Modern smartphones of the Xiaomi brand offer users many ways to protect personal data, but biometric authorization remains the fastest and most convenient method of unlocking the screen. PIN-When you use the code, you touch the sensor instantly, which saves time in your everyday use of the gadget. MIUI HyperOS is simplified by developers, but requires a certain sequence of actions for proper operation.
In this article, we will discuss how to add a fingerprint correctly, what settings will improve read accuracy and what to do if the scanner stops responding to touch. Biometric data on the company's devices is stored in a secure isolated memory module, which prevents them from being transferred to third-party servers or stolen by viruses. Understanding the principles of this system will allow you not only to secure the device, but also to use additional functions, such as hiding applications or confirming payments.
Before you go to the setup, make sure that your smartphone screen is clean and there is no severe damage to it, as this can affect the operation of the capacitive scanner.It is also worth checking whether the latest version of the firmware is installed, since updates often contain improvements to recognition algorithms. If you just bought the phone or reset to the factory settings, the system will itself offer to register at the first start, but manually this can be done at any time.
Preparation of the device and search for the scanner
The first step before registering is to locate the sensor on your model, as manufacturers use different layouts for the placement of components. On budget and mid-budget models, such as the Redmi Note series, the scanner is most often located on the back under the main camera block. Flagship devices, such as the Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 14, can have an integrated ultrasonic or optical scanner that responds to touching a specific area of the display.
If your smartphone is equipped with a scanner that is combined with the power button, the activation process will occur through the side of the case. In this case, it is important not to confuse a short press to unlock and a long one to turn off the device. For models with a subscreen sensor, you will need a slightly stronger press in the specified area of the screen so that the system understands that you want to pass authorization, and not just touch the phone in your pocket.
⚠️ Warning: Before setting up, make sure the finger you plan to use is dry and clean.Having moisture, fat or dirt significantly reduces the accuracy of the initial skin pattern reading.
Also make sure that there is no protective film or glass on the surface of the sensor unless specifically designed for this model, given the thickness. Thick protective glass can create an air cushion or distort the signal, especially on optical scanners in the screen. If you use a case with high sides, check if it does not block access to the sensor on the back.
Step-by-step instructions for adding a fingerprint
To start the process, you need to go to the appropriate operating system settings menu. Follow the Settings path → Passwords and security → fingerprints. The system will request the current unlock password, which is a mandatory security measure to confirm your identity before making changes to biometric data.
After you enter your password, press the Add fingerprint button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or highlighted in bright color. An animated palm will appear on the screen showing exactly how to put your finger against the sensor. Don't press your finger statically; slowly change the angle of tilt by touching the sensor with different edges of the pad so that the system counts the entire picture.
☑️ Checklist of correct registration
The process of filling the scale can take anywhere from 10 to 20 seconds, depending on the device model and the speed of the sensor. If you use an underscreen scanner, try not to tear your finger off sharply, but to smoothly raise it after each reading. In the case of a side or rear sensor, make light touch movements, simulating the actual unlocking of the phone in your hand.
When the progress bar reaches 100%, the system will prompt you to name a new fingerprint, such as the Right Big or Left Index. This is especially useful if you plan to add multiple fingerprints or family members (although the latter is not recommended for security reasons).
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For maximum accuracy, add the same finger twice as two different fingerprints, slightly changing the angle of inclination on the second scan.
Advanced Settings and Security Features
Once you successfully log in the basic data, you have a number of additional options that allow you to fine-tune the behavior of the security system. In the fingerprint management menu, you can find the Device Unlock switch, which should be active by default. If you turn off this feature, the phone can be used to log in to applications, but logging in will require you to enter a password.
One of the useful features in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the ability to hide apps and photo albums that are only accessible through a special fingerprint. To activate this feature, go to Settings → Apps → Hidden Apps and follow the instructions of the customization wizard. This creates an additional layer of privacy for sensitive information without having to install third-party locker programs.
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Screen unlocking | The main function of logging into the system | Always on. |
| Payment through Mi Pay | Confirmation of transactions | Safe to use |
| Hidden album | Access to private photos | Requires separate setup |
| Launching applications | Quick entrance to banks and instant messengers | Accelerating work |
Also available in this section is the option to add a fingerprint to turn off the alarm clock or answer an incoming call, these settings are in the subsection Additional or can be made in a separate menu depending on the version of MIUI. Using biometrics for such actions makes interaction with the smartphone more intuitive and faster.
⚠️ Note: Do not use the Guestprint feature to transfer your phone to outsiders if your device stores important data, as the guest can access notifications and running apps.
Solving recognition problems and data resetting
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the previously working print stops reading or works after a time. The first step is to check whether the sensor or finger is contaminated. If mechanical cleaning does not help, it may be damaged software files responsible for storing biometric keys, and you need to delete the old sample and write a new one.
To delete data, go to the fingerprint menu, click on the name of the saved finger and select Delete. After that, it is recommended to restart the device to clear the cache of system security services. If the problem persists even after re-registration, check if you have recently installed a system or application update that may have caused the conflict.
Why does the print not work after the update?
In rare cases, the problem may be in the hardware, such as when moisture enters the body or a phone hits. If the scanner does not respond at all (no vibration or glow of the scanning area), and rebooting does not help, perhaps the sensor plume is damaged, in which case the only solution is to contact an authorized service center for diagnosis.
There's also a software method for resetting biometrics through an engineering menu, but it requires caution. The average user needs a standard procedure for removing and adding again. If the phone often makes a mistake, try registering your finger again, but this time press the sensor a little harder or, conversely, easier to cover different touch options.
Using a fingerprint to protect applications
Special attention should be paid to the application protection feature, which allows you to put an additional password or fingerprint to run specific programs, which is extremely useful for banking applications, gallery, messengers or any other services containing confidential information, even if the phone is unlocked, you can not run a secure application without verifying your identity.
To activate this feature, open the Security app (green zipper icon), scroll down to Application Protection and turn on the switchboard. The system will suggest setting a separate password for protection (if not already set) and attaching a fingerprint. After that, all installed programs against which you can activate protection will appear in the list.
It is important to note that when you try to open a secure application, the system may not request a fingerprint immediately, but after a short delay or when you re-enter, this behavior is adjusted in the security settings: you can choose the option “Request immediately” or “Request after leaving the application”, This flexibility allows you to balance between convenience and security.
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Protecting individual applications with a fingerprint creates a second tier of defense, keeping data safe even when the main screen is unlocked.