Modern smartphones offer many ways to protect personal data, but biometric authentication remains the fastest and most convenient method. Xiaomi Redmi 4X, despite its age, is still popular due to its reliable metal body and the presence of a physical fingerprint scanner located on the back.
The process of activating biometric protection in the MIUI shell is implemented quite intuitively, but requires careful attention during the scanning stage to ensure high recognition accuracy. The accuracy of the reading depends on the quality of the fingerprints entered and the state of the sensor surface. In this material, we will analyze all the stages of setting, consider the intricacies of calibration and answer frequent user questions.
Preparation of the device and sensor hygiene
Before you start software settings, you need to make sure that the device is physically ready to work. The sensor on Redmi 4X is a capacitive sensor that is sensitive to dirt, fat and moisture. If the scanner surface or your finger is wet, the system may issue an error or require you to re-enter the password.
It is recommended to wipe the back of the smartphone with a soft lilac-free fabric. Pay special attention to the area around the camera lens and the scanner. It is also worth checking whether the protective film is pasted over the sensor - some users mistakenly close it, making reading impossible.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals or alcohol to clean the sensor, as this can damage the oleophobic coating and reduce sensitivity.
Make sure that a reliable pattern lock or digital key is installed on the device. PIN-Android security requires a backup unlock method in case the biometrics fail or after the device is rebooted.
Step-by-step activation of the scanner in MIUI
To get started with biometrics, you need to go to the main settings menu. Find the Settings section and scroll down to Fingerprint. In some firmware versions, this item may be inside the Additional tab or System and Device tab.
Once you log in, the system will ask you to confirm your administrator rights by entering the previously set password, then the biometrics management interface will open. Press Add fingerprint to start the setup wizard.
☑️ Checking before setting up
Put your finger on the sensor and wait for the vibration to occur. The screen will show you how far you're going to fill the circuit. It's important not to press your finger too hard, just a little touch. It'll take about a minute. 10-15 second.
The technique of proper scanning
The quality of unlocking depends on how fully the system sees your finger. The standard procedure is to remove and apply your finger several times, changing the angle of inclination. Don't ignore this stage, because in real life we hold the smartphone differently.
Try to scan not only the center of the pad, but also the edges. Xiaomi Redmi 4X has a fairly large sensor, but covering the entire area of the finger will increase the likelihood of successful unlocking. If you wear a case with high sides, make sure that it does not interfere with touching the sensor.
- 👆 Touch the center of your finger and wait for the vibration.
- 🔄 Slightly change the angle of the finger to scan the edges.
- 🖐️ Repeat the procedure for different areas of the pad.
- ✅ Click "Ready" when the progress scale reaches 100%.
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Add the same finger twice under different names (e.g., Finger 1 and Finger 1 copy) to improve the speed and accuracy of unlocking in difficult conditions.
After the first cycle is completed, the system will suggest adding another fingerprint, and it is recommended to enter data from the thumb of the right hand (to unlock in the hand) and the index finger of the left (to use on the table).
Advanced Settings and Security Features
The MIUI shell allows you to flexibly manage access rights for fingerprints, you can enable Device Unlock in the fingerprint management menu, which activates login without entering a password, and you can also configure access to hidden albums in the gallery.
The footprint access section is also worth noting, allowing biometric authorization for payments to Google Pay (if supported), logging into banking apps and purchases from the Google Play store, and some apps require that this feature be activated separately in their internal settings.
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Screen unlocking | Sign in without password | Included. |
| Application protection | Login to selected apps | For banks. |
| Hidden album | Access to photo | If you wish, |
| Guest mode | Entrance to the guest profile | Not necessarily. |
Remember that after a smartphone reboot or if the device has not been used for more than 72 hours, the system will require you to enter a primary password.
Managing added prints
In the process of operation, you may need to delete old data or add new ones, in the fingerprint menu you will see a list of all registered fingers, and clicking on the name, you can rename it for convenience, for example, "Right Big".
To delete, just click on the cart icon or delete button next to the name. This action is irreversible for a given memory slot, but does not affect other data of the phone. The maximum number of fingerprints that Xiaomi Redmi 4X supports is usually 5 pieces.
⚠️ Note: Deleting all fingerprints will automatically disable the biometric unlock function, and login will only be possible through a password.
If you are selling the phone or transferring it to another person, be sure to complete a full settings reset or manually delete all biometrics before that step.
Diagnostics and solution
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the scanner stops responding or is unstable, first of all check whether the "Handle" mode or other specific display settings that may conflict with the sensors are turned on.
If the problem persists, try restarting the device. In rare cases, cleaning the system cache through the Recovery menu helps, but this requires caution. Also make sure that the phone has the current version of the MIUI firmware installed, as updates often contain driver fixes.
What to do if the scanner is not working at all?
There is a myth that the scanner can be "trained" better through special applications from the Play Market. In fact, calibration algorithms are built into the firmware device, and third-party software does not have access to the low-level sensor settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you unlock the Redmi 4X with a wet finger?
How many prints can I keep in my memory?
Does the glass affect the scanner?
Is it safe to keep a fingerprint on your phone?
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Regularly reconfiguring your fingerprint (once every six months) can help if you notice that your phone has become less able to recognize your finger over time.