How to Sign In to Fingerprint Apps on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide 2026

Unlocking a smartphone or individual fingerprint apps is one of the most convenient and secure ways to protect personal data. POCO This function is implemented at the system level MIUI, But many users have difficulty setting it up. PIN-In the case of a code or pattern lock, a fingerprint scanner requires proper calibration, model specifications, and even the physiology of the fingers.

In this article, we will discuss not only the basic installation of the fingerprint to unlock the screen, but also the setting of access to specific applications (banking, instant messengers, gallery), consider typical errors (for example, "Prime is not recognized" or "Sensor does not respond"), and give recommendations for improving scan accuracy.

If you’ve just bought a Xiaomi smartphone or upgraded your firmware to MIUI 14/15, this guide will help you avoid common problems, such as when the system asks you to enter a password after a reboot or does not save prints, and we’ll also explain how to get around the restriction on the number of saved fingerprints (maximum 5 pieces) without root rights.

1. Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before setting up the fingerprint

Before adding a fingerprint, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements. Not all Xiaomi models support this feature - for example, budget Redmi A series or older Redmi 4/5 may not have a physical sensor. Check for a scanner in the characteristics of the model on the official website or in the Settings menu → About phone → Full specs.

Also pay attention to the following points:

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 20% charged, and the fingerprint scanning process is energy intensive, and the system can interrupt the settings at low charge.
• 📱 Update MIUI. On older versions. MIUI 12 recognition algorithms improved. You can check the relevance of the firmware in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧴 Clean sensor and finger. Fat marks, moisture or dirt on the scanner or skin can lead to errors. Wipe the sensor with a dry wipe and wash your hands with soap.
• 🔒 The primary password is a fingerprint is an additional unlocking method. PIN, pattern lock or password (minimum 4 characters).

If you use a cover or a protective glass, make sure that they don't overlap the sensor. For example, on the Xiaomi 12T, the scanner is located to the right of the camera, and a thick case can block it from working. For models with a subscreen scanner (for example, the POCO F5), it is important that the protective film is compatible with the technology - some cheap films absorb infrared radiation necessary for scanning.

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If the fingerprint sensor stopped working after the smartphone fell, check the integrity of the plume. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the flexible cable, not the entire module.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to add a fingerprint to Xiaomi

The process of adding a fingerprint is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the version of the MIUI and the type of sensor. Below is a universal instruction, relevant for MIUI 14/15:

1. Open Settings and go to Passwords and Security (on some firmwares – Screen Lock and Password).
2. Select Fingerprint Addition. The system will request the current PIN-code.
3. Follow the hints on the screen: put your finger on the sensor and raise it when you feel the vibration. It's important not to change your finger position, the sensor should scan the same area.
4. Repeat the process 3-5 times until the fill scale reaches 100%. On models with an ultrasonic scanner (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), the system may ask you to press your finger at different angles to create a new image. 3D-model.
5. Name a fingerprint (e.g., "Indicator right") and save it. It is recommended to add prints of both index fingers for convenience.

Sensor clean and dry | Finger not wet and not dirty | Smartphone lies on a flat surface | Lighting normal (not too bright) | Fingerprint added at the same angle as when unlocking-->

If the system gives an error "Can't add a fingerprint", try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 👆 Try another finger (sometimes the sensor is better at reading prints with less worn skin).
• 🛠️ Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

3. Set up the fingerprint input to specific applications

By default, a fingerprint will only unlock the screen, but MIUI has Application Protection, which allows you to restrict access to individual programs, which is useful for banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), or galleries. Here's how to configure it:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Application Protection.
2. Activate the function by entering PIN-code.
3. Choose apps that require additional protection, and each one will have an icon next to it. 🔒.
4. Enable the option “Unlock fingerprint” (if available for the selected application).

Important: Not all apps support fingerprint unlocking, for example, VKontakte or Instagram may ignore system settings. MIUI And you need your own password, and you have to use it. PIN-code.

For applications that don't support system protection, you can use third-party utilities like AppLock or Norton App Lock, which allow you to assign a fingerprint as a method of unlocking even where it is not provided by default, but beware: such programs require additional permissions and can affect performance.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after you set up your fingerprint correctly, Xiaomi users are facing problems, and here is a table of the most common errors and ways to fix them:

The “Fingerprint sensor is not responding” error on models with a subscreen scanner (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro or POCO F4 GT) is particularly noteworthy.

• 📱 Incompatible protective film (absorbing infrared light).
• 🔋 Energy saving mode (disables the sensor to save charge).
• 🛠️ Legislative plume damage after falling.

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If the sensor stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back the firmware or waiting for a patch. In 2023, a similar problem was massively detected on the Xiaomi 12 after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.4.

To diagnose hardware problems, you can use the service code:

##6484##

This code runs a fingerprint sensor test on most Xiaomi models.If the test fails, it will likely require repair.

5.Security: How to protect data if fingerprint is stolen

Biometrics are convenient, but they're not always secure. PIN-Your fingerprint cannot be changed if it is compromised. Here are some tips on how to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Use a complex backup password. MIUI default required PIN 4 digits, but it is better to set a full password with letters and symbols.
• 🚫 Don't add fingerprints to strangers, even your loved ones, in an emergency, it can be used against you.
• 🔄 Regularly update fingerprints. The skin on your fingers changes over time (cuts, calluses), and old patterns may no longer be recognized.
• 📱 Turn off fingerprint unlock in public if you’re afraid someone might touch your phone while sleeping.

MIUI 14/15 has introduced the Safe Fingerprint Mode feature, which blocks biometrics from unlocking after 5 failed attempts, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint settings.
2. Enable the option "Block after unsuccessful attempts".
3. Set the limit of attempts (by default - 5).

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If you sell or transfer a smartphone to another person, be sure to delete all fingerprints through Settings → Passwords & Security → Fingerprint Removal. Even after resetting to factory settings, biometric data can be stored in the sensor memory!

It's also worth remembering that a fingerprint is not a legal substitute for a password, for example, in some countries, police can force your phone to unlock with your fingerprint, while a password is protected by the Fifth Amendment (the right not to incriminate yourself). If you store sensitive information on your phone, use a combination of biometrics and a complex password.

6. Features of settings on popular Xiaomi models

Despite the general logic of MIUI, some Xiaomi models have unique nuances when customizing fingerprints.

On models with a subscreen scanner (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite), it is important to hold the phone correctly. The sensor is activated only when you touch the screen in the scan area (usually in the lower third of the display). If you are used to taking the smartphone in the middle, try changing the grip.

For POCO owners with a power button sensor (POCO X3 Pro, POCO M4 Pro) it is useful to know that:

• 🔋 The sensor works even when the phone is turned off (to unlock the bootloader).
• 🚫 Don’t push the button too hard – it can damage the mechanism.
• 🔄 If the fingerprint doesn’t work, try adding it again, holding your finger at a 45-degree angle.

7. Alternative Unlocking Methods: What to Do If the Print Fails to Work

If the fingerprint sensor is out of order or you are in an environment where biometrics are not available (e.g., in the cold with gloves), alternative methods can be used:

• 🔢 PIN-A code or password. A reliable but less convenient way. MIUI You can set up automatic unlocking over a Bluetooth device (for example, a smart watch).
• 👁️ Facial recognition works on most models, but is less safe (you can fool a photo).
• 📍 Smart Lock: Unlock to a trusted location (such as home) or device. Configures to Settings → Passwords and security → Smart Lock.
• 🔑 Hardware security keys (e.g. YubiKey) are supported on Xiaomi with Android 9+, but require additional adjustments.

To enable Smart Lock:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Security → Smart Lock.
2. Select the type of unlock: by location, device or voice.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (e.g., add your home address as a safe zone).

If you're outdoors in the winter, consider buying thin touchscreen gloves that support fingerprints, which allow you to unlock your phone without removing your gloves with conductive finger threads. Popular models include the Uleway Touchscreen Gloves or Moshi Digits.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If your question is not covered in this section, check the official documentation of Xiaomi or contact the Mi Community forum, which contains topical discussions on each model.