Xiaomi and Redmi are no longer just phone devices, becoming digital wallets and custodians of sensitive information. Biometric protection is now the security standard that allows you to instantly unlock a gadget with a single touch. Fingerprint installation on Xiaomi is the first step to take after buying a new device or resetting to the factory settings.
The tuning process is intuitive thanks to the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS, but users often face the nuances of sensor calibration. The fingerprint scanner can be located on the side of the case, on the back, or be built directly into the display. Understanding the features of your particular sensor will help to customize its operation as accurately as possible and avoid false denials of access.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm for adding biometric data, the differences between optical and ultrasound sensors, and tips for improving recognition, learn how to apply your finger correctly so that the system reads the skin pattern from different angles, and what to do if the standard setting does not give the desired result of the unlock speed.
Preparation of the device for setting up biometrics
Before you go directly to the finger scan, you need to make sure that the security system of the smartphone is ready to work. Usually, the unlock password or the pattern lock is a prerequisite for activating the biometrics. This is a backup method of access that will be required if the scanner does not recognize your finger or after rebooting the device.
Make sure the sensor surface is clean. Fat spots, moisture or contamination can significantly reduce the reading quality, especially on optical scanners in the screen. Wipe the scan area with a soft cloth without pile. Also check if the screen is glued to a protective film too thick, which can interfere with the operation of the ultrasonic or optical sensor.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed third-party launchers or modified system files, security features may not work properly.
The security settings take no more than a couple of minutes, but you need to be careful. You have to go to the settings menu and find the password section. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.
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Rub the scanner area with an alcohol wipe before setting up to remove the fatty layer of skin that may have been left over from previous touches.
Step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint
To start the process, open the Settings app on your device. Find the Passwords and Security section (in some versions). MIUI It can be called simply Passwords. Inside this menu, select Unlock by fingerprint. PIN-code.
Once you've confirmed access, press the Add Fingerprint button. An animation will appear on the screen, instructing you to put your finger on the scanner. The calibration process requires repeatedly touching the sensor. Don't keep your finger pressed constantly: touch, wait for a vibration or an audible signal, then remove your finger and put it back on.
☑️ Setup checklist
It's important to change the angle of your finger in the scanning process. The system has to count not only the center of the pad, but also the edges. If you normally unlock your phone with your index finger with your right hand, it makes sense to add a thumbprint of the same hand for ease of use with one hand.
- 👉 Put your finger on the center of the sensor, slightly shifting it up and down.
- 👉 Use different phalanxes: upper, middle and lower parts of the pad.
- 👉 Turn your finger left and right so that the system remembers the side faces of the picture.
- 👉 Do not press your finger too hard so as not to distort the skin pattern.
When the progress bar reaches 100%, the system will prompt you to name a new fingerprint (like the Right Big one), which is especially useful if you add biometrics of multiple fingers or different people. After saving, try locking the screen and unlocking the device in a new way.
How many prints can I add?
Features of scanners in the screen and on the body
Xiaomi’s fingerprint recognition technology is implemented in two main ways: capacitive scanners on the body and optical/ultrasonic sensors built into the display. The scanners on the body, which are often combined with a power button or located on the back, have a high speed of operation and are independent of the state of the screen.
Subscreen scanners, most often optical scanners, are lighted up with bright light, the camera reads reflected light from the finger, and for this type of sensor to work, you need to apply your finger tighter and more confidently than you would with physical buttons. In models of the flagship level can be used ultrasonic scanners, which create 3D-Finger card and work even with wet hands.
| Type of scanner | Location. | Speed of operation | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacitive | Body (back/side) | Instant. | It works with the screen off. |
| Optical | Under the screen | Tall. | It requires touching a specific area, glowing |
| Ultrasonic. | Under the screen | Tall. | Works through water and dirt, more expensive in production |
If you have a model with a scanner underscreen, look for a visual cue on a locked screen, often showing the outline of your hand or a flashing circle indicating where to put your finger. In new versions of HyperOS, unlock animations have become smoother and more informative.
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Optical scanners in the screen may work worse in bright sunlight, as external lighting interferes with the reading of the reflected signal.
Advanced settings and access management
Once a fingerprint is successfully added, the system suggests optimizing its use. In the fingerprint management menu, you can delete old data, rename existing data, or add new ones. Unlocking can be supplemented by other authorization methods, such as facial recognition, which creates two-factor protection or alternative login paths.
In the optional settings section, the option “Unlock when the screen is off” is often found. For underscreen scanners, this means that a light touch of the sensor will immediately wake the phone and unlock it, bypassing swipes. This greatly speeds up access to the device, but can slightly increase battery consumption in standby mode.
⚠️ Attention: The touchless unlock feature (if available on your model) may accidentally activate in your pocket if the case does not cover the scanner area.Use tight covers with a protective sideboard.
It’s also worth considering using a fingerprint to log in to apps and payment systems. Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and Xiaomi Pay banking apps require separate customization within the programs themselves, but the basis is exactly the fingerprint you added to your system settings.
- 🔒 Use the print to enter a hidden photo album.
- 💳 Confirm your purchases in the Play Market with one touch.
- 📁 Open password-protected folders in the Explorer.
- 📱 Log in banking applications without entering a pin code.
Remember to update your fingerprint data periodically if you notice that your phone is less responsive to touch, which may be due to changes in the skin of your hands during different seasons of the year.
Eliminating and improving recognition
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the previously working fingerprint is no longer recognized, this can be caused by sensor contamination, a finger wet or a software failure. First of all, try to re-introduce the problem finger, paying special attention to the edges of the pad, which are often ignored during the initial setting.
If the problem persists, it makes sense to delete all saved prints and calibrate again, following the instructions more slowly. In some cases, cleaning the security cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps, search in the list of Security or Security and select Clear Data. This will not delete your passwords, but reset your biometric settings.
Dry skin, or excessive humidity, can interfere with optical sensors. If you have dry skin, slightly moisturize your finger before unlocking. If your hands sweat, wipe them. Owners of models with scanners on the body are less likely to experience such problems due to the physical nature of the reading.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use chemical solvents to clean the sensor. Aggressive chemistry can damage the oleophobic coating of the screen or the scanner lens itself.
In rare cases, a third-party security glass is the cause of failure. If after sticking it, the scanner stopped working, try recalibrate print directly on top of the glass or temporarily remove protection for inspection. Some thick glasses block the signal of the optical sensor.
Why does the print not work after the update?
Questions and answers about Xiaomi biometrics
This section contains the most common user questions regarding setting up and using the fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi devices. If you didn’t find the answer to your question in the main sections of the article, it’s likely here.