The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro’s fingerprint scanner is not just a convenient way to unlock, but a complete security tool. The 128GB, launched in 2021, features an optical sensor built into the screen, making the scanning process quick and reliable, but many users have difficulty first setting up: the system does not recognize a finger, there are errors, or the scanner is delayed.
In this article, we will look at all the steps of adding a fingerprint, from preparing a smartphone to solving typical problems, how to place your finger on the sensor correctly, why MIUI can block adding a new fingerprint after 5 failed attempts, and how to get around this limitation, and also life hacks to speed unlocking and tips for sensor care.
If you just bought a Redmi Note 10 Pro or dropped it to factory settings, it takes 2-3 minutes to set up the biometrics, but there are nuances: for example, the scanner does not work with wet hands or if there are deep scratches on the finger, and we will tell you how to avoid such situations and make unlocking as reliable as possible.
1. Prepare the smartphone before adding a fingerprint
Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is ready to go.Here are key points users often miss:
✅ Update. MIUI The fingerprint scanner may not work properly on outdated firmware. → The phone. → System Update. If you have an update available, install it and restart the device.
✅ Make sure the screen is clean. The optical sensor is sensitive to contamination: greasy spots, dust, or a protective film with air bubbles can interfere with the scanning. Wipe the display with a soft wilt-free wipe (microfibre for glasses is fine).
✅ Remove the case or bumper. Some accessories put pressure on the body of the smartphone, which leads to the wrong sensor, especially for thick cases with metal inserts.
✅ Check availability PIN-A fingerprint scanner is an additional method of unlocking, not the main one. PIN, The system won't allow you to add a fingerprint. → Password and security → Screen locking.
Install PIN-code|Update MIUI last-minute|Clean the screen of contamination|Remove the cover or bumper|Reboot your smartphone (if the scanner has previously been glitched)-->
If you just reset, wait until the initial MIUI setup is completed. Sometimes the system blocks access to biometrics until the basic settings (Xiaomi account, Wi-Fi connection, etc.) are set up.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to add a fingerprint
Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully, because errors in the scanning phase can cause the sensor to not recognize your finger well.
1. Open Settings and go to Password and Security.
2. Select Add fingerprint. The system will request the input of the current PIN-code or pattern lock - enter it.
3. Press Start and follow the prompts on the screen and you will be asked to put your finger on the sensor (the area under the screen where the lock icon usually appears).
4. Important: don't press the screen too hard. The optical sensor activates a light touch. Raise your finger after every signal (vibration or squeak).
5. The system will ask you to change your finger position (e.g., raise the edge or tilt) to scan your fingerprint completely. Follow the prompts until the scale is 100% full.
6. After the scan is completed, assign the name (for example, "Indicative Right") and press Ready.
⚠️ Note: If during the scanning stage a message appeared "failed to add a fingerprint", check:
- 🧴 Clean finger - sweat, cream or dirt interfere with the scan.Rub your finger with a dry wipe.
- 🩹 Skin integrity - cuts, calluses or deep wrinkles can distort the fingerprint.
- 🔋 Battery charge - at a level below 15% MIUI It can block the addition of new prints.
💡
If the scanner doesn't respond to touch, try restarting your smartphone and repeating the procedure. Sometimes resetting the sensor settings to Settings → System applications → Fingerprint scanner → Data reset helps.
3. Optimizing the scanner: tips for quick unlocking
Even after a successful setup, the fingerprint may not work the first time.
🔹 Add the same finger twice at different angles, for example, make two fingerprints of the index finger, one with a direct touch, the other with a slight tilt, which will increase the chances of successfully unlocking.
🔹 Use "Smart Unlock." MIUI There is a feature that unlocks the phone if it is in a safe place (such as at home). → Password and security → Smart Unlock and Add Trusted Wi-Fi Networks.
🔹 Turn off the unlock animation. This will speed up the sensor response. To do this, turn on Developer Mode (7 times press Version). MIUI About the phone, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and disable Windows animation and transition animation.
🔹 Set up the steps after unlocking. The default step after scanning the fingerprint is to swipe up the screen. You can change that to Settings. → Lock screen → Unlocking style.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The scanner doesn't respond to the touch. | Sensor or finger contaminated | Wipe your screen and finger, reboot your phone |
| The fingerprint is only recognized with 3-5 attempts. | Incomplete scanning when added | Remove and add the fingerprint again by changing the angle of the finger |
| The sensor only works after restarting. | Failure of the sensor driver | Update MIUI or reset sensor settings |
| You can't add more than 5 prints. | MIUI Restrictions for Security | Remove unnecessary prints or use a developer account to get around |
Always.|Often, but sometimes I use it. PIN|I rarely, usually open my face.|Never, just PIN/graphical-->
4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Many Redmi Note 10 Pro users face the same problems when setting up a fingerprint, and let’s take a look at the most common ones:
🚫 Error: “The fingerprint scanner is not responding"
This can be due to a conflict with the protective glass, and some glass, especially thick or metalized glass, block the optical sensor, so you can try to remove the glass or replace it with a cutout model.
🚫 Mistake: "Failure to add a print. Repeat the attempt"
This is most often due to the wrong position of the finger.The Redmi Note 10 Pro sensor requires the finger to touch the center of the scan area (usually the bottom of the screen).
🚫 Error: "Exceeded number of attempts. Repeat later"
MIUI blocks the addition of new fingerprints after 5 failed scans in a row. This is a security measure. To unlock the feature, restart the phone or wait 30 minutes.
What if the scanner stopped working after the MIUI update?
⚠️ Note: If the fingerprint scanner stopped working after the phone fell or moisture hit, do not try to disassemble the device yourself. The optical sensor is connected to the motherboard with thin plumes that are easily damaged.
5 How to remove or change the stored prints
If you need to remove an old print (for example, after a nail clipping or a finger injury), do the following:
1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprints.
2. Enter. PIN-proof-code.
3. Click on the print you want to remove and select Remove.
4. Confirm action.
To rename a fingerprint, click on it from the same menu and select Rename. This is useful if you've added multiple fingerprints and want to distinguish them.
💡 Tip: If you sell or transfer your phone to another person, be sure to delete all fingerprints before resetting your settings, otherwise the new owner will be able to unlock the device with your finger!
6 Additional Features of the Fingerprint Scanner
The sensor on the Redmi Note 10 Pro can be used for more than just unlocking. Here are some useful features:
🔐 Application authorization. Many banking programs (SberBank, Tinkoff) and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) support fingerprint login. To enable this feature, go to the security settings of a particular application.
📂 File protection in the Gallery. MIUI There's a secure storage function where you can hide photos and videos under biometric lock. → Albums. → Secure storage.
🛒 Payment via Mi Pay. If you use Mi Pay, you can attach a fingerprint to confirm payments. → Settings → Biometry.
🎮 In some games (e.g. in some games, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact – fingerprint scanners can be used to quickly access game menus or purchases.
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The fingerprint scanner on the Redmi Note 10 Pro supports up to 5 different fingerprints. It is optimal to add 2-3 fingers (for example, both index and right thumb) for maximum convenience.
7.Sensor care: how to extend its service life
An optical fingerprint scanner is a delicate device, so that it lasts longer, follow these guidelines:
🧼 Clean the screen regularly, use an alcohol wipe (no more than 70% alcohol) or special glass care products. Avoid abrasive materials (such as paper towels).
🚫 Don't press the sensor. The optical scanner doesn't require a hard press -- it's a light touch, too much pressure can damage the microlens of the sensor.
🌡️ Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not leave your phone in direct sunlight or near heat sources (e.g., on a car torpedo in summer.
💧 Keep out of moisture.Although the Redmi Note 10 Pro has splash protection (IP53), When water is injected into the screen, the scanner may be out of order. After contact with moisture, dry the phone for 1-2 hours before using biometrics.
🛡️ Use quality accessories. Cheap protective glasses or covers can push the body and cause micro-shifts of the sensor. Choose accessories marked "Compatible with Redmi Note 10 Pro".