Unlocking fingerprint on Xiaomi Redmi: full instructions with nuances

The fingerprint scanner in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a convenient way to unlock, but also an additional layer of personal data protection. However, many users face difficulties when first setting up: the sensor does not respond, the system asks for a repeat scan or does not find an option at all in the menu. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to add a fingerprint on different Redmi models (from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Redmi Note 12 Pro+), and also solve typical problems from the Sensor is contaminated error to failures after the MIUI update.

Xiaomi’s feature is that the scanner’s location varies: in the Redmi Note 10/11, it’s built into the power button, in the Redmi 9/8 on the back, and in new models (like the Redmi Note 13), it uses an underscreen optical sensor. We’ll take all these nuances into account to make the instruction fit any current model, and you’ll learn how to speed up recognition, add a few fingerprints, and what to do if your phone stops recognizing your finger after a fall or moist.

Preparing the smartphone before setting up

Before you add a print, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi is ready for the procedure.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 20%. If the battery is drained, the system may interrupt the scanning process.
• 🧼 Clean sensor and finger. Fat marks, sweat or dirt interfere with reading correctly. Rub the scanner with a dry wipe and wash your hands with soap.
• 🔒 Installed PIN-It's a code or a pattern lock, and without it, you can't add a print, because it's a security requirement. MIUI.
• 📱 Updated firmware. Old versions. MIUI (Below 12) there may be no options for underscreen scanners.

If you just bought a smartphone, first complete the initial setup and back up the data. In models with a subscreen sensor (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), before scanning, the system will ask you to press the screen — this is normal, this is how the optical sensor is activated.

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If the fingerprint sensor on your Redmi is located on the back, hold your phone horizontally when scanning – so your finger will lie flatter and there will be fewer errors.

Step-by-step: how to add a fingerprint

The process of adding a fingerprint is the same for most Xiaomi Redmi models, but there are nuances depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Passwords and Security section (in MIUI 14 it may be called Security).
3. Select Fingerprint Addition. If you don't have an option, check if it's enabled. PIN-code (see next section).
4. Enter the current PIN/password for confirmation.
5. Follow the on-screen tips: Put your finger on the sensor until the scale is 100% full. Importantly, don't raise your finger until the system asks you to do it, because that's how different parts of the pad are scanned.
6. After successful addition, name the fingerprint (for example, "Indicative right") and save.

In subscreen models (Redmi Note 12 Pro, Redmi K50), animations will appear during the scan stage — watch for hints. If the process is interrupted, start again: the system does not store partially scanned data.

Installed PIN-code|Sensor and finger clean.|Battery charged at more than 20%|The smartphone is not overheated (temperature below 40).°C)

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Problem Solving: The sensor is not working or does not recognize the fingerprint

If the scanner refuses to read the fingerprint or gives an error, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Pay particular attention to the subscreen models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K60) whose optical sensor is sensitive to bright light — try adjusting the print in dimmed light, and these sensors can work poorly with wet or sweaty fingers (unlike Samsung’s ultrasonic ones).

Power button (side button)|Back panel.|Subscreen (optical)|I don't know.|Other-->

How to improve the speed of fingerprint recognition

If the sensor is working but it takes a few seconds to unlock, try these optimization techniques:

• 🔄 Add the same finger twice at different angles, such as "Indicative Right" and "Indicative Right" (side)".
• ⚡ Turn off the unlock animation in Settings → Display. → Animation of the system - this will speed up the reaction.
• 📵 Remove the infrequently used prints. The more of them, the longer the system looks for a match.
• 🔋 Reset the sensor settings through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Fingerprint sensor. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

In models with MIUI 13/14, there is a hidden acceleration option: activate the developer mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the phone settings), then in Settings → Additional → For developers, enable USB Debugging and Accelerated Animation. This is minor, but will reduce recognition time.

Security: Can I cheat a fingerprint scanner on Xiaomi?

Data protection is a concern for many users, and let's take a look at how reliable the fingerprint sensor in Xiaomi Redmi is:

• 🔐 Protection level: Fingerprint in MIUI It's encrypted and stored in a Trusted Execution Environment, which can't be extracted software without physical access to the chip.
• 🚫 Limitations: Unlike Face ID In iPhone, Xiaomi sensors are not used 3D-In theory, a high-quality cast can fool the system (but it requires professional equipment).
• 🔄 Backup options: If the fingerprint is not recognized 5 times in a row, the phone will require you to enter PIN. It protects against selection.

For maximum safety:

1. Use a complex PIN (not date of birth).
2. Do not add other people’s fingerprints.
3. Regularly update MIUI – new versions fix sensor vulnerabilities.

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A fingerprint is more convenient than a password, but less secure. Use two-factor authentication to protect sensitive data (banking apps, email).

Frequent User Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many problems with the fingerprint sensor arise from the wrong actions when setting up.-5 Mistakes and ways to prevent them:

⚠️ Warning: If you add a fingerprint with damaged skin (cuts, calluses), after healing, the sensor may stop recognizing it.

• 👆 Press too hard or too little. Optimum force, like typing on a keyboard. Press until you're vibrating lightly in underscreen sensors.
• 🔄 Use one finger at different angles. It is better to add one finger twice (for example, "Indicative" and "Indicative (side)") than to try to capture all positions in one scan.
• 📱 If the charge is below 15%, the system can interrupt the process.
• 🧴 Scanning with cream or lotion on your hands, and the fat layer distorts the print pattern.
• 🔧 Reset settings without removing fingerprints. After a hard reset, all biometric data is automatically deleted.

If you have updated MIUI and the sensor has stopped working, try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Remove and add the print again.
3. Reset settings to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset security settings.

Comparison of fingerprint sensors in different Redmi models

The fingerprint scanning technology in the Redmi lineup has evolved. Here's how they differ:

If you choose between models, note that subscreen sensors (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K60) are more convenient to use, but capacitive sensors (Redmi Note 10 Pro) are cheaper to repair. Optical sensors (like the Note 12 Pro+) are less reliable in bright sunlight – they use LED backlight to scan.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions