint (for example, from "Finger 1" to "Left thumb"), click on it in the list and select "Rename." This will help you not get confused if you added a few fingers.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your phone to factory settings, all fingerprints are automatically deleted. If you sell Xiaomi Redmi, be sure to also disable the Mi Account binding, otherwise the new owner will not be able to add their fingerprints.
5 Problem Solving: The sensor is not working or does not recognize the fingerprint
If the fingerprint scanner on your Xiaomi Redmi has stopped working, first identify the type of problem:
- 🚫 The sensor does not react at all (no vibration, backlight) - possible hardware malfunction.
- ❌ Fingerprints are not recognized (vibration is present, but no unlocking) – problem with softwareware or contamination.
- ⚡ The scanner works once in a while – check the energy saving settings.
For diagnosis, follow the following steps:
- Check the sensor's physical condition: Light the sensor with a flashlight - optical scanners should show small LEDs. Press the sensor (if it's mechanical) - it should not fall through or creak.
- Reset the scanner settings: Delete all fingerprints. Reset the phone. Add the print again.
Check the energy saving settings
- Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
- Find System Settings or Biometrics in the list and turn off optimization.
If the sensor does not work after a phone drop or moisture hits, do not try to disassemble the device yourself - this can cause damage to the plume. Contact Xiaomi service center for diagnosis. The average cost of replacing the scanner on Redmi models is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the type of sensor).
What if the fingerprint is not added after the MIUI update?
6 Additional Features: Payments, Applications and Security
The Xiaomi Redmi fingerprint scanner can be used for more than just unlocking the screen, but here are 3 useful features that many people don’t know about:
- 💳 Payment via Mi Pay: attach a fingerprint to the Mi Pay service in the wallet settings. Now, to confirm payments, you just need to apply your finger to the sensor.
To activate these functions:
- Make sure that the print has already been added to the system.
- In the settings of a particular service (e.g. Mi Pay), select “Use fingerprint”.
- Confirm the action with the current password.
Important: If you use a fingerprint for payments, do not add other people’s fingers, this can lead to unauthorized operations, and regularly (every 3-6 months) update the saved prints, as the pattern of the skin can change over time.
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The fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi can be used not only to unlock, but also to log in to apps, confirm payments, and access hidden folders, making biometrics a universal security tool.
7. Comparison of scanner types on different Redmi models
The fingerprint scanning technology on Xiaomi Redmi is evolving, and the table below shows the comparison of sensors on popular models:
| Model | Type of sensor | Recognition speed | Resistance to pollution | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Ultrasonic (under the screen) | 0.2-0.3 sec. | Tall. | Works with wet fingers, but is sensitive to pressure |
| Redmi 10A | Optical (under the screen) | 0.4-0.6 sec. | Medium | It requires tight pressing, does not work with thick glass |
| Redmi 9T | Capacitive (side, in the power button) | 0.1-0.2 sec | Low. | The fastest, but sensitive to moisture and fat |
| Redmi K60 | Ultrasonic (on screen) | 0.1-0.2 sec | Tall. | Supports 3D-scanning, running at an angle |
If you choose Redmi and you are critical to unlock speed, look for ultrasonic sensors (like the Redmi K Series) that are more expensive but offer better accuracy and reliability. Budget smartphones (like the Redmi A Series) are more optical scanners, which are cheaper but require more careful handling.