How to set a fingerprint password on Xiaomi: instructions with pictures and tips

Unlocking your smartphone with your fingerprint is one of the most convenient and secure ways to protect your personal data. POCO This feature is implemented at the level of a hardware scanner that recognizes a unique pattern of papillary lines in fractions of a second, but many users face difficulties in the first setup: the system requires pre-installing a pattern lock or a pattern lock. PIN-code, and some models support no more than 5 prints.

In this article, we’ll take a step-by-step guide to adding a fingerprint on any Xiaomi smartphone (including the new 2023-2026 models), explain why the system asks for a backup password, and explain how to fix common errors like “Scanner does not recognize a finger” or “Function” You'll also know if you can do with just a print without a print. PIN-How to reset your data if your phone is sold or transferred to another person.

What Xiaomi models support fingerprint unlocking

The fingerprint scanning feature is available on most modern Xiaomi smartphones, but its implementation depends on the model and type of scanner.

• 📱 Flagship Series (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Fold, Black Shark: Use ultrasonic or optical scanners under the screen (more accurate and faster).
• 💰 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note) 12/13, POCO X5/F5): most often side capacitive scanner (in the power button).
• 🔍 Budget models (Redmi) A2, POCO M5): They may not have a scanner at all or use simplified sensors.

Before setting up, check if your device has a physical scanner. If the sensor is missing, the function will not be available even after the firmware update.

• 📄 In the characteristics on the official website of Xiaomi (section "Security»).
• 🔧 In the settings menu: Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint – if there is no point, there is no scanner.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) There's no fingerprint scanner, but the firmware may display a menu item. Trying to add a fingerprint will cause the error to say, "No sensor detected».

Preparing your smartphone before adding a fingerprint

Before starting a finger scan, 3 mandatory conditions must be met:

1. Set a backup password (PIN, pattern lock or digital code) This is a MIUI security requirement, without which you can't add a fingerprint.
2. Update the firmware to the latest version. Older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) may experience recognition errors.
3. Clean your finger and scanner of dirt, moisture, or protective film (if the scanner is under the screen).

If you miss any of these steps, the system will give you an error, like when you try to add a fingerprint without it. PIN-The code will be notified: “To use your fingerprint, first set a password».

Install PIN-code|Update MIUI last-minute|Wipe your finger and scanner with a dry wipe|Remove the thick protective film (if the scanner is under the screen)|Charge your phone at least 20 times%-->

Pay special attention to the expressive password.

• 🔑 To unlock the phone after restarting (the fingerprint in this case does not work).
• 🔄 When resetting fingerprints or adding new ones.
• 🚨 In emergency situations (for example, if the scanner is out of order).

⚠️ Warning: If you forget your backup password, you'll have to reset your phone to factory settings. PIN-Impossible code is a security limitation for Android.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

The setup process is the same for all Xiaomi models with a physical scanner.

1. Open the settings and go to the Passwords and Security section.
2. Select “Fingerprint” (some firmwares call it “Fingerprint Sensor”).
3. Enter a backup password (PIN or pattern lock) if the system requests it.
4. Click on “Add fingerprint” and follow the prompts on the screen.

Then the system will ask you to touch the scanner several times, changing the angle and the force of the press.

• 👆 Apply the same part of your finger as you did when you first touched it (usually the center of the pad).
• 🔄 Raise your finger after each signal (vibration or sound squeak).
• ⚠️ Do not use wet or dirty fingers – this will worsen recognition.

After a successful scan, the system will prompt you to name the fingerprint (for example, “Indicator Right”) and confirm its use for unlocking the screen and authorization in applications.

Configure additional parameters of the fingerprint

Once you add a fingerprint, you can customize your fingerprint behavior, and go back to the fingerprint menu and explore the options available:

Note the "Improving Recognition" option (if any in your firmware) which allows you to retrain the system if the print is not readable well.

1. Select the saved print.
2. Click on "Improving Recognition."
3. Put your finger at different angles.

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If you have Xiaomi with AMOLED-With the screen and scanner under the display, turn off the dark theme while you set it up. On some models, the brightness of the screen affects the accuracy of the scan.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, users are having problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

• 🚫 «The fingerprint is not recognized" after the firmware update. Solution: Remove the old print and add it again. Sometimes resetting the scanner settings helps: "Settings: → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Biometry → Clear the data.
• ❌ «Solution: Check if you have a thick protective film or a cover covering the scanner. Also try calibrating the sensor through the engineering menu (code ##6484##).
• 🔒 «Required. PIN-Solution: This is normal Android behavior -- the fingerprint only works after the first password is entered.

If the scanner stopped working after the phone fell or moisture got in, it's likely that the sensor itself is damaged.

• 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi service center (guarantee case, if the phone is not dropped).
• 💳 The cost of replacing the scanner is from 1,500 to 4000 rubles (depending on the model).

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If the print stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting the biometrics settings first through Settings → Applications → Biometrics → Clear the data. This will reset all the saved prints, but often solves the problem.

Security: Can you just get by with your print?

Many users want to use only a fingerprint, deleting the fingerprint. PIN-It's not possible, however, for two reasons:

1. Android Requirements: Starting with version 6.0, the system requires you to set a backup password for biometric authentication.
2. Xiaomi policy: even if you remove all prints, PIN-code will remain active.

Moreover, the complete dependence on the fingerprint is dangerous:

• 🩹 If you have a finger injury (cut, burn) you will not be able to unlock your phone.
• 👮 In some countries, law enforcement can force your finger to unlock your device (unlike the other countries). PIN-Code protected by the 5th Amendment in the United States).
• 🔋 After the phone is completely discharged, you will need to enter PIN-code.

Optimal solution – use a combination of print and complex PIN-This will ensure a balance between convenience and security.

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To speed up the input PIN-When you reboot your code, set a digital password instead of a graphical key, and it's entered more quickly, especially on phones with a digital password. AMOLED-screens (keyboard illuminated).

How to remove or reset your fingerprints

If you sell your phone, transfer it to another person, or just want to remove old prints, do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint.
2. Enter a backup password (PIN or pattern lock).
3. Select the fingerprint you want to remove and click Delete.
4. Confirm the action.

For a complete reset of all biometric data (e.g. before selling your phone):

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Reset to Factory, which will delete all data!).
3. In the Personal Data section, mark Biometric data.
4. Confirm the reset.

⚠️ Note: If you reset biometric data through Reset to factory, the phone will delete all files, apps and settings, including your Mi Account account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)