How to set a fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: full instructions with nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 features a built-in fingerprint scanner that makes it much easier to unlock the device and confirm payments. However, many users face difficulties when first setting up biometric protection – the system may not recognize a finger, give errors or not offer an add option at all. In this article, we will discuss all the steps of setting up a fingerprint on the Redmi Note 9 (including the Note 9 Pro and Note 9S models), as well as solve typical problems, such as a broken sensor or reset after the MIUI update.

It is important to understand that the process of adding a fingerprint to the Redmi Note 9 depends on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13 or 14) and the state of the sensor. For example, after resetting to factory settings or replacing the display (where the scanner is located), recalibration may be required. We will consider not only the standard procedure, but also alternative methods if the sensor does not see the finger or gives a message “failed to add a fingerprint”.

Preparing your smartphone before adding a fingerprint

Before you start setting up your biometrics, make sure your Redmi Note 9 meets a few key requirements, PIN-code or pattern lock, without which the system will not allow the fingerprint to be added. Second, the scanner must be clean and intact (on side-sensor models, check the integrity of the power button).

Also pay attention to the following points:

• 🔋 Battery level is at least 20%, and at low charge, the system can interrupt the setup process.
• 📱 Version. MIUI — on old firmware (below) MIUI 12.0.1) possible bugs with recognition.
• 🧴 Finger condition – wet, dirty or damaged finger pads the scanner does not recognize.
• 🔄 Reboot the device – if the sensor has previously been glitched, restart the phone before setting up.

If you’ve recently updated your firmware or reset your settings, you may need to reset your sensor cache. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System Applications → Biometrics and clear the cache. This often solves the “invisible” scanner problem.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

Now, let's get to the process. The instructions are valid for all Redmi Note 9 modifications (including Note 9 Pro/9S) based on MIUI 12-14. If you have an older firmware version, update it first through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

1. Open Settings and go to Passwords and Security.
2. Select Add a fingerprint (if not, see what to do if there is no option).
3. Enter the current one. PIN-proof-code.
4. Follow the hints on the screen: put your finger on the scanner (on the Note 9, it is located on the side, on the power button).
5. Raise your finger and put it back on until the scale is 100% full, and the system will suggest scanning the edges of your finger, which improves recognition.
6. Name the print (for example, "Indicative right") and save.

Once successfully added, you can use the fingerprint to unlock the screen, confirm payments in Mi Pay and log in to apps (e.g., banking services).Please note that Redmi Note 9 can save up to 5 fingerprints (including single-finger take-ups from different angles).

Install PIN-code|Clean the scanner of dirt|Reboot the phone|Check the battery level|Update MIUI last-minute-->

What to do if the scanner does not recognize the finger

One of the most common problems is that the sensor doesn't see your finger or it gives you a "failure to add a fingerprint. Try again" error, and it can be either software (MIUI failure) or hardware (scanner damage).

If none of the solutions worked, check the physical condition of the sensor. On the Redmi Note 9, the scanner is built into the power button - if it falls or gets moisture, it can fail. In this case, you will need to change the button (the cost of repair in the service center is from 1,500 rubles).

How to remove or change saved prints

If you want to remove an old print (for example, after changing your hand or damaging your finger), do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprints.
2. Enter. PIN-proof-code.
3. Click on the print you want to remove and select Remove.
4. Confirm the action.

To rename a fingerprint, click on it in the list and select Rename. This is handy if you have added multiple fingerprints and want to distinguish between them (e.g., Big Left and Pointing Right).

Note that when you reset your phone to factory settings, all fingerprints are automatically deleted, and they can disappear after the MIUI update if the new version changes the storage structure of the biometric data, in which case they will have to be added again.

Set up a fingerprint to unlock apps and payments

By default, the fingerprint on the Redmi Note 9 is used only to unlock the screen, but it can be linked to other features:

• 🔒 Unlocking applications: many banking programs (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) support fingerprint authentication.
• 💳 Payment Confirmation: You can enable biometric authentication in Mi Pay or Google Pay in the Payment Methods section.
• 📁 Folder protection: in the application Security (from Xiaomi) you can hide files and install unlocking by fingerprint.

To enable unlocking applications through the fingerprint:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Additional permissions → Unlock with a fingerprint.
2. Select the applications you want to activate the function for.
3. When you first start the application after setting up, you will need to confirm access.

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If the fingerprint stopped working in the banking application, delete it in the application settings and add it again. Sometimes banks update security protocols, which resets the biometrics.

Solving problems after MIUI update

After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), Redmi Note 9 users often find that the fingerprint scanner stops working or needs to be reconfigured, due to a change in the drivers of the biometric module.

1. Restart the phone – sometimes it restores the sensor.
2. Remove all the saved prints and add them again.
3. Clear the cache and data of the Biometrics application in Settings → Applications.
4. If the problem persists, reset security settings through Settings → Passwords & Security → Additional → Reset security settings.

After upgrading to MIUI 14 on some Redmi Note 9, the fingerprint scanner may temporarily shut down due to conflict with the new encryption algorithm, in which case only a full reset of the phone to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!) will help.

Alternative ways to unlock if the scanner breaks

If the fingerprint sensor on your Redmi Note 9 is out of order but you don’t want to carry your phone to the service, you can use alternative unlock methods:

• 🔢 PIN-Code or password: the most reliable option, but less convenient.
• 🖼️ pattern lock: Faster PIN-code, but less secure.
• 👤 Facial recognition: works through a front camera, but less reliably in low light conditions.
• 🔑 Smart Lock: unlocking on trusted devices (such as Mi Band smartwatches) or geolocation.

To enable facial recognition:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Face Recognition.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to scan the face.
3. Set the conditions under which it will be required PIN-code (for example, after rebooting).

Note that the face recognition on the Redmi Note 9 is software-based (without infrared sensor), so it can be fooled by a photo. Don't use this method as the only way to protect it!

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If the fingerprint scanner is physically broken, the only reliable way to unlock it is to — PIN-Alternative methods (face, smart lock) are inferior in security.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions